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How to Remove Scratches from Eyeglasses?

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An eyeglass lens with light scratches and smudges.

You’re cleaning your glasses when you notice it–a scratch right across the lens, and rightfully so, your heart sinks a little. 

One tiny scratch may not seem like a big deal at first, but it can make a noticeable difference in how your glasses feel and function. 

While the internet is full of DIY remedies promising to restore your lenses to their original clarity, many of them can actually cause more damage than good. 

My Glasses Have Scratches: Is This Normal?

Don’t worry, it happens. Whether from dropping, cleaning them with the wrong materials, or simply everyday wear and tear, glasses aren’t indestructible and will probably scratch at some point. 

Glasses are constantly exposed to dust, dirt, and debris throughout the day. When you clean them without proper techniques or materials, these particles can act like sandpaper against the lens surface. Even something as simple as placing your glasses face down on a table can create micro-scratches that accumulate over time.

While scratches are common, they’re not something you should simply accept. With proper care, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of damage and keep your glasses in top shape. 

Why Lens Material Matters

Before even attempting to remove any scratches, you have to know the material of your lens. What works for one lens can permanently damage another. 

  • Plastic lenses are lightweight and impact-resistant, but they’re also more prone to scratching than other materials. These lenses often have special coatings, and any DIY attempt can damage them, making your vision worse than before.
  • Polycarbonate lenses are even more impact-resistant but are also more susceptible to scratching. The scratch-resistant coating on polycarbonate lenses is particularly delicate, and home remedies can easily strip it away.
  • Glass lenses are less common but are naturally more scratch-resistant than plastic alternatives. However, they’re heavier and can shatter upon impact. Even with glass lenses, attempting to remove scratches yourself can create cloudiness or distortion.

The coatings on your lenses add another layer of complexity. 

Anti-reflective coatings, blue light filters, and photochromic treatments all have different chemical compositions that can react unpredictably to home remedies. What appears to be a scratch might actually be damage to the coating rather than the lens itself.

A person carefully cleans their eyeglasses with a microfibre cloth before storing them away in the lens case.

Avoid DIY Solutions 

You’ve probably seen countless articles suggesting household items like toothpaste, baking soda, or even car wax to remove scratches from glasses. While these methods can occasionally show minor improvements, they’re far more likely to cause permanent damage to your lenses.

  • Toothpaste: While it might polish out very minor scratches on glass, it can completely ruin plastic lenses and their coatings. Toothpaste is abrasive and can create more scratches than it removes.
  • Baking soda paste: Like toothpaste, it’s abrasive and can scratch plastic lenses further. It can also react with lens coatings in unpredictable ways, potentially causing permanent discolouration or haziness.
  • Car wax and furniture polish: While they might seem logical since they remove scratches from other surfaces, their chemicals aren’t optical-friendly, and can leave residues that are impossible to completely remove.
  • Etching cream: This is sometimes suggested for glass lenses, but it’s extremely dangerous and can cause chemical burns. It’s also likely to make scratches worse rather than better, and it can permanently damage any coatings on your lenses.

Here’s the fundamental problem with DIY solutions: they are not designed for optical lenses. What might work acceptably on the windshield of your car or smartphone screen can render your glasses almost useless for vision correction. 

Besides, many scratches that appear to be in the lens are actually in the coating. No home remedy can properly repair this damage, and attempting to do so often makes the problem so much worse. 

Invest in Professional Repairs

When you notice scratches on your glasses, avoid DIY solutions altogether and call your optometrist instead, further emphