Today let’s tackle our eyeglasses and sunglasses.  Begin by collecting all items that pertain to eyeglasses, contacts or sunglasses.  Be sure to include all cases, pairs of glasses, lens cleaner, contact solutions,  cleaning cloths, repair kits, etc.  Gather all these items together and lay them out on a dry towel.  Inspect each item.  If the eyeglasses need repair, put them in a small, clear ziptop bag to take to the optometrist for repair.  If you have a home repair kit, make those minor repairs now.  For all glasses, tighten all screws on the sides with a small screwdriver (usually included in your repair kit), so that you are preventing an inconvenient breakage.

Now it is time to clean all the glasses. With a mild soap and warm water, thoroughly wash all the glasses in the soapy solution using only your fingertips.  Rinse well and place on the towel to dry.  Do not wipe dry to avoid scratches.  Once dry, put into eyeglass cases. Make certain to store the glasses in cases or by wrapping them in a soft cloth before putting into the storage container.  We want to avoid all scratches and damage by storing gently.  You can also use Pledge for cleaning your glasses.  Spray with pledge and wipe with microfiber cloth until the lens are clear.  For an easy how to tutorial:  check out the following link:

http://www.ehow.com/how_12526_clean-eyeglasses.html

Now find a container: a basket, lidded box, or drawer where you will house all of the glasses and items pertaining to glasses. A box is very functional as when you have an appointment with your optometrist, you can just grab the box and go.  This way you have all the glasses together so that your optometrist can check the pairs that need adjusting or fixing.  Store all the items together so that when you need them, you will know where to find them.   A crystal bowl or lidded porcelain or ceramic bowl can house the lens cleaner and repair kit.  A nice hat box can serve as the storage device for all the eyeglass items.  Think creatively as each time you go to retrieve something from this box, you will feel calm, peaceful, content and happy.  This is a way to constantly affirm our daily happiness and feelings of harmony.  In addition, you will feel more organized and in control of your time and your life.

Oh, and I do understand if you have glasses stationed all over the house for certain tasks.  You can certainly put a pair of glasses where you may need them such as your office, reading chair or sewing station.  A suggestion would be to have a dedicated storage device for glasses in these areas whether it be a eyeglass case or a beautiful crystal vase, this storage device will help to keep your glasses from getting broken or scratched. Another suggestion would be to make a eyeglass kit for your car.  Many of us need glasses to drive, whether they be prescription glasses or sunglasses. When your glasses are dirty we usually grab just about anything to get them clean while we are in the car.  If you make a kit for cleaning to store in the car, you will have a system installed to immediately deal with cleaning your glasses. This is safer and will reduce the amount of scratches on your glasses.

Here’s how to make a kit: get a small purse or pouch that you are not using.  Put a piece of soft cloth, something like a microfiber will work well.  Next, put some cleaning solution in the pouch.  Voila!!! Easy as that. Now store this in your glovebox or console for when you need to clean your glasses in the car.  You can ask your optometrist for solution to clean your glasses. They usually have samples that they use for advertising and these are perfect for the car.  If not, try making your own solution.  The formula is ¾ water, ¼ alcohol and a couple of drops of liquid soap.  Try this link:  http://www.ehow.com/video_4400366_make-cleaning-solution-eyeglasses.html

Oh and BTW: is it time for that eye exam?  Most optometrists will conduct an exam for free or very inexpensively.  Now is a good time to get that exam done!Think about scheduling a yearly eye exam and glasses maintenance session with your optometrist. This is a family necessity so include everyone!

Don’t forget that beauty routine!!