How to Store Reading Glasses and Protect Them From Damage

Reading glasses have a habit of ending up everywhere - beside the bed, on your desk, in your handbag or somewhere you were certain you'd remember leaving them.

The good news is that looking after your readers doesn't require an elaborate storage system.

A protective case, a few good habits and knowing what to avoid can help protect your frames and lenses from the scratches, heat and everyday knocks that come with regular use.

Here's how to store your reading glasses properly.

1. Use a Protective Case

The safest place for reading glasses when you're not wearing them is generally inside a protective case.

This is particularly important when you're carrying them in a handbag, work bag or luggage, where keys and other objects can easily come into contact with the lenses.

A case also helps protect the frame from being bent or crushed.

At Ministry of Sight, our reading glasses include a protective case, so you have somewhere suitable to keep them from day one.

2. Don't Put Your Glasses Lens-Down

We've all done it.

You take your readers off for a moment and place them on the nearest table or kitchen bench.

If you're not putting them directly into their case, try to avoid placing them with the lenses facing downwards.

Even apparently smooth surfaces can contain dust or grit capable of marking a lens.

Place your glasses with the lenses facing upwards instead.

Better still, put them back in their case.

3. Be Careful Where You Leave Them

Some places are simply better for glasses than others.

Try to avoid leaving your readers:

• On the edge of a table or bench
• Under books or papers
• Loose in the bottom of a handbag
• On a chair or sofa
• Somewhere children or pets can easily reach them
• In places exposed to excessive heat

Most everyday glasses damage isn't particularly dramatic. It happens because frames are sat on, dropped, scratched by something in a bag or accidentally knocked onto the floor.

A consistent place for your readers can prevent many of those accidents.

4. Don't Leave Reading Glasses in a Hot Car

This is particularly relevant in Australia.

A closed car can become extremely hot, so your dashboard or centre console isn't an ideal long-term home for your favourite readers.

Excessive heat isn't something you want to expose your frames or lens coatings to unnecessarily.

If you like keeping readers available for when you arrive somewhere, take them with you rather than leaving a favourite pair baking in the car.

5. Keep a Pair Where You Actually Use Them

There's a difference between storing reading glasses and hiding them so well that you can never find them.

If you regularly use readers in particular places, it makes sense to keep a pair nearby.

For example:

• At your desk
• Beside your favourite reading chair
• In your handbag or work bag
• Beside the bed
• In the kitchen for recipes and labels

If you own several pairs, this can be much easier than carrying the same pair from room to room all day.

Just make sure each pair has somewhere protected to live when you're not wearing it.

6. Clean Your Glasses Before Putting Them Away

A quick clean before storing your glasses helps keep them ready for the next time you reach for them.

Use a clean microfibre cloth designed for eyewear to remove fingerprints and everyday smudges.

Avoid reaching for your shirt, paper towel or whatever happens to be nearby.

For a more thorough clean, follow our reading glasses cleaning and care guide.

There's no need to turn cleaning into a ritual every time you remove your readers. The important thing is simply to treat the lenses gently and keep the inside of the case reasonably clean too.

7. Use an Eyewear Chain When You're Constantly Taking Readers On and Off

Sometimes the best storage solution isn't really storage at all.

If you spend your day repeatedly putting your reading glasses on and taking them off, an eyewear chain can keep them close without leaving them on tables, benches or the top of your head.

It can also turn your readers into more of an accessory.

Ministry of Sight's eyewear chains are designed to complement your frames while making everyday readers easier to keep within reach.

Explore glasses chains and accessories →

How Should You Store Acetate Reading Glasses?

Acetate frames are made to be worn and enjoyed, but good storage habits can help keep them looking their best.

When you're not wearing them:

• Keep them in their protective case
• Avoid prolonged exposure to excessive heat
• Don't leave them lens-down on hard surfaces
• Avoid crushing them underneath other belongings
• Clean them with appropriate eyewear materials

You don't need special cabinets, organisers or complicated maintenance routines.

A good case and sensible everyday handling go a long way.

For more about the material itself, read our guide to acetate reading glasses.

What About Travelling With Reading Glasses?

A protective case becomes even more important when you're travelling.

Don't simply throw your readers loose into hand luggage or a suitcase where they can be crushed by heavier belongings.

Keep them in their case and somewhere reasonably easy to reach.

If you depend on readers throughout the day, travelling with a second pair can also be sensible. It's much easier than trying to replace your only readers midway through a trip.

A Case Is Part of Owning Good Reading Glasses

Beautiful reading glasses are designed to be worn, not kept locked away.

But when they're not on your face, giving them somewhere protected to live is one of the simplest ways to look after them.

Use the case. Avoid excessive heat. Don't leave the lenses against hard surfaces. And if you're constantly wondering where you left your readers, consider keeping different pairs where you use them most.

A few simple habits can help your favourite frames stay looking good for longer.

At Ministry of Sight, our reading glasses include a complimentary protective case and microfibre cleaning cloth, so you can look after your readers from the moment they arrive.

Explore Ministry of Sight reading glasses →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to store reading glasses?

A protective case is one of the simplest ways to protect your reading glasses when they're not being worn, particularly when carrying them in a handbag, work bag or luggage.

Should I store glasses with the lenses facing up or down?

If your glasses aren't in their case, place them with the lenses facing upwards rather than directly against a surface. This reduces unnecessary contact between the lenses and potential dust or grit.

Can I leave reading glasses in the car?

It's better to avoid leaving your favourite reading glasses in a hot car for extended periods. Australian cars can become extremely hot, and prolonged heat isn't ideal for frames or lens coatings.

Should I keep my reading glasses in their case every night?

You don't have to make it complicated. Keeping them in their case overnight provides protection and also gives you a consistent place to find them the next morning.

How do I stop losing my reading glasses?

Keep your readers in consistent locations where you actually use them. If you're frequently taking them on and off, an eyewear chain can also help keep them close.

Do Ministry of Sight reading glasses come with a case?

Yes. Ministry of Sight reading glasses include a protective case and microfibre cleaning cloth.