Optical stores worldwide are going through uncertain times at the moment. Many of our customers have asked us how to clean glasses and frames to both disinfect and not cause damage in the process. In this article, we outline the best ways to disinfect eyewear properly without damaging the lenses of frames in the process as we do it in the laboratory.
Several of PEL’s clients ranging from Optical shops to large eyewear distributors, have asked us what the proper way is to clean glasses and frames without causing damage. The concern is that alcohol or chemical detergents could cause damage to the frames or lenses. Secondly, they require a cleaning method that effectively kills any germs that could spread the COVID-19 virus or any other virus for that matter.
PEL has tried and tested methods of cleaning and sterilizing eyewear, which is now a compulsory requirement in China.
If you’re unsure whether your supplier is adhering to these precautions, please get in touch with PEL.
How To Clean Eyewear Effectively
Step 1: Clean Eyewear with Soap and Water
Recent studies proved that soap and water kill off germs and bacteria better than hand sanitizer, bleach, or clean alcohol. So, the best place to start is to wash your eyewear under water with a good quality soap for at least 20 seconds. Soap and water don’t damage glasses, and you’ll clean your hands in the process. Here’s a brief video of the process:
Step 2: Put Eyewear in a UV Sterilizer (3-5 Minutes)
UV-C light is a short-wavelength, ultraviolet light that breaks apart germ DNA, leaving it unable to function or reproduce. In other words, UV-C light is germicidal (UV-A and UV-B light are not). UV-C can even neutralize “superbugs” that have developed a resistance to antibiotics, like COVID-19.
There are relatively inexpensive but effective UV Sterilizers available online, starting from as little as $49.99. Examples of these can be found here:
Amazon - PhoneSoap 3 UV Smartphone Sanitizer & Universal ChargerThese are just examples of products, and PEL doesn’t directly endorse these or profit from the sale of any of these items. Make sure you buy a high-quality product that does what the label reads.
In a previous article How to Prevent Eyewear Shipments from Carrying COVID-19 Infection PEL General Manager Zenobia Chan demonstrates how Eyewear manufacturers can disinfect eyewear shipments:
The two steps mentioned above should provide your customers with the cleanest, disinfected eyewear on the market and ease of mind.
If you have any questions, please feel free to Contact PEL Directly.
