The art of spectacle care: how to keep your frames fabulous

You’ve just left the opticians with a pair of glasses so stylish they could command a catwalk, perfectly framing your face with intellectual glamour. So precious to you now that you suddenly think what if they are crushed under a misplaced book or flung across the muddy park by a rogue toddler? Fear not—keeping your glasses in pristine condition is simpler than you think. With a touch of care and a few golden rules, your newfound optical companions can stay as dazzling as the day you met.

Your glasses may look sturdy at first glance, but beneath that chic exterior lies a delicate marvel of engineering. Treat them with the care they deserve and they’ll reward you with clear vision and impeccable style for years to come. Here’s how to keep your frames in fine fettle:

Sure, whipping your specs off one-handed may feel dramatic, but it’s a fast-tracked route to wonky frames. Always use both hands when removing your glasses to avoid uneven stress on the temples. Trust us, lopsided specs do no favours for your symmetry.

When setting your lenses down somewhere, never rest them lens-side down. Unless you happen to quite like scratches and smudges in your vision. Always place them with the temples open and the lenses facing skyward.

While wearing your glasses on your head may feel like a natural resting spot, it’s not their ideal habitat. This unfortunate habit can stretch out the temples, leading to a loose fit (and possibly a headache as they cling on for dear life).

Your lenses are your window to the world—or at least your favourite book, cosy café or your job. Keeping them clean isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about making sure your view stays crystal clear. That is why we wear glasses after all.

We know it’s tempting to grab the nearest fabric to give your glasses a quick once-over, but please resist the urge. T-shirt hems, scarves and towels are a recipe for micro-scratches that cloud your lenses over time. Stick to a proper cleaning cloth—it’s worth the small effort and we will always give you one for free if you pop into a branch.

For a deeper clean, lukewarm water and a drop of gentle, lotion-free soap are all you need. Gently massage the lenses, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry with a microfibre cloth. Avoid anything abrasive—scouring pads are not recommended!

While cleaning sprays can be effective, not all of them are lens-friendly. Always opt for a spray specifically designed for glasses, and avoid household cleaners—they’re far too harsh for your delicate lenses. A list of our branches which supply this special spray can be found here.

Smudges and fingerprints accumulate faster than you might think. A regular daily clean keeps your lenses looking sharp and prevents grime from building up.

Where you store your glasses matters. The golden rule? If they’re not on your face, they should be in their case. A hard protective case keeps them safe from the perils of daily life, whether they’re jostling around in a handbag or perched precariously on a crowded desk.

Steer clear of hot spots—no, literally. Leaving your glasses on a car dashboard in the sun can warp the frames or damage the lens coating. Likewise, glasses and pockets are a dangerous combination; they might fit neatly, but one awkward move and you’ll be left with bent temples or worse. Treat your specs with a little security, and they’ll stay in tip-top shape.

Even the best-behaved glasses need occasional care to keep them in pristine condition. But it can be difficult to know where to start, even if you own a small repair kit for your specs.

Plus, sometimes, things happen outside of our control. Frames get bent, hinges loosen, or the fit just isn’t right anymore. Fortunately, at Robert Glass Opticians, we offer a free repairs service to get your glasses back to their best.

Whether it’s a quick tighten or a more complicated fix, pop in and see us at one of our branches and we’ll take care of the rest. No appointment needed.

Your glasses are more than just a tool—they’re part of your style, your expression and your view of the world around you. With a little love and attention, they’ll stay as stunning and functional as the day you got them.

And if you ever need help outside a quick repair, whether it’s a quick adjustment, or just a friendly chat about your vision, we’d love to see you. Book an appointment with us anytime, and we’ll be more than happy to help