Useful Guides
Sunglasses vs Prescription Glasses: Maintenance Differences
Do you really know how to take care of prescription glasses and sunglasses? Here are the differences and tips to avoid damaging them.
Sunglasses vs Prescription Glasses: Maintenance Differences
Sunglasses and prescription glasses are not all the same... not even when it comes to maintenance.
While both require care, they have different needs regarding durability, materials, lenses, and daily wear.
In this article, we explain the main differences in the maintenance of sunglasses and prescription glasses and provide useful tips to preserve them over time.
Main Differences Between Sunglasses and Prescription Glasses
| Characteristic | Sunglasses | Prescription Glasses |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency of Use | Intermittent or seasonal | Daily, often all day |
| Lens Type | Colored, polarized, or mirrored | Prescription, possibly with blue light filter |
| Environmental Exposure | Sun, sand, saltwater, rain | Dust, humidity, sweat |
| Cleaning Needs | More sporadic but thorough | More frequent but gentle |
| Frame Materials | Often thicker or fashionable | Lighter, flexible, ergonomic |
📌 Want to learn more? We recommend reading these articles:
How to Clean Lenses Without Damaging Them
How to Properly Store Your Glasses in Summer
How to Properly Clean Prescription Glasses
- 🔹 Only use microfiber cloths
- 🔹 Use sprays specific for prescription lenses
- 🔹 Avoid paper, rough fabrics, and alcohol (can damage treatments)
- 🔹 If you have lenses with anti-reflective treatment or blue light filter, clean more gently
- 🔹 Clean at least once a day, preferably in the morning
📌 To learn more, read also:
Guide to Lenses with Anti-Reflective Treatment
The Best Prescription Glasses for People Who Work on Computers
How to Clean Sunglasses (Especially in Summer)
- 🔸 Rinse first with cold water to remove sand or salt
- 🔸 Use neutral or special glasses cleaners
- 🔸 Dry with a soft cloth, without rubbing too much on mirrored lenses
- 🔸 Avoid leaving them in the sun in the car: heat can warp plastic and lenses
How to Best Preserve Them
- ✔ Always use a hard case, for both sunglasses and prescription glasses
- ✔ Do not keep them in a bag or pocket without protection
- ✔ Never clean them "dry" (risk of scratches)
- ✔ Do not place them lens down
- ✔ Periodically check and tighten the screws on the temples
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
- ❓ Can I use the same spray for sunglasses and prescription glasses?
Yes, if it’s specific for optical lenses. Avoid alcohol or window cleaners. - ❓ Do anti-reflective treatments require different cleaning?
Yes. They are more delicate: less pressure and clean microfiber cloths are needed. - ❓ Can I put sunglasses under water?
Yes, but always with cold or lukewarm water. Hot water can ruin the lenses. - ❓ How long do well-maintained glasses last on average?
3–5 years or more. It depends on care and brand quality.
