A: Definition of Problem

Problem Statement

According to industry experts, glasses can easily be damaged by casual cleanings, leaving the lens with a scratched surface that can hinder vision. This is due to ordinary tissue paper and many types of clothing being highly abrasive. The Vision Council of America Approximates that 75% of the population wears some sort of vision correction. Although cleaning methods that do not scratch glasses exist, like cleaning spray or ultrasonic cleaning machines, they do not offer ease of portability.

Evidence

Source:

Kennedy, N. C. (2018, March 15). My glasses are always dirty! Retrieved February 28, 2019, From http://www.kilcullenoptician.com/my-glasses-are-always-dirty-what-should-i-do-they-are-

driving-me-crazy/

• Glasses also get dirty if you have a tendency to have oily skin, dry flaky skin, if you wear makeup, or if you use moisturiser on your face or hands.
• Dust can build up on your glasses overnight.

Source:

Vint and York. (2017, September 18). Best & Worst Ways to Clean Your Eyeglasses or Sunglasses. Retrieved February 28, 2019, from https://www.vintandyork.com/content/how-to-clean-eyeglasses/

• NEVER clean your glasses without using liquid, even with a microfiber cloth. Particles of dust with be depressed into the glass from the cloth and as you move will scratch your lenses.
• Also, you can’t clean your glasses with Windex, Lysol or any type of window cleaner, ammonia or other stronger chemical cleaning supplies on the lenses. If you have any kind of anti-reflective coating, it will start to break it down and eventually destroy it.

Source:

Essilor News. (n.d.). The Right Way to Clean Glasses. Retrieved February 28, 2019, from https://www.essilorusa.com

• The clear (scratch resistant) coating applied to the lenses makes the surface much harder-up to 10 times harder than uncoated-but won't eliminate all scratches.
• They carry dust and fibers that can scratch your lenses.
• According to the American Optometric Association, the best cleaning solution is quite simple: dishwashing soap and warm water.

Source:

Relay Health. (2014). Eyeglass Care. Retrieved February 28, 2019, from https://www.summitmedicalgroup.com/library/adult_health/ea_eyeglass_care/

• Lenses that are scratched can cause blurry vision, glare, or annoying reflections.
• Your glasses will last longer and keep your vision clear if you keep them clean

Source

Spring Klein 2020. (n.d.). The Right (and the Wrong) Way to Clean Your Glasses. Retrieved March 11, 2019, from https://www.springkleinvision.com/2017/03/30/the-right-way-to-clean-your-glasses-2017/

• most of us are tempted to grab the corner of our shirt and wipe it off, but resist the temptation – this is actually not a good idea.
• Cleaning your glasses properly will not only remove irritating dirt and smudges, but will also prevent your lenses from getting scratched allowing you to see your best.
• The microfiber cloths are also great for polishing dry lenses after any dust or particles are blown away
• Don’t use vinegar, glass or window cleaner, bleach, ammonia or spit/saliva for cleaning your lenses. The chemicals could strip off the coatings on your lenses

Source

Heiting, G., OD. (2017, August). Eyeglass Lens Coatings: Anti-Reflective, Scratch-Resistant, Anti-Fog and UV. Retrieved March 11, 2019, from https://www.allaboutvision.com/lenses/coatings.htm

• No eyeglass lenses — not even glass lenses — are scratch-proof.
• To keep your glasses looking new, store them in a cushioned case when not in use, and clean your lenses with a microfiber cloth and the cleaning solution your optician recommends.
• Also, be wary of products that promise to repair scratched lenses. These products may fill in the scratches, but it is impossible for them to make the scratches disappear so the lenses look new again.

Source Credentials

Our sources are found from the first page of google results, and center around individuals or groups that are:

• Eye Care Specialists
• Optometrists
• Medical Professionals

Stakeholders

Experts

Summit Medical Group

-Physician owned multi specialty practice out of New-Jersey

Nichola C. Kennedy

- Optometrist out of Kildare, Ireland

Vint and York

-New York based eyewear company

-Specializes in eyewear design

Essilor USA

-Ophthalmic optics company

-Specializes in products for vision correction and protection

We see experts in the industry all stating that it is important to keep glasses clean for various reasons such as keeping your vision clear, preventing from bacterial infections, or extending the lifetime of your glasses. Looking at cleaning glasses, their are methods that experts deem acceptable for cleaning glasses, but we see experts suggesting that people use their shirt to wipe off their glasses purely out of convenience, but over time the coarse nature of shirts or clothing can reduce the clarity of lenses.

Who’s Invested?

Being able to cater to the 75% percent of the the population that wears vision correction offers a wide range of people’s interests to pursue. Designing a portable cleaning method could point towards people that carry purses, or maybe students that carry backpacks, or it could steer away from a separate carrying vessel altogether and include nearly anyone that wears glasses.