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EYEGLASS BASICS

There’s an art to finding the right pair of glasses for you and taking care of them involves a bit of effort as well. Take a moment to review our eyeglass basics below and make sure you’re giving your eyewear everything they need to last for years.

EYEGLASS CLEANING AND CARE

From time to time, you may notice that your glasses get a bit dirty. Cleaning them properly is more important than you think, so it’s best to follow these easy steps:

STEP 1
Wash Your Hands

There’s often more dirt and grease on our hands than we realize, and this will transfer over to your glasses during the cleaning process if you aren’t careful. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before you begin and use a clean cotton towel to dry them.

STEP 2
Clean Your Lenses

Wet your glasses using tap water to rinse off any loose debris and apply a dab of Dawn dish soap to the lenses. Clean them in a circular motion with your fingertips and make sure to wash the entire frame as well. Rinse thoroughly under the faucet.

STEP 3
Dry Glasses Properly

This is one of the most crucial steps when cleaning your glasses correctly, as using the wrong products can deeply scratch your lenses. Use a clean microfiber or 100% cotton cloth only to dry off your frames and lenses. Paper products will leave small scratches over time.

STEP 4
Use Proper Care And Storage Techniques

Help keep your glasses clean by keeping your fingers off of the lenses and storing them in a case when not in use. Never place your glasses on any surface with the lenses facing down or use cleaning products containing alcohol, as this will strip off any coatings.

ADDITIONAL TIPS:

  • Avoid leaving your glasses inside of your car. During the summer months, temperatures can get hot enough to damage your lenses and even cause your frames to become misshaped!
  • Although your lenses are protected by a tough scratch-resistant coating, they can still sustain damage if you aren’t careful. Keep beauty products like hairspray away from your glasses and avoid using your shirt to clean them on the go.
  • Travel-sized cleaning products can be used in a pinch, but make sure both the cloth and spray are approved for use on glasses.
  • Visit your local optometry office every few months to get all screws tightened and any nose pads replaced that are starting to deteriorate. Most offices provide this service at no charge to you.

UNDERSTANDING FRAME SIZES

Not all eyeglasses will fit everyone the same way and knowing what to look for will make your online shopping much easier. If you’re unsure how to find frames that will compliment your face and be comfortable all day long, keep reading!

FRAME ANATOMY AND MEASUREMENT

Eyewear comes in many shapes and sizes, but there are consistent parts and measurements that you can evaluate before making your purchase. Using the millimeter side of a tape measure, you can determine which frames will fit appropriately

1. FRAME WIDTH
This section spans from one side of the frame front to the other. Make sure to measure from the farthest point on each side. A frame’s overall width plays a huge part in how well a frame will fit your face.

2. TEMPLE LENGTH
While these sections don’t vary too much in length, it’s an important part of the frame to consider anyway. Measure from the very tip of the temple to the place it connects with the frame front.

3. LENS DEPTH
This refers to the height of the lens from where it sits in the frame on both the top and bottom portions. Individuals with fuller cheeks often find that shallow lens depths fit their face more comfortably.

4. LENS WIDTH
Also an important part when selecting a great fitting frame, the width of the lens entails the side to side measurement of each lens. It’s often referred to as the “eye size” of a frame and can vary based on frame shape.

5. BRIDGE
A frame has to fit well in all areas for it to be comfortable, so don’t forget to measure the bridge! Always the smallest measurement of a frame, it determines how much room there is for the frames to rest on your nose.

HOW DO I IDENTIFY MY FRAME SIZE?

There’s nothing more frustrating than ordering something online only to find it doesn’t fit, so make sure you take the time to find out your frame size before you make a purchase! Simply measure any glasses you currently own in the following way:

  • Measure the frame width: Determine the distance in millimeters from each end across the front of your frame. 
  • Measure your bridge:  Put the frame on and look in the mirror to determine the point where the frame first makes contact with your bridge. Measure this distance from each inner edge of the frame. 

If you’re still unsure which frame sizes or styles would flatter your face, head over to our fit guide to learn more about your options!

DETERMINING YOUR COMPUTER EYEGLASS NEEDS

Your visual needs largely depend on what you’re looking at, as computer glasses and reading glassesa> help to focus your eyes at different distances. Reading glasses are most useful for the times when you’re reading a book or magazine in your lap while computer glasses are ideal for farther distances. Computer glasses also have special lens features that help to block blue light waves that are transmitted from digital screens.

GLARE
Computer screens create tons of glare that can lead to eye strain and fatigue over time. If you’re on a digital device often, consider purchasing a pair of computer glasses with blue-blocking lenses. They allow your eyes to relax while bringing words and images into focus.

DISTANCE
One of the main factors when determining what type of prescription you need has to do with the distance you’re trying to see clearly. Reading glasses are best for printed material held up close while computer glasses work well when you need to see roughly an arm’s length away.

PRINT SIZE
Prescriptions aren’t one size fits all, and some people might find that extremely small print on a computer might be better seen through reading glasses. Consider your day to day tasks along with the print size you’re looking at and select the best option for your needs.

Check out our collection of computer glasses