Why should you never touch micrscope lenses with your fingers?

You should never touch microscope lenses with your fingers because the oils and dirt from your skin can leave smudges and residues that degrade image quality and clarity. These contaminants can also lead to scratches on the lens surface, which can permanently damage the optics. Additionally, maintaining clean lenses is essential for accurate observations and preserving the longevity of the microscope. Always use lens paper or a microfiber cloth for cleaning instead.