Does anyone use Anti-Smudge Lenses?

[Vidya]

Are smudge-resistant lenses really effective? Whenever I wash my glasses under running water and then wipe them with a towel or with any other cloth, I can’t get them clear. No matter how much I wash and wipe, they look foggy.

Theyre about 2 or 3 years old. I had this problem with them even when they were new, but to a much lesser extent.

Also, I apply coconut oil to my face to moisturize it and I guess that makes the glasses get smeared worse.

I planned to buy Anti-Smudge Lenses and then the lockdown happened. I inquired about them over the phone to my optician and they’re expensive.

Are they worth it? I won't stop applying coconut oil to my face, and I don't know if Anti-Smudge Lenses will be able to withstand the oil.

[Jeff Tanyard]

Have you tried cleaning the lenses with a grease-cutting solvent?  Something like mineral spirits?

[VanessaC]

I find washing my glasses in washing up liquid detergent really helps - even just dunking them into the bowl when I'm doing dishes. That, and good lens cleaning cloths, which also get washed in the washing up bowl!

[Vidya]

Thanks, Jeff and Vanessa. Your suggestions were spot on. I had googled and found the advice that the best way to clean glasses is to wash with soap and water. And you guys confirmed I need to remove the grease.

So this morning I dipped my glasses in soapy water [great suggestion, Vanessa], rubbed gently, and then rinsed off and wiped.

They’re still not a 100% clear but much clearer than before.

It was obviously the coconut oil that was smearing the glasses. And grease can’t be removed with plain water.

It’s great when there’s such a simple solution to something. Now I wish I’d asked earlier instead of suffering so long.

Now I wonder if I should buy Anti-Smudge Lenses after all? Anyone tried them and can tell me if they really make a big difference?

As I said, I won't stop applying coconut oil to my face, and so I suspect even with Anti-Smudge Lenses, I’ll have to wash frequently with soap and water.

Most people who use glasses probably aren’t applying oil to their face, so their glasses won't smear as much.

This is also why I hesitate to get contact lenses, though I’d love to get daily disposable ones. But oil regularly gets into my eyes.

I’m ok with it since I splash water on my eyes and wash them in an eye-cup a few times a day. But I won't be able to do that with contact lenses. Or I don't think I will. Will I?

[j tanner]

We've found all the coatings you can get on lenses shorten their lifespan. They do their job for a while, but wear out over time, and bubble or crack.

The glasses with no extras seem to last far longer as long as you're careful with them.

If your prescription changes frequently this might not matter, but mine doesn't and now I have several spares.

[Vidya]

Thanks, j tanner. That’s very useful information. I won't go for any coatings on lenses then.

I have a weakness for gold frames; I think they look far more elegant than plastic ones. Problem is, all gold frames get green spots on the arms or temples in just a few months. It’s been a long time since I wore plastic frames, so I don't remember if they hold up much better. But I see some green mold has gone inside the plastic earpieces or temple tips of my frames too. Guess green mold can’t be avoided whether you get plastic or metal frames.

Is there any way I can prevent or hide the green mold? I guess I could spray it with some gold paint, if I can get any. Or gold nail polish.

I googled and saw that is in fact a thing; someone advises to paint frames with nail polish.

[LilyBLily]

I think my frames are metal. Maybe they aren't. But no mold. I wash my glasses several times a day with neutrogena soap or with hand dishwashing liquid. My mom used to use Windex but the glasses people said the ammonia in it isn't good for lenses. Any grease-cutting but mild product should work.