How to Care for Transition Glasses

Woman trying on glasses

Comstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images

Transitions lenses are photochromic and respond to sunlight by darkening. This makes these glasses ideal for anyone who is sensitive to light or who simply wants the luxury of having prescription sunglasses without having to buy an extra pair of glasses. Transitions glasses may be made of glass or plastic, but the care is the same for both. Your glasses will last much longer if you clean them gently, avoid bending the frames and avoid handling them in any manner that could cause lens scratches (or cracks).

Clean your glasses regularly (at least once a week) to prevent dust and oil buildup.

Wet the lenses before cleaning, as suggested by silvercreekoptical.com. This prevents scratches from dry particles scraping across the lenses.

Apply a mild, non-moisturizing soap (a non-moisturizing hand soap should be fine) to the lenses or fill a wide, shallow pan with soapy water. Holding securely to the frame, gently move the lenses back and forth (quickly) in the water.

Wash the frames with a soft damp cloth. Rinse your glasses under a faucet. Silvercreekoptical suggests patting transition lenses to dry them--don’t rub or polish these glasses.

Store your photochromic glasses in a case, or in a safe area (a bookshelf, for example) where they will not get dropped, scratched or bent. Always store these glasses with the lenses facing up.