Can Vaping Damage Your Eyewear? Here's How to Care for Your Specs and Lenses
Vaping has become a prominent phenomenon in the United States, with the rapid adoption and use of e-cigarettes spreading across the population. In 2022, around 8% of the population reported smoking e-cigarettes. Millions in the country have taken up vaping, posing health concerns. However, another threat is also emerging, particularly for eyewear users. Billions of people worldwide require vision correction due to refractive errors or other vision issues, and wearing eyewear is the most common way to enhance visual clarity.
In the US alone, around 204.1 million adults (79%) use a form of vision correction, including eyeglasses, prescription sunglasses, reading glasses, and contact lenses.
With a high population of eyewear users and a significant amount of Americans who vape, there's bound to be some overlap between the two groups. Vapers who wear glasses or contact lenses may see some damage to their eyewear, a struggle on top of eye issues that vaping exacerbates. Here's how vaping can affect eyewear and how to care for it properly:
Vaping's Impacts on Eyewear
Vaping exposes your eyes to chemicals and compounds, some of which can irritate the delicate surfaces of your glasses. The more wear and tear your lenses experience from vaping, the more you'll have to have your specs repaired or even replaced, which can be costly. Another issue is what the vapor leaves behind while smoking. Cigarettes tend to stain glasses with a yellow hue due to the chemicals in tobacco and tar. Similarly, the vapor from your e-cigarette can leave a filmy residue on your lenses, hindering clarity and making them smudgy. Even if you wipe it off, it won't clear up the haziness but further spread the gunk. There's also concern that vape ingredients might contribute to dry eyes. Dry eye can worsen contact lens wear or exacerbate existing eye conditions.
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Caring for Your Eyewear
If eyewear is a part of your daily life, here are a couple of caring tips:
- Use both hands: When taking off your glasses, use both hands to keep the earpieces straight and aligned.
- Avoid the Top of Your Head: Don't rest your glasses on your head, as this can distort their shape.
- Rinse Before Wiping: Rinse your glasses with clean water to remove dust before wiping.
- Lens Cleaning Solution: Use a lens cleaning spray for stubborn spots.
- Regular Adjustments: Have your glasses adjusted once or twice yearly to ensure a proper fit.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Don't use household cleaners or ammonia-based products on your glasses.
- Proper Storage: Store your glasses in a protective case when not in use.
Below, we will describe the most important topics regarding how to prolong the lifespan of your eyewear while you vape.
Invest in High-Quality Eyewear
To avoid constantly repairing or replacing damaged eyewear from vaping, consider investing in a high-quality pair of glasses that can handle cleanings and build-up. Buying from reputable brands or sources can help you find a suitable frame that lasts longer than you may have purchased at a convenience store or drugstore. Eyebuydirect's Vinyl and Hubris glasses are well-crafted, stylish, and won't break the bank. You're also eligible for a 365-day guarantee should there be any noticeable defects with the glasses, and you can get a one-time replacement pair. Rather than put up with cheap frames, a solid pair of glasses from a trustworthy source can make it easier to manage any problems that may arise with vaping.
Clean Regularly
Ignoring the build-up of gunk on your eyewear can affect your eyewear's functionality. Make cleaning your glasses a daily habit, or do so after a vaping session. Use a microfiber cloth designed explicitly for lenses to avoid scratches. For stubborn grime, rinse your glasses with lukewarm water and mild dish soap. Make sure to dry them thoroughly with your microfiber cloth. If you have trouble cleaning up cloudy film or need more intensive repairs, consider an occasional professional cleaning to remove any deep-seated residue. If you wear contact lenses while vaping, cleaning them in solution or disposing of them afterward may help prevent discomfort. You can also use eye drops to avoid any dryness that can irritate. It may be best not to wear them while vaping just to be safe.
Quit Vaping
The best way to avoid any eyewear or eye health issues from vaping is to quit altogether. Even if you clean your eyewear diligently or buy a good pair of glasses, you're still dealing with the root of the problem: your e-cigarette. To avoid any increased complications or costs, you can try quitting cold turkey to make an immediate change. Set a firm quit date, get rid of your vaping devices and tools, and reach out to your support network for help. It won't be easy, but tracking your progress and seeing how much you save instead of buying vape gear or repairing and replacing eyewear can motivate you to continue. You can also consider quitting gradually with the help of smokeless alternatives to curb cravings and prevent adverse withdrawal symptoms.