What do you tell your patients to clean their lenses with?

[Happylady]

Do you tell them it is okay to use paper? We use Chem-wipes in our office. I also use Bounty paper towels and I tell people that Bounty is okay to use. Honestly, I don't think soft paper products scratch lenses if the lenses are rinsed off first. I think it is better to use a clean Bounty or tissue then some cloth that might be dirty.

I hear some dispensers saying to never use paper. Honestly, do you REALLY think all paper products scratch clean lenses or do you just tell people that?

I think rinsing the lenses are the most important thing. The softest cotton cloth can scratch if the lens is dirty.

[cocoisland58]

If they purchase AR then they recieve a 2oz spray cleaner and a cloth. We refill the empty bottle for a dollar (few take us up on that). I tell everyone the same thing. A warm water rinse and dry with a soft clean cloth or tissue (no lotion kind). This is how I clean my own. The spray is great for extra dirty lenses but the rinse is the key. I do not recommend paper towel because of the abrasive quality of some brands.

[icare]

We use Bounty by the roll and suggest it to our patients, advising that other brands and rougher products such as brown shop towels are often too abrasive.

[Chris Ryser]

...........................they recieve a 2oz spray cleaner and a cloth. We refill the empty bottle for a dollar (few take us up on that).

You should be OK as long as the lens cleaner contains no solvents, but if it does you are inviting problems.

[cocoisland58]

You should be OK as long as the lens cleaner contains no solvents, but if it does you are inviting problems.

It's AR cleaner, what kind of solvent would it have?

[Chris Ryser]

It's AR cleaner, what kind of solvent would it have?

Normal regular lens cleaner consist's of 30% ISP (isopropyl alcohol) and 70% water.

[Bill West]

Lava soap and fine grit sandpaper. No wonder I stay business.

[For-Life]

Bill stole my joke

We give them cleaner and a cloth, but I tell them I use Bounty paper towel and any paper towel of a similar quality will do. I do say you can use kleenix, because the "wood fiber" myth is a joke (I tend to get tons of slivers when I blow my nose).

I tell them the big thing is cleaning them wet. If you get the dirt and grease off of the lens then there should be no problem. Of course I advise against things like Windex.

[Dave Nelson]

I've been hearing about the paper-scratching-lenses for years, but never seen it happen. I often suggest soap and water, and a clean dry cloth. Oh, and lets not forget to use an old toothbrush to clean the whole unit once in a while, to keep "cheese" to a minimum.

[motelska]

We just tell them warm soapy water and Baby Diapers. They're soft and don't leave lint. Plus you can use them all around the house. Or plain rubbing alcohol.

[Barry Santini]

Clean with our lens cleaner: "pay me now"

Clean them *your* way: "pay me later"

Your choice!

Barry

[Happylady]

Where did this whole can't use paper on lenses start? Was it when most plastic lenses were uncoated? Has anyone seen a decent paper towel or tissue scratch a clean lens?

If I hear one more optician tell patients not to use paper....I'll scream! A clean tissue is so much better then a dirty cloth or shirt.

[Ory]

We just tell them warm soapy water and Baby Diapers. They're soft and don't leave lint. Plus you can use them all around the house. Or plain rubbing alcohol.

I have some baby diapers around the house that I certainly wouldn't use to clean glasses.:drop:

[EyeFitWell]

Honestly, I've always said tissue's are OK, but paper towels and toilet paper are not. I've never used a bounty on my lenses, and I'd bet it would be OK, but the type of paper towels found in public bathrooms would cause an issue (I would think).
So many of our patients have Alize, I don't really worry about it much. Since I got Alize, I'm guilty of cleaning them with my shirt, and after a year, I still don't have a single tiny scratch.
I am careful to warn ladies that hair dye contains Ammonia, so if they are using hair dye products, switch to the back up pair!

[chip anderson]

If things are very oily (Someone tried to adjust after eating French fries or tater chips) try cleaning frame and lenses with naptha (lighter fluid) it makes an excellent solvent for many things, doesn't attack plastic. Will remove sticky substances left by labels and tape. Cheap if bought in hardware or paint store in gallon quantities. Despite being "lighter fluid" it's not too flamable or explosive (as compared to acetone and alcohol).

Chip

[DragonLensmanWV]

We tell our customers to use warm soapy water, rinse well, and use a100% cotton cloth - no polyesters or synthetics. I often suggest if they have an old cotton flannel shirt to cut out a section and use that. Of course we offer microfiber cloths too and cleaner - silicone based.

[Andrew Weiss]

We tell our customers to use warm soapy water, rinse well, and use a100% cotton cloth - no polyesters or synthetics. I often suggest if they have an old cotton flannel shirt to cut out a section and use that. Of course we offer microfiber cloths too and cleaner - silicone based.

Same, except I suggest cutting up an old tee-shirt :D

Actually, with A/R lenses in particular I strongly recommend using a specially-formulated A/R lens cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth. I also remind the patients to wash the cloth out every couple of weeks at least, and not to use fabric softener or soaps with lotions.

It's amazing how many people still think it's ok to use Windex on their nice, high-index, A/R coated lenses

[victor]

Shield AR cleaner by Hilco. We give a 2 oz. bottle with each purchase. We also put a small microfiber cloth in a hard case for each pair. We encourage the use of cotton handkercheifs as well, and will refill the lens cleaner for free. Purchased in bulk, these supplies don't cost much, especially in light of the fact that hard cases, cleaner, and cleaning cloths reduce remakes and increase patient satisfaction.

[Warspite]

Ok again an opportunity to address my pet peeve, lens cleaning. The key, as many of the experienced dispensers have posted is, making sure that the wearer rinse their eyewear off FIRST with water before using any kind of towel or cloth, thus discharging particals attached to the lens and diminishing the chances of that abrasive material scratching the lens. I use to have my patients make up their own cleaner if they wanted, distilled water, vinager and a drop or two of simple basic liquid soap...no hand softeners. This worked out great and was appreciated by my clients.