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You’ve just gotten a new pair of prescription eyeglasses and you want to keep them looking new. So, where do you begin? Try cleaning them often.

If you don’t take the time to care for your new glasses from the get-go, they may not last for very long. And after enduring an eye exam, taking the time to choose the lenses and be fitted accordingly, why wouldn’t you?

That being said, if you are someone who needs to wear your glasses throughout the day, the lenses are going to get dirty. Whether it’s fingerprints, dust, or the like, it will impair your vision. However, if you clean your glasses regularly, the lenses will last longer and you’ll be able to see clearly.

Try these steps when cleaning your lenses:

• Spray the lenses with a cleaning solution before wiping them. Dry lenses can get scratched easily by dust and other particles.
• Do not use saliva or your breath to wet your lenses; your saliva may leave bacteria and/or germs on the lenses. Also, simply breathing on the lenses won’t add any form of moisture.
• Use a soft microfiber cloth and avoid abrasive cleaning cloths such as paper towels or clothing.
• Let the lenses air dry before putting your glasses back on.

For occasional deep cleaning when needed:

• Rinse your eyeglasses in tap water that’s room temperature or slightly warmer.
• Use a gentle, lotion-free cleaning solution to wash the lenses. Apply only a few drops on the lenses to avoid a soapy residue.
• Rinse the lenses to remove any soap and check for missed spots. If the glasses still appear marred or spotted, repeat the steps above. If the lenses look clean, use a lint-free towel to remove most of the water.
• Let your glasses air dry completely in a safe place.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your eyeglasses in great shape for years to come!

Whether you opt to wear eyeglasses or a pair of contact lenses for vision correction depends on your own personal preferences. When deciding between the two options, take into consideration lifestyle, comfort, convenience, cost and aesthetics. Before choosing, also bear in mind one is not necessarily a better choice than the other.

For example, eyeglasses offer some benefits over contact lenses such as:

• They require little cleaning and maintenance; you don’t have to touch your eyes to wear them which decreases your risk for eye infections and irritations,
• Glasses are less expensive than most contact lenses.
• Glasses also don’t need to be replaced as often as contacts
• Glasses can be an extension of your personality and make a great fashion statement since there are so many great styles to choose from.

As for contacts, they, too, have advantages:

• Contacts conform to the curvature of your eye and provide a wider sense of view. As a result, they cause fewer vision distortions and obstructions than regular eyeglasses.
• Contact lenses aren’t a hindrance when playing sports or exercising.
• Contact lenses aren’t as obvious as eyeglasses.
• Contacts won’t fog up in cold weather like glasses or steam up when you’re cooking over a hot stove.

Are you ready to take the first step toward improving your vision? Call us today to request an appointment. Following a thorough eye exam, our doctors can help you determine the vision correction method that makes the most sense for you.

Some say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but what about your eyes? Are there things you can you do to make sure your peepers are in perfect working order? Yes, lots.

For example, if you work at a computer a good portion of the day, you should take breaks often from staring at the screen. Also, to help avoid eye strain and dry eye, administer eye drops to lubricate your eyes frequently; that way they’ll stay moist.

Another way to keep your eyes in tip-top shape is by eating vegetables like carrots and bell peppers. Believe it or not, these foods support the blood vessels in your eyes. They also contain a high amount of vitamin C per calorie. Other vegetables that contain high levels of vitamin C include bok choy, cauliflower, papayas and strawberries.

Vitamin E is another “eye-friendly” vitamin. Vitamin E can be found in nuts and seeds, particularly almonds. There’s plenty of scientific research to suggest vitamin E can help slow age-related macular degeneration from getting worse. It may also help to combat cataracts. Not a fan of almonds? Try hazelnuts, peanuts or peanut butter instead.

Lastly, make sure that you schedule a preventive eye exam at least once every year. This is an easy and effective way to catch any potential problems before they get out of hand. It can also provide you with an updated prescription and helpful insights that will keep your vision healthy for years to come. The caring, knowledgeable professionals at Utah Eye Centers are here to help. Call them today to request an appointment!

In the next few weeks, kids and teachers will be headed back-to-school for another year of reading, writing and arithmetic.

Summer fun will be left behind with its swimming, camping and constant outdoor life. In place of those carefree days is the return to routines, chores, and normalcy.

As you prepare for the new school year, you might want to think about returning looking cool and fashionable. One of the easiest ways to do that and skip the department stores is by getting fit for a new pair of great-looking glasses.

Sure, many of us need glasses to see the blackboard and our homework assignments, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring by any means.

At Utah Eye Centers we have a wealth of glasses from traditional wireframes to the latest style so you can return to school looking pretty fine. Stop in and visit us and we can show you all of the new glasses that we carry, as well as make sure the fit is perfect, so you look as smart as you are.

Call us today and schedule an appointment; you might want to think about getting an eye exam while you’re at. The specialists at Utah Eye Center are ready to help you look and feel your absolute best for the new school year ahead, and beyond.