Cleaning Your Sunglasses: Do's and Don'ts

As the sun begins to shine more often in 2024, you dust off those shades you've kept tucked away all winter. Before sliding them on and heading outdoors, take a moment to care for your sunglasses properly. Neglect can lead to scratched lenses, broken frames, and poor fit. Implement a routine of gentle cleaning, sturdy storage, and occasional replacement. Your eyes will thank you for taking a few minutes to ensure your shades provide optimal protection and visibility this season and beyond. With some simple maintenance steps, you can keep your sunglasses in top condition for safety and style.

Storing Sunglasses Properly With a Sturdy Case

Gently Wipe Lenses with a Microfiber Cloth

To remove surface dust and smudges from your lenses, use a microfiber cloth designed specifically for cleaning lenses. Gently wipe in small circular motions, being careful not to apply too much pressure. Avoid using any harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or paper products like paper towels which can scratch the lenses.

Use Lens Cleaning Solution When Needed

For stubborn dirt or stuck-on debris, you may need to use an eyeglass lens cleaning solution and lens cleaning wipes. Apply the solution to the wipes, not directly to the lenses. Gently wipe across the lenses using small circular motions. Let the lenses air dry completely before putting your sunglasses back on. Be sure to follow the directions on the lens cleaning product carefully.

Avoid Submerging Lenses in Liquid

Never submerge your sunglasses in liquid or run them under water in an attempt to clean them. This can damage the lenses, frames, and any internal components. Liquid exposure will void most sunglasses warranties.

Clean Other Parts Gently

Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down other parts of the frame and temples gently. For stuck-on debris in nose pads or hinges, use a cotton swab dipped in lens cleaner or rubbing alcohol. Rinse the entire sunglasses with water and dry with a microfiber cloth before storing to remove any remaining dirt or chemicals.

Store in a Sturdy Case

Keep your sunglasses in a hard case when not in use to prevent scratches, dents, and other damage. A sturdy case will also help maintain the shape of the frames and lenses. Avoid overstuffing the case which can also lead to damage. With proper cleaning and storage, a quality pair of sunglasses can provide UV protection and style for many years.

Preventing Scratches: Handling Tips and Tricks

The Importance of a Hard Case

To keep your sunglasses in top condition and avoid scratches, invest in a sturdy case. A hard case specifically designed for sunglasses is ideal. Soft cases may seem convenient but do little to protect the lenses and frames.

Avoiding Scratches

A hard case protects sunglasses from being crushed or bent out of shape in your bag or pocket. It also prevents the lenses from getting scratched by keys or other sharp objects. For the best protection, choose a case with separate compartments for each lens and the bridge. This keeps the sunglasses securely in place and prevents the lenses from rubbing together.

Maintaining the Fit

Even with a hard case, it's possible for sunglasses to get scratched over time. Be sure to clean your sunglasses with a microfiber cloth before putting them in the case. Any dirt or debris on the lenses or frames can scratch the surfaces. You should also avoid overloading the case which can cause the sunglasses to get scratched. Only store one pair of sunglasses in each case.

Ensuring a Good Fit: Adjustments for Comfort

To get the maximum performance and protection from your sunglasses, a proper fit is essential. Ill-fitting sunglasses won’t block UV rays effectively and can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods.

Adjust the Nose Pads

The nose pads should rest comfortably on your nose. If they feel like they’re pinching or sliding, you may need to adjust them. Many sunglasses allow you to manually adjust the nose pads to different angles for the best fit. You can also replace the nose pads if they become damaged or worn down over time.

Adjust or Replace the Ear Pieces

The ear pieces, or temples, should fit snugly but still feel comfortable around your ears. If they’re too loose, they won’t hold the sunglasses in place properly. But if they’re too tight, they can cause discomfort and headaches. Adjustable ear pieces are ideal as they allow you to modify the angle and width for your unique head shape. If your sunglasses have non-adjustable ear pieces that don’t fit well, you may need to have them adjusted by an optician or replace the sunglasses.

Consider Prescription Lenses

If you require vision correction, consider getting prescription sunglass lenses so you can ditch your regular glasses in favor of sunglasses. Prescription sunglass lenses allow you to enjoy the benefits of sunglasses while still being able to see clearly. They provide the same UV protection as regular sunglasses. Discuss your prescription sunglass lens options with your eye care professional.

Replace Foam Eyepieces

Some sport sunglasses and goggles come with foam eyepieces that help block peripheral light and provide comfort. If the foam eyepieces on your sunglasses compress, harden or deteriorate over time, consider replacing them. New eyepieces will ensure maximum comfort and the best possible fit. They’re inexpensive and often easy to attach.

With some minor adjustments and possibly replacements of certain components, you can keep your sunglasses fitting comfortably for years to come. Well-fitting sunglasses will provide the protection and performance you need to enjoy all of your outdoor activities.

