Keep your glasses in mint condition with our top tips
Considering plenty of us rely on our glasses to see clearly, it’s amazing that so many people fail to keep them clean!
It doesn’t take a lot to keep your specs in mint condition once you know how. Read on for Patrick & Menzies’ top tips.
Back to basics
When cleaning your glasses, aim to wipe or rub the lenses as little as possible. Every time you do, there is a risk (however small) of scratching.
Start with rinsing your lenses in cold water to wash away any dust. Avoid warm or hot water as this could cause the lenses to expand, potentially cracking and ruining any coatings instantly.
Lens cleaner from your optician is definitely the best option as it is designed to evaporate off the lens leaving less smearing – ask at your local Patrick & Menzies branch next time your visit for an appointment.
If you don’t have any cleaner tailored to the job mild hand soap can be OK, but it can leave your lenses smeary, which in turn means you wipe it more, increasing the risk of scratching.
You should never use washing-up liquid or household cleaners on your lenses as they can contain tiny amounts of solvent which causes damage to certain types of lens materials.
Clear of smear
Always polish your lenses using the cloth given to you by your optician when you bought your glasses. Commonly these are made from microfibre which will keep the need for rubbing the lenses to a minimum.
Most scratched lenses are caused by something getting caught on the cloth from your pocket, case or handbag, so make sure you keep your cloth and glasses case clean, too.
Never use kitchen towel or tissues as they are more abrasive than you think, and hankies should be avoided as they often have dust or debris from your pocket stuck to them.
Take care
When you are not wearing your glasses, it makes sense to keep them in their case. Although tempting, avoid keeping pens, nail files and other ‘handy’ items in the case too, as they are sure to scratch.
So many of us are guilty of pushing our specs up on the top of our heads, but this is also a no no as it bends the sides out of shape and can make them loose.
If you are taking your glasses off momentarily, put them down sides closed, lens up and do your best to avoid sleeping in your specs.
Ideally if you play sports invest in the right eyewear for the job rather than wear your everyday glasses. Prescription goggles for swimming and appropriate safety specs for other sports such as tennis or football, are designed to keep you safe and help you get the most from your vision.
If you are concerned about your eyesight please do give us a call to book an appointment. Even during lockdown we’re open to look after your eyes, glasses, and contact lenses, with measures in place to keep everyone safe.
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Colour focus | cool tones
Beautiful blues, calming greens, subtle silvers – cool tones can be used to great effect when creating spectacular specs.
Traditionally these cooler colours are said to look great on people with a fair complexion and those with an olive skin tone. But don’t feel you have to follow the rules when it comes to picking the perfect frames for you!
We have a lovely range of blue frames available in our branches, from the deepest navy all the way through to the brilliant blue of a summer sky, we are sure to have something to match your favourite shade.
Silver glasses offer classic style and have the benefit of co-ordinating with pretty much any outfit, while greens can add a real touch of class.
Check out some of our favourite cool toned frames available now from Patrick & Menzies.
ANTON PHILLIPS – 1034 – NAVY
There’s nothing to be blue about with these frames from Anton Phillips. The shade of the frames, though described as navy, has a real warmth which is bold yet far from showy. These stunning glasses have a real wow factor and are sure to accentuate your eyes.
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AUTOFLEX – 109 – 710
These silver Autoflex frames are classic and stylish. A thin bar running across the top of the lenses combined with rectangular shaping add a serious quality to these specs.
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PUCCINI – 274 – C1
We love the attention to detail that you find in Puccini glasses. This pair is a great example. Simple silver frames are taken to another level with the help of a beautiful design detail on the hinge and a striking flash of turquoise on the inner of the sides.
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WOLF – 3085 – C72
The mottled green and black of these Wolf Eyewear frames is sure to get your glasses noticed for all the right reasons. These glasses are a great option for people looking for a bold option with cool undertones.
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WALTER AND HERBERT – ELGAR
You can trust Walter & Herbert to create glasses which are both sophisticated and a whole lot of fun. These frames make us think of a darkening sky just after sunset and we love the range of blues featured in the design.
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If warm toned glasses are more your thing, fear not! Take a look at our recent blog featuring frames in fiery hues. And if you need help picking the right frames for your face shape take a read of another of our blogs.
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