By Optician Jimoh Zainab
Your eyeglasses are more than just a tool for better vision—they’re an important part of your daily life, and in many cases, a fashion statement. But no matter how stylish or high-tech your glasses are, dirty or scratched lenses can ruin your vision, cause eye strain, and even damage the coatings on your lenses.
At SpecSMART Eye Clinic, with convenient locations in Ikoyi and Ikeja, Lagos, we are committed to helping you maintain your eyewear so it serves you well every day. One of the most common complaints we hear from clients is scratched lenses, and often, it’s due to improper cleaning.
In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into how to properly clean your eyeglass lenses without scratching them, ensuring they remain clear and functional for as long as possible.
Why Is Proper Lens Cleaning So Important?
It’s easy to underestimate the importance of cleaning your glasses properly. After all, a quick wipe with your shirt seems harmless, right? Unfortunately, this habit—and others like it—can significantly damage your lenses over time.
Here’s why proper cleaning is essential:
• Clarity: Dirty lenses reduce visual clarity, making you squint or strain your eyes.
• Comfort: Smudged or greasy lenses can lead to headaches and eye fatigue.
• Durability: Scratches compromise lens coatings like anti-glare, UV protection, or blue-light filtering.
• Aesthetics: Clean glasses simply look better and feel more comfortable on your face.
So, how do you clean your glasses the right way? Let’s explore. Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Eyeglass Lenses Safely
Step 1: Wash and Dry Your Hands
Use soap and water to clean, rinse thoroughly, and dry with a sterilized cloth. Clean with soap and water, rinse carefully, and dry using a disinfected towel. It helps keep your lenses clean by avoiding stains from your hands.
Step 2: Rinse Glasses with Lukewarm Water
Use a soft stream of warm water to wash away loose particles from your glasses. This is crucial—rubbing dry lenses with particles on them can grind those particles into the surface and cause scratches. Hot water can damage the special layer on your lenses, so it’s best to avoid it.
Step 3: Apply a gentle cleaning solution or mild dish soap.
Squeeze a little lens cleaner or gentle, lotion-free soap onto each lens. At SpecSMART Eye Clinic, we provide specially formulated lens cleaning solutions that are safe for all lens coatings.
Rub the cleaner in gently using your fingertips. Oil and dirt tend to settle around the nose pads and frame edges, so clean them carefully.
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
Gently flush both lens surfaces and the frame with water that is not hot. Make sure all soap or cleaner is completely removed. Residual buildup can lead to smudging and make your lenses dirty faster.
Step 5: Dry with a Microfiber Cloth
Remove any remaining water by gently shaking your glasses, then dry them with an ultra-soft cloth. These cloths are designed to clean without scratching and are far superior to tissues, napkins, or your shirt.
Make sure the cloth itself is clean. A dusty or dirty cloth can harm your lenses by rubbing tiny particles across them.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Your Glasses
Not all cleaning methods are safe—some can harm your glasses, even if you're trying to help. Here’s what NOT to do:
1. Don’t Use Paper Towels or Tissues
These items are abrasive and can cause permanent scratches on your lenses. They may also leave lint behind.
2. Don’t Use Household Cleaners
Strong cleaning products and chemicals can damage the protective layer on your lenses. Stick to eyeglass-safe cleaning solutions only.
3. Don’t Wipe Dry Lenses
Dry cleaning without rinsing first can cause fine scratches from debris particles. Always rinse before wiping.
4. Don’t Use Hot Water
Intense heat can bend plastic frames and compromise the protective layer on your lenses.
5. Don’t Reuse a Dirty Cloth
Microfiber cloths should be washed regularly. A dusty cloth is just as harmful as dusty lenses.
Extra Lens Care Tips from SpecSMART Eye Clinic
1. Store Your Glasses Properly
Always place your glasses in a hard-protective cover case when not in use. Avoid tossing them into a bag or pocket unprotected.
2. Don't Grab Them With Your Hand
To keep your glasses in good shape, don’t grab them with just one hand.
This helps keep the frame aligned and reduces the risk of bending or loosening.
3. Don’t Place Glasses Lens-Side Down
Set your glasses down carefully—lens side up—to keep them from getting marked or scratched.
4. Clean Regularly
Make lens cleaning a regular habit—not just when they’re visibly dirty. Regular maintenance can increase the lifespan of your lenses and make your vision more pleasant.
5. Bring Them in for Professional Cleaning
SpecSMART Eye Clinic offers complimentary cleaning and frame fitting services from our experts. Our team uses ultrasonic cleaning equipment that removes dirt and oils from hard-to-reach areas without damaging your glasses.
The Role of Lens Coatings in Cleaning
If your lenses have special coatings, such as anti-reflective, UV protection, or blue-light blocking—it’s especially important to clean them properly. These coatings enhance your vision and protect your eyes but can be delicate. Improper cleaning may cause them to peel or wear off prematurely. That’s why we always recommend using approved cleaning solutions and following our step-by-step process.
What Products Should You Use?
Here’s a quick checklist of what you need for safe lens cleaning:
• Microfiber cleaning cloth (always clean and dry)
• Lens cleaning spray or solution (approved for coated lenses)
• Lukewarm water
• Pick a soft, simple dish soap without added lotion or strong cleaners.
You can purchase all of these at our SpecSMART Eye Clinic in Ikeja and Ikoyi, where we stock high-quality lens care kits tailored to your lens type and lifestyle.
View our optical accessories at
https://specsmart.ng/collections/eyewear-accessories
Visit SpecSMART Eye Clinic for Personalized Eyewear Care
At SpecSMART Eye Clinic, we believe in providing more than just prescriptions—we’re your partners in long-term vision care. With locations in both Ikoyi and Ikeja, we’re accessible, professional, and passionate about protecting your sight.
When you visit us, you can expect:
• High-quality eyeglasses and lens options
• Frame fitting and adjustments
• Lens coating consultation
• Eyewear maintenance advice
• In-clinic professional cleaning
We work with top lens brands and offer the latest technology to ensure your glasses are both stylish and functional.
Conclusion
Properly cleaning your glasses is a small habit that yields big rewards. With just a few minutes each day, you can preserve lens clarity, protect coatings, and keep your eyewear looking brand new. Avoid shortcuts like using your shirt or paper towels, and instead follow our safe, step-by-step cleaning method. Your eyes will thank you—and so will your wallet, as you’ll save on frequent lens replacements. If you have any questions about your eyewear, lens type, or cleaning products, our team at SpecSMART Eye Clinic in Ikoyi and Ikeja is here to help.
Reserve your spot, walk in, or reach out to us today. Let us help you see clearly, stylishly, and comfortably—every day.