Why Eyeglasses Get Smeared with Fatty-Like Substances
The fatty-like smears on eyeglasses are primarily caused by natural skin oils, cosmetics, and environmental contaminants that transfer from your hands, face, and eyelashes to the lens surface during normal handling and wear.
Main Causes of Eyeglass Smearing
- Skin oils (sebum) - Natural oils from your skin, especially from fingers when handling glasses, transfer to lenses and create smears 1
- Cosmetic products - Mascara, hand creams, moisturizers, and facial products can deposit on lenses when they come in contact with the skin or eyelashes 1, 2
- Environmental contaminants - Airborne particles, pollution, and household products can adhere to lenses and mix with oils to create smudges 1
- Improper cleaning techniques - Not rubbing lenses during cleaning leaves behind stubborn deposits that accumulate over time 3, 2
How These Substances Transfer to Your Glasses
- Direct skin contact - Touching glasses with fingers transfers oils and cosmetics 1, 4
- Face contact - Glasses resting on nose and ears pick up skin oils 1
- Eyelash contact - Mascara and natural oils from eyelashes can transfer to lenses 2
- Improper storage - Placing glasses on surfaces with contaminants 1
Effective Cleaning Solutions
Proper Cleaning Technique
- Always rub lenses when cleaning - Studies show that not rubbing is ineffective in removing deposits, regardless of solution used or rinsing time 3, 2
- Use appropriate cleaning solutions - Commercial lens cleaners specifically designed for eyeglasses are most effective 1
- Avoid water-only cleaning - Water alone cannot remove oil-based deposits 3
Materials to Use
- Microfiber cloths - Specially designed for eyeglasses to remove deposits without scratching 1
- Commercial eyeglass cleaners - Formulated to break down oils and other deposits 1
Prevention Tips
- Wash hands before handling - Reduces transfer of oils and contaminants to lenses 4
- Keep glasses in a case when not in use - Prevents environmental contamination 1
- Clean glasses regularly - Daily cleaning prevents buildup of stubborn deposits 3, 2
- Avoid touching lenses - Handle glasses by the frames to minimize oil transfer 4
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- "No-rub" cleaning methods - Research shows these are ineffective for removing deposits, with studies demonstrating that lenses cleaned without rubbing retained significantly more deposits (median grade 4.0) compared to those cleaned with rubbing (median grade 0.5) 2
- Using clothing to clean lenses - Can scratch lenses and transfer more oils 1
- Using household cleaners - May damage lens coatings 1
- "Topping off" cleaning solutions - Using old solution with new reduces effectiveness 5
While the evidence provided focuses primarily on contact lens care, the principles regarding oil deposits and cleaning techniques apply similarly to eyeglasses, as both involve optical surfaces that collect oils and require proper cleaning to maintain clarity.