Protecting your investment in quality sunglasses means cleaning and storing them properly. It also means knowing when something your eyes are experiencing warrants a visit to our office.
Use a microfiber cloth and a lens cleaner made specifically for eyewear. You can also rinse lenses with warm water and a small drop of dish soap. Avoid paper towels and clothing, which can leave fine scratches on lens surfaces over time.
- Store sunglasses in a protective hard case when you are not wearing them
- Keep them away from extreme heat, such as a closed car on a sunny day, which can damage coatings
- Clean both sides of the lens to remove oil, sunscreen, and debris
- Rinse off saltwater or pool water promptly to protect lens coatings
- Avoid ammonia-based or alcohol-based glass cleaners on coated lenses
Deep scratches can distort your vision and compromise mirror or anti-reflective coatings. While many lens materials maintain their UV-blocking properties even when scratched, damaged lenses should still be replaced to ensure both clear vision and reliable performance.
If you are not sure whether your current sunglasses are still providing adequate protection or fit, bring them to our office. Our team can assess the lenses and help you find a pair that suits your vision needs and lifestyle.
Frequent squinting, eye strain, or headaches while wearing sunglasses outdoors suggest the protection or fit is not quite right. Sunglasses should feel comfortable, provide clear vision, and effectively reduce glare without creating distortion.
Redness, tearing, or light sensitivity after time outdoors can indicate inadequate UV coverage. Sunburn on the eyelids also suggests the frame is not close-fitting enough. Schedule a visit so our team can evaluate your eyes and recommend better eyewear.
Sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or new flashes of light following sun exposure require prompt medical attention. These can be signs of serious conditions that need immediate evaluation. Intense redness, discharge, or an eye injury from debris also deserve urgent review.
If photokeratitis symptoms are severe or do not improve within 48 hours, contact our office right away. Most cases resolve on their own, but persistent or worsening symptoms should always be evaluated by our team.
Standard sunglasses, even those with 100 percent UV protection, are not safe for looking directly at the sun or a solar eclipse. They still transmit enough visible and infrared light to cause permanent retinal damage within seconds of direct solar viewing.
Only certified solar viewers or eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 standard are appropriate for observing a solar eclipse. Our office can direct you toward trusted sources when an eclipse is approaching.