Do Sunglasses Have an Expiry Date?

Winter is a good time to do a "spring cleaning" in your sunglasses drawer.

Sunglasses are not just a fashion accessory, but also a useful tool that protects our eyes from the sun's harmful rays. Therefore, don't wait for old frames to come back into style, but make sure the lenses are in impeccable condition.

How Long Do Lenses Last?

There is no simple answer to this question, as every person has different usage habits. If you have been responsible and purchased glasses with a UV filter, keep in mind that this coating is not eternal. To understand this process, it is useful to think of sunscreen—we apply it repeatedly because it needs to be renewed for various reasons.

There are several factors that affect its quality. Firstly, solar radiation affects the UV filter—it gradually loses its effectiveness. On average, this happens over one to two years if the pair of glasses is used daily.

Secondly, there is mechanical damage. This can occur if you clean the glasses with unsuitable fabric, if you do not store them in a special case, and if you place them on surfaces with the lenses face down. Moreover, the damage may not even be noticeable. If the glasses do not have visible scratches, it does not mean that the invisible UV filter is undamaged.

What to Do?

It is a good idea to perform an audit of your sunglasses collection and get rid of those that have been in active use for a long time and may not have been used carefully. Remember that the sun's rays significantly affect your vision, so it is a good idea to be selective in this regard. If you are unsure, you can go to an optics store and ask a specialist to check the UV filter's effectiveness.

To make your glasses last longer, buy several frames for different life situations and use them in parallel. This way, you will extend the lifespan of each pair, and you will have sunglasses suitable for various outfits.

And, of course, observe habits that help the UV filter last longer. Here are a few tips on how to do this:

Protect the glasses from scratches—do not put them in your pocket or bag without a special case.
Clean them with a suitable liquid; do not use alcohol, vinegar, or household chemicals that are not specifically intended for this purpose.
Likewise, choose a special, soft spectacle cloth for wiping the lenses—do not use what comes to hand, such as clothing.
Do not leave the glasses exposed to direct sunlight, for example, on the car dashboard or windowsill at home.
Do not wear the glasses raised on your head when they are not needed—this creates the need to clean them again and rubs off the lens coating.

Once you have done the "big clean," it is time to refresh the collection! Take a look at Bergamo.lv or stop by our store in "Sky&More" and treat yourself to new, stylish frames that will not only look great but also protect your eyes from the sun.