Eye Health Central

How to take care of your Designer Sunglasses

A guide to Designer Sunglasses Care

how to take care of designer sunglasses

Designer sunglasses are not just created to help with your vision, but they also offer protection, they can be a fashion statement and also an extension of your personality. Made with high-quality materials, offering you superior UV protection, durability and visual clarity, designer sunglasses normally don’t hold back in terms of quality. However, to make sure that your sunglasses retain their charm for years, they require careful and mindful care. Let’s go through the insights into all the aspects of caring for your designer sunglasses!


Getting to Know Your Sunglasses

The first step in maintaining your designer sunglasses is understanding their structure and components. Sunglasses consist of the frame, lenses, nose pad and temples. Knowing the specifics about the materials and lens coatings in your sunglasses is important. For example, plastic frames are more susceptible to heat damage compared to metal ones. The care instructions that came with your sunglasses when you bought them will come in handy, so don’t lose them!


Proper Storage: The First Line of Defence

Storage is the first step to preserving your sunglasses. When you’re not using them, your sunglasses should be stored in a hard-shell case with a soft lining to protect against scratches and impact. Don’t place them in damp or humid environments, as the moisture can corrode the metal components and degrade the plastic ones. Even direct sunlight can be harmful due to the heat.


Shielding Your Sunglasses from Excessive Heat

Heat is the enemy here. It can warp your frame, damage your lens coatings, and even affect the shape of your lenses. You shouldn’t leave your sunglasses in your car, near heating devices, or under direct sunlight for a long time. A good habit to have is to store them in a cool and dry place every time you’re not wearing them.


Handling: A Gentle Touch Goes a Long Way

Proper handling will extend your sunglasses' life. Always hold your sunglasses by the frame, not the lenses so you don’t get smudges or scratch them. When putting them on or taking them off, use both hands to make sure you don’t mess with their alignment.


Wearing Sunglasses on Top of Your Head

Even though it is super convenient at times, wearing sunglasses on your head can cause the frames to stretch and lose their original fit. This not only affects how the sunglasses look on you but it will lead to discomfort and slippage when you wear them after a while. Instead, when you're not using them, hang them on your shirt or use a glasses strap.


Cleaning

Cleaning your sunglasses isn't just about keeping your vision view clear; it's mainly about hygiene! Dust, sweat, skin oils and makeup can build up over time and degrade lens quality or even cause your skin to become irritated. Use a microfiber cloth and a lens cleaner designed for coated lenses. Don’t use any harsh cleaners, as they will most likely cause significant damage.


Scheduled Readjustments

Over time, your sunglasses might lose their original alignment due to regular wear. Going for regular professional adjustments will correct this issue or even just checking in once a year with an optician can help identify minor problems before they turn into significant ones.


Preventing Loss

Given that most designer sunglasses cost a fair whack, their loss will hurt both you and your wallet. Always store them in your “go-to place” when you’re not using them. When you're outdoors, use cords or chains to keep your sunglasses secure. Nowadays, even small tracking devices can be attached to your sunglasses or case, making it easy to locate them if you lose them, although some people may think that would be taking it a bit too far.


Special Care at the Beach

Beaches contain specific challenges for your sunglasses, which include but are not limited to sand scratches, saltwater corrosion, and exposure to intense sunlight. Rinse your sunglasses with fresh water after you go to the beach to remove any residual salt or sand. You can also use protective sprays to create a barrier before going to the beach.


The Verdict: Are Designer Sunglasses Worth It?

Despite the initial cost, designer sunglasses are a worthy investment over time. They offer you superior protection against UV rays, excellent vision clarity, and durability. The wide range of designs and brands available means you can find the perfect pair to match your personal style. However, please remember that they will only last you for as long as you continue taking care of them and maintaining their condition.


Summary

Caring for your designer sunglasses isn't a chore but a routine that you should try to enjoy. Whether it's regular cleaning, proper handling or professional adjustments, every step contributes to the longevity of your designer sunglasses. With the right care, your designer sunglasses will remain a prized part of your collection, offering you vision clarity, eye protection and a ton of style for many years to come.


Author: John Dreyer Optometrist Bsc(Hons), MCOPTOM, DipCLP
Created: 4 Jul 2023, Last modified: 20 May 2024