Top 4 Considerations for Caring for New Eyeglasses

Seeing an eye doctor regularly should be a part of everybody's eye care Boulder area. With regular eye exams, it is possible to detect possible problems with one's eyes, including deterioration of eyesight. For those who have recently been told they need a prescription lens, eyeglasses may be an ideal solution. However, those who are new to wearing eyeglasses must know how to care for the appropriately.

Invest in a Hard-Shell Case

Often times, eyeglasses can easily cost a couple hundred dollars per pair, but those buying glasses should also be sure to set aside some money for an eyeglass case for each pair. Sometimes, eye doctors will give glasses to patients in a soft-shell case, but these aren't meant to be a long-term storage solution. Only a hard-shell case will adequately protect against accidental crushing and other damage.

Clean With a Microfiber Cloth

Every so often, it will be necessary to wipe down one's eyeglass lenses as a means of removing dust and debris that has caked on over time. When wiping down lenses, however, it is always important to use a lens that is specifically designed for use on these lenses. Specifically, a microfiber cloth should be used, as these will not scratch the surface of the lenses. Other cloths, including paper towel and even tissue, should be avoided here.

Set Down Lens-Side Up

When not in use, eyeglasses should really be placed in their case. However, for those times when the case isn't readily available, eyeglasses should always be placed with their lenses facing up, not down. Setting glasses down with the lenses face-down will inevitably lead to scratches and other damage that could compromise one's ability to see well.

Use the Right Cleaner

Finally, those with eyeglasses should always be sure to use the right cleaner. There are specific cleaners available that are designed for use on eyeglass lenses. Therefore, it is never a good idea to use just any chemical cleaner, as certain chemicals can have a bad reaction to the lenses and cause permanent damage. Eyeglass cleaner is available at most grocery stores and at any eye doctor's office.

These are just a few important considerations to keep in mind when it comes to caring for one's new eyeglasses. From there, a pair of glasses can last for as long as one's prescription does!

The Basics of Maintaining Good Eye Health

Many people rarely give much thought to their vision until they begin to experience problems with their eyes. This is unfortunate, because there are some eye conditions that can be circumvented with proper eye care Boulder. For instance, wearing sunglasses with UV protection while outdoors may be instrumental in preventing the development of cataracts and certain other vision conditions such as macular degeneration. Those who play sports should also be careful to protect their eyes with gear such as goggles that were designed for that purpose. 

Indoors, air conditioners and furnaces can create dry atmospheric conditions that can dry out the eyes, so it is important to have a humidifier to keep this from happening. Lubricating eye drops may also help prevent eyes from becoming irritated due to lack of moisture.

Those who wish to maintain optimal eye health should schedule comprehensive eye exams on a regular basis. Certain common eye conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration can only be detected by a dilated eye exam. Catching these conditions early can help stop them from seriously impairing the patient's vision. People who have diabetes should also have their vision checked often so that diabetic eye disease can be caught and treated while it is still in the early stages.

Patients should also make a point of knowing the eye health history of their families because many eye diseases and conditions are hereditary. This will ensure that the eye care professional knows what to watch out for in order to be able to accurately treat developing symptoms.

Consuming the right type of foods can also have a significant impact on eye health. Carrots and other food rich in beta carotene have long been considered excellent foods for those interested in maintaining healthy eyes. Other great foods for eye healthy include kale, spinach, and mustard or collar greens. Foods that contain substantial amounts of omega 3 acids are also considered by eye care professionals to be excellent dietary choices for those trying to maintain healthy eyes.

Being overweight may also increase chances of developing certain eye conditions such as diabetic eye disease and glaucoma, so those with a family history of these ailments should discuss the situation with their physician and work out a plan to maintain a healthy weight level. Above all, people should make certain that they visit their eye doctor regularly.