Are your glasses still working overtime? Understanding the lifespan of glasses

In the pursuit of a high-quality life today, we constantly update our clothing, shoes, and hats, but often overlook the importance of glasses related to visual health. Unlike the “multi lens rotation” habit of Europeans and Americans, most Chinese myopic patients only rely on one pair of glasses and are not easily replaced unless absolutely necessary.
Glasses, as a window of insight into the world, are crucial for clarity, comfort, and durability. But do you know how long your unique glasses can last?
The service life of glasses is constrained by three factors: material construction, personal usage habits, and changes in vision.

1.Durability of frame and lens

The material of the mirror frame is diverse, including two categories: plate and alloy. There are also options for alloy frames, including ordinary alloy, pure titanium, gold-plated or K-gold. Under normal circumstances, if there is no external damage, the frame can be used for approximately 3 years. If the frame is skewed or the nose rest or screws are loose, it should be promptly adjusted and repaired at a professional ophthalmology or eyewear store.

Lenses, especially coated resin lenses widely used in modern times, are more fragile than frames. Daily wear and tear can easily damage the film layer on the surface of the lens. Once the film layer is damaged, it not only easily adsorbs dust and oil stains, but may also affect visual clarity due to scratches. Therefore, the standard service life of a pair of lenses is about 2 to 3 years, and overdue use may damage visual health. Improper cleaning methods (such as wiping with hard objects) or exposure to extreme temperature differences (such as sauna or high temperature exposure in the car) can shorten the lifespan of lenses.

2.The impact of usage habits

Good usage habits can extend the lifespan of glasses:
-Wear glasses with both hands to prevent deformation.
-When not worn, it should be stored in the eyeglass case, with the mirror facing upwards when lying flat and away from sharp objects.
-Note that resin lenses are not resistant to high temperatures to avoid damage caused by high temperature environments.
-Before cleaning the lenses, rinse them with water and then gently wipe them in one direction with a specialized lens cloth.
-Regularly visit professional institutions to adjust or maintain the mirror frame.

3.Consideration of visual changes

For adolescents under the age of 18, due to rapid changes in vision, it is recommended to have a re examination every six months. Adults should also have their vision checked every year. If the degree changes by more than 0.50D, the lenses should be replaced in a timely manner.

In summary, a suitable pair of glasses is crucial for protecting vision. In order to ensure a visual experience, we should attach importance to and maintain our glasses, promptly inspect and replace “over age” glasses, so that our eyes can enjoy the clearest and most comfortable visual feast.