Sunglasses have evolved into more than just protective eye wear. Beyond blocking out those harmful UV rays from the sun, it has become a required fashion accessory, one that often represents an extension of the wearer’s personality. Sunglasses have become so much a part of daily living that people can be seen wearing them day or night. There are even sunglasses specifically made for various activities like driving, playing sports, boating, skiing, fishing, and pretty much anything else you could think of.
With the far-reaching popularity of sunglasses, many designer labels have jumped on the bandwagon in recent years and now offer sunglasses as part of their collections. Some even heavily market them by using celebrity models and actors to promote the brand.
Designer sunglasses can obviously fetch a high price in malls and even in outlet stores, and as such it is critical to protect your investment. If you adequately protect and take care of your sunglasses, especially expensive ones, they should last for several years.
Among the various components of sunglasses, the lenses are the ones that are most critical to take care of. Not only are the lenses what protects your eyes from UV damage, but they also tend to be exposed to wear and tear which means they are prone to damage. Whether the lenses are made of plastic, glass, or composite materials, it is important to care for them appropriately.
One time-tested cleaning method for the lenses is to breathe on them. That’s right; breathe baby, breathe! This method may seem silly but according to experts it works. Breathing onto the lens provides just the right amount of moisture to efficiently wipe the lenses clean. Of course, this begs the question of what exactly to wipe the lenses with. Although there are many options such as linen or cotton materials, microfiber cloth is generally considered ideal because its smooth texture will not scratch or otherwise damage the lenses.
Never use tissue paper or paper towels to clean your lenses because these items tend to be too rough and abrasive and thus could cause scratches on the surface of the lenses. Microfiber towels are recommended for cleaning lenses. They are made of material which is durable enough to take out stubborn dirt on your lenses, yet gentle enough to leave them scratch-free.
Finally, it pays to invest in a hard shell carrying case. Sunglasses tend to get mishandled by virtue of the fact that they are associated with active lifestyles. You can purchase a case at any department store for $5 that will be good enough to ensure, for example, that your sunglasses do not get crushed if someone sits on them while not in use.
The bottom line is that you can extend the life and quality of your sunglasses by knowing how to protect and clean the lenses. This is especially important if you spent a small fortune on designer sunglasses. Stay away from chemical cleaners and abrasive wiping cloths. Use a small amount of moisture on each lens and wipe them down with a microfiber cloth. Microfiber and your own breath are enough to keep your sunglasses in good condition for years to come.