Monthly Archives: September 2022

You spend a lot of time and money on your eyeglasses, so why shouldn’t you take the best care of them possible? If you know how to properly clean, handle and store your eyeglasses, they will definitely stand the test of time.

Here are some tips to ensure your glasses will last as long as possible:

Wash often
Wash your glasses at least once a day. Use a mild soap and water solution. You can also use a lens cleaner that is designed specifically for glasses. This will remove any dirt or debris that could potentially damage your glasses. Avoid using harsh cleaning solutions on your glasses. These can strip the coating off of the lenses and cause other damage.

Rinse
Make sure you always rinse your glasses off with water before you wipe or clean them. Rinsing will help clean off any dust or dirt particles that settle on your lens.

Air dry and use the right cloth
If you can wait for a bit after rinsing your glasses, let them air dry. This is the best way to ensure no materials will get on your lens. If you can’t wait, use a soft, clean, lint-free cloth or a microfiber cloth. A lint-free cloth is the best way to clean your glasses, as it won’t leave any streaks or residue behind.

Grip firmly
When you clean your glasses make sure you grip firmly the piece that crosses the bridge of the nose. This will prevent you from bending the frame while you clean your glasses.

Store properly
When you are not wearing your glasses, store them in a case. A hard case will protect them from being scratched or damaged. Most glasses come with a case to put them in. Keeping them in the case will prevent your specs from getting scratched, bent or broken. Make sure your case is also in a safe place away from children.

Place carefully
If you ever need to put your glasses down for a minute, make sure you never put them with the glasses’ lens down. This will ultimately lead to scratched lenses. You should also avoid leaving your glasses in direct sunlight, as this can cause the lenses to warp over time. And don’t place them where they are likely to be knocked off (such as a kitchen counter or the end table where you keep your remote and coffee cup).

Scratched or broken lenses will need to be replaced even before it’s time for your annual eye exam. If you love your frames, you can continue to use them even if your prescription changes. But you’ll want to make sure your frames are not broken. Follow these steps, and your glasses will stay in great shape until your next visit. Questions about your eyes or your glasses? Visit Utah Eye Centers or call today: (801) 476-0494

Is eye gunk normal or should it be a cause for concern?

Do you experience crusty eye or eye gunk in the corner of your eyes when you wake up in the morning? If so, you may have asked yourself: What exactly is this stuff and where does it come from?

What exactly is eye gunk?

The medical term for this condition is called “rheum.” The Merriam-Webster definition of it is “a watery discharge from the mucous membranes especially of the eyes or nose.” While that may be the technical term, it is hardly used. It is actually a reaction to a good night’s sleep. That’s because this discharge is a normal part of the eye’s self-cleaning process.

Eye gunk consists of several different things, including exfoliated skin cells, mucus, oils and tears that are produced or shed by the eye during sleep. This condition does not happen during the day because eye gunk is typically washed away by blinking natural tears. When you are asleep, however, you aren’t blinking and that makes it collect in the corners of the eyes, where it dries up.

How common is it?

Just about everyone wakes up with eye gunk. The amount of it, however, can vary depending on the person. In fact, you may not even know it is there because there is often a very small amount of the stuff. It is common, however, during allergy season to get more eye crust.

When do you need to be concerned?

Eye gunk is something to be concerned about if it changes color. If it is yellow or green, it is typically a sign of bacterial conjunctivitis, which is a common form of pink eye. If your discharge is yellow or green, you need to see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. If there are any other serious symptoms with your eye discharge, you will also need to see an ophthalmologist as soon as you can.

Keep your eyes clean to prevent issues with eye gunk

One of the best things you can do to prevent any of these conditions and issues with eye crust is to keep them clean.

• Wash your face every day, especially before bed. Use a mild soap and warm water.
• Avoid touching your eyes. If you must touch them, wash your hands first.
• Don’t share makeup or eye makeup brushes.
• Throw away old makeup.
• Clean your eyeglasses or sunglasses regularly.

>Typically, eye gunk is nothing to be concerned about. It is a normal part of the human body’s natural cleansing process. However, if you notice an increase in the amount of eye gunk you produce, or if it becomes excessively thick or oily, it may be a sign of an underlying health condition and you should consult a healthcare professional.