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+--- Thread: Speaking of smudging on optical surfaces... (/showthread.php?tid=11485)
Speaking of smudging on optical surfaces... - PeterB - 05-16-2006
Here's a question.
I recently got a new pair of eyeglasses, and these things seem to get smudged/dirty/dusty incredibly quickly, relative to my previous pairs. Especially at the tops of the lenses, where my eyebrows make contact with the glass. It's incredibly annoying, because it means I have to take the glasses off every half hour or so to clean them, and when I clean them, it seems just to move the smudges around, not get rid of them.
They seem to have some sort of coating, not sure if it's nonscratch or what, that looks kinda iridescent purplish/green if you hold the lenses to the light at the right angle. I'm guessing this is what's causing the problem, because I don't remember seeing this on any previous pair of glasses I've had.
Anyone know how to get rid of the coating, and/or keep them clean? I'm tempted to call my optician about this, but I'm not sure he'll do anything, because this is actually the second pair I've had to have remade (first time, optician's sloppy handwriting caused the prescription to come back wrong; second time, he made some sort of entry error which caused them to be wrong).
Re: Speaking of smudging on optical surfaces... - Racer X - 05-16-2006
what that is, is an anti-reflective coating. It cuts down on glare on the inside of the lens from reflections from alongside or behind you. Think of a strong light directly behind you, reflecting into the lens, then into your eyes.
It cuts down on glare and pumps the contrast up a bit, as even low level glare on those lenses will degrade the image. You may not even notice it, but it does happen.
The downside, is that that coating is a pain in the ass. I get the same thing from oil on my upper cheekbones getting on the lower outside edge of my lenses, and the eyebrow area.
the best solution is a microfiber cleaning cloth and to use it frequently. That coating is rather soft, and easy to scratch.
And to clean the microfiber cloth when it gets loaded with oil, which it will. it will smear, instead off clean, is to use a low or no residue liquid detergent and a sink full of water. Rinse it really well, and let it hang dry.
I have been using microfiber cloths for well over a decade, since they were originally known to people whose jobs revolved around optical instrumentation, then pro photographers started to use them. Some high end multi-coated lenses just smear when you use normal cleaners. And some cleaners will leave a residue.
Re: Speaking of smudging on optical surfaces... - PeterB - 05-16-2006
Thanks Racer X. Yes, I tried using iClear and a microfiber cloth, and weirdly enough, it didn't seem to get rid of the smudging... you would think that hot water would do it, but that didn't work either... I may end up making a trip back to the optician to see what he can do.
Re: Speaking of smudging on optical surfaces... - Racer X - 05-17-2006
I think iClear may have some lubricant of some sort in it. Just a wild guess.
Re: Speaking of smudging on optical surfaces... - New.Dad - 05-17-2006
I had the same problem, and changing the brand of soap/shampoo/aftershave/etc. improved the situation, you want to make sure your skin is not super greasy (but also make sure it is not dry either!). Take this as an advice, not as an insult, please. Speaking from experience here... also, at lunchtime since I brush my teeth anyway, I also wash my face.
Also, a *good* microfiber cloths helps a lot.
Re: Speaking of smudging on optical surfaces... - Racer X - 05-17-2006
yes, there is an incredible array of microfiber cloths. Some are crap, and others good. You need one with a wee bit of "tooth" to it to sort of get into the smud and lift it up, rather than skim across it.
After you use it a bit, even the oils from your hands will plug the cloth up, so they do need to be cleaned every now and then. If you have ever weighed a fingerprint on a super accurate scale, you will begin to understand that you are covered in crud, no matter how clean you think you are.
Re: Speaking of smudging on optical surfaces... - PeterB - 05-17-2006
New.Dad, don't worry, I didn't take it as an insult. I get this stuff on my glasses even if I've JUST washed my face. So it must be the coating, at least to some extent. Even getting water on these things seems to make them dirty.
Re: Speaking of smudging on optical surfaces... - cbelt3 - 05-17-2006
Basic All Purpose male cleaning tool- 100% cotton handkerchief. (Must have been washed a few times). Keep in pocket. Remove glasses, moisten with breath, lightly polish glasses with circular motion.
Keeps 'em clean, and gives you time to think before you respond.
Wearing glasses is the 21st century replacement for a pipe. or as is said:
A Pipe gives a wise man time to think, and a fool something to stick in his mouth.
