How to Clean Eye Glasses with Anti-Reflective Coating

Anti-reflective (AR) coatings are applied to spectacle lenses to help reduce glare from bright lights and overhead fluorescent lights. They are especially helpful for driving at night and for cutting down the glare from oncoming traffic. The coating can peel off or become damaged if not cared for correctly, but there are simple steps you can take to make sure you are cleaning your anti-reflective lenses properly.

Things You'll Need

• Mild dish soap
• Soft towel
• AR cleaner
• Microfiber cloth

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Instructions

• 1

  Wet the lenses on both sides, front and back, with cool or lukewarm (not hot) water.

• 2

  Apply a few drops of mild dish detergent to each side of the lenses. Gently rub the cleaner into the lenses in a circular motion for 10 to 15 seconds on each lens.

• 3

  Place the lenses under running water as you continue to swirl soap on them until they do not feel slippery or soapy.

• 4

  Rinse the lenses again under the water, shaking off excess soap.

• 5

  Dry your lenses with a soft cloth, such as an old, clean diaper or a microfiber cloth designed for optical lenses. Do not use paper towels or tissues because the wood fiber in those products can scratch the AR coating.

• 6

  Do not use window cleaners or other chemical cleaners on your AR lenses as they can peel off the coating. Only use a spray cleaners or pre-moistened cloths made specifically for anti-reflective coatings, usually available for purchase at your eye care provider.