Lifespan? Yes, Lifespan and this time, not of humans but of your eye glasses. For those who read or see better with glasses, you sure want to know more about how to maintain it and make it work for you for as long as possible. If that is your quest, then you are most welcome as we take this journey together, right here and now.
‘Shakomended’ or ‘Recommended.’ Shakomended is a ‘Yoruba’ way of saying or asking if the Eye glasses you are wearing is just for fashion or not. While some people do wear it for beauty or to enhance their look, the recommended glasses have ‘Seeing Clearly’ as a focus more than it is for beauty. So, we will be discussing the latter.
“Recommended eyeglasses” generally refers to glasses that are best suited to an individual’s vision needs, lifestyle, and face shape as is often suggested by eye care professionals.
So what do they consider before choosing what will best meet your needs?
1. Prescription:
Optometrists recommend based on the patient’s complaints, which may be:
Myopia (nearsightedness)
Hyperopia (farsightedness)
Astigmatism
Presbyopia (age-related reading difficulty)
2. Lens Type
Depending on your needs, you might be given:
Single vision lenses – for one field of vision (distance or near view)
Progressive lenses – for multiple fields (distance, intermediate, and near needs)
Photochromic lenses – that darken in sunlight (like Transitions)
Blue light blocking lenses – if you spend a lot of time on screens, it is good the doctor knows.
Anti-reflective (AR) coating – to reduce glare, especially when driving or working under bright lights
3. Recommended Frames
Frames are suggested based on:
Face shape (e.g. round face often pairs well with rectangular frames)
Personal style
Durability (e.g. titanium for lightweight and strength)
Your Comfort and Fit is also given good consideration.
4. Based on Lifestyle
Eyeglasses are also recommended based on use:
Office/computer use
Sports/active wear
Driving and
Reading
From the foregoing, you must have recognized that recommended eyeglasses are tailored to both your eye health and daily life. Letting the doctor know your routine when you go for glasses is for your eventual good.
Sure! This is the part you have been waiting for? How do you participate or what do you do to elongate the life of your eye glasses?
To ensure your recommended glasses last longer, it is important you consider these:
Cleaning
– Use a microfiber cloth and lens cleaning solution to clean the lenses gently; avoid rough materials to prevent scratches.
– You may spray lens cleaner (microfiber) with a mix of mild soap and water. Yes, water! Afraid? Do you think it will remove the coatings? No, using mild soap and water to clean your recommended eyeglasses will not remove the medical or optical coatings (like anti-reflective, scratch-resistant, or UV coatings), as long as you follow proper cleaning practices. Just ensure mild but lotion free dish soap is used, as harsh soaps with moisturizers can damage coatings over time. The water you use should be lukewarm and not hot at all.
– Avoid paper towels or clothing as they tend to scratch lenses.
Storage
– Use a Hard Case. Store glasses in a protective case when not in use to prevent damage or scratches.
– Avoid placing glasses lens-down on surfaces or exposing them to extreme heat, which can warp frames and damage coatings.
Handling
– Hold glasses by the bridge, not the arms, to avoid bending or misalignment.
– Use both hands when putting on or removing glasses to maintain their shape and balance.
Maintenance
– Check for loose screws regularly and tighten them with an eyeglasses repair kit and where you don’t have them; then visit an optician to tighten screws or re-align.
– You can also seek professional advice for significant adjustment needs.
You can see that proper cleaning, storage, and handling will keep your glasses in great condition for years.
There are more eyeglasses in the next edition. Glad you’ll be on the lookout.
For now, it’s time to start pampering your eye glasses, treating them with care and seeing to its long lifespan. Agreed? It’s great to hear you say “Yes!”
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