Looking after reading glasses
Talk to the person about how they can best look after their reading glasses.
Explain that if they take care of them they will work better and last longer.
Key things to remember are:
- How to handle, store and clean their glasses
- Check the screws
How to handle reading glasses
Handle reading glasses by the frame, and avoid touching the lens.
Take reading glasses off and on with two hands. This will help to maintain the frame.
Place reading glasses down so that they rest on the frame – never on the lenses.
How to store reading glasses
Store reading glasses when not in use folded and in a case.
How to clean reading glasses
- Rinse glasses under slightly warm tap water to remove dust and dirt
- Apply a drop of dish wash liquid to each lens
- With clean hands, gently rub both sides of the lens and frame
- Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean lint free cloth (for example soft cotton)
Avoid dry rubbing lenses to clean them. This rubs dirt into the lens which can cause scratches. A scratched lens is harder to see through.
Check screws
Encourage people to regularly check the tiny screws on their reading glasses.
Screws can usually be found at the hinge and on the nose pads.
If the screws loosen, people can tighten them gently with the correct size screw driver.
Activity
Identify any screws on the reading glasses you have available to provide.
Check whether you have a screw driver / screw drivers available that fit the screws you have identified.
Practise gently tightening the screws.