Knowing When It's Time for New Sunglasses

As with any product, sunglasses will show signs of normal wear and tear over time that signal it’s time for replacement. To properly protect your eyes from UV radiation and ensure maximum comfort, inspect your sunglasses regularly and replace them every 1-2 years or sooner if needed.

Scratches and Damage

Look for any deep scratches, cracks, or dents in the lenses that obstruct your vision. Minor surface scratches are usually harmless, but deeper imperfections can reduce UV protection and distortion your view. It’s best to replace sunglasses if the lenses are visibly damaged. The frames can also become misshapen or bent over time, causing the sunglasses to not sit properly on your face.

Fading Lenses

If the lenses appear faded or yellowed, they are not blocking UV radiation effectively. Lens materials like polycarbonate can start to degrade after prolonged sun exposure, compromising your eye protection. See if the lenses seem less dark or transparent than when new.

Loose or Ill-Fitting

Sunglasses that do not fit snugly against your face cannot shield your eyes properly from the sun. Check that the nose pads and temples still provide a secure, comfortable fit. Loose or crooked frames mean it’s time for a replacement.

Difficulty Seeing

If you find yourself squinting while wearing your sunglasses or notice blurred vision, it’s a sign they are no longer right for your needs. Your vision and needs can change over time, so get an eye exam and new pair of sunglasses suited to your current prescription if necessary.

Replacing old or damaged sunglasses is an investment in your long term eye health and safety. Protect your vision by inspecting your sunglasses regularly and never keeping a pair longer than 2 years. Staying on top of maintenance and getting high-quality, properly-fitting sunglasses designed for your needs will help ensure maximum protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays for years to come.

2024 Sunglass Trends and Styles

Sunglasses are an essential accessory in 2024 to protect your eyes from the sun’s UV rays. As with any fashion item, styles are constantly changing and evolving. This year, several trends have emerged in eyewear that you may want to consider when purchasing a new pair of shades.

Oversized Frames

Oversized frames that cover more of your face are popular this year. Square, round, and cat-eye shapes in larger sizes are fashionable and help block more sunlight. Oversized aviator-style sunglasses are also on trend. These bigger frames may not suit every face shape, so try on different styles to see what complements your features.

Mirrored Lenses

Mirrored lenses where the outside of the lens has a reflective, mirror-like coating are in style. They create an eye-catching effect and also help reduce glare. Mirrored lenses come in a variety of lens tints from rose-colored to gunmetal gray. However, mirrored lenses may not be the best choice if driving, as they can reduce visibility.

Blue Light Blocking

Many brands now offer sunglasses with blue light blocking lenses, which filter out blue wavelengths of light that can damage your eyes. Blue light blocking sunglasses are a good option if you spend a lot of time looking at digital screens. The lenses appear slightly amber in color but otherwise look like regular sunglasses.

No matter the specific style, the most important thing is that your sunglasses properly protect your eyes according to the ANSI Z87.1 safety standards. Look for sunglasses that block 99-100% of both UVA and UVB radiation. Polarized lenses can also help reduce glare. With regular use and care, a high-quality pair of sunglasses should last 3-5 years before needing replacement. Protecting your vision for the years to come is worth the investment in a well-made pair of shades.

Top Brands for Quality Sunglasses

When it comes to protecting your eyes from UV radiation, investing in high-quality sunglasses is key. Some of the top brands are known for cutting-edge designs, premium polarized lenses, and frames that are built to last.

Ray-Ban

Ray-Ban produces stylish yet durable sunglasses using impact-resistant lenses. Their Aviator and Wayfarer collections are timeless classics.

Oakley

Oakley is a leader in sport performance eyewear, using innovative lens technologies like Prizm to enhance color and contrast. For active lifestyles, Oakley sunglasses withstand impact and environmental extremes.

Maui Jim

Maui Jim is renowned for lenses that provide the most natural color vision and clarity. They offer lens options for specific activities like golf, fishing and driving with advanced polarization and mirror coatings to reduce glare.

Costa Del Mar

Costa Del Mar also produces high-quality polarized sunglasses ideal for water sports and fishing. Their lenses eliminate reflected light for razor-sharp vision on the water.

Sunski and Proof Eyewear

For those concerned with sustainability, Sunski and Proof Eyewear use recycled and renewable materials in their frame and lens designs. They also donate a portion of profits to environmental causes and vision charities.

To get the most from your investment, properly caring for your sunglasses is key. Keep them in a hard case when not in use to avoid scratches and warping. Be sure to wipe the lenses clean with a microfiber cloth to remove smudges and dust before storing. Never use paper products which can scratch the lenses. Have your sunglasses adjusted for fit by an optician every year or so, or if you notice the frame becoming loose.

Well-made sunglasses from reputable brands will last for many years if given the proper care and maintenance. However, the sun’s UV rays do degrade lens coatings and materials over time. For the best eye protection, replace your sunglasses every 2-3 years. Your vision is worth the investment in high-quality, durable sunglasses and routine replacement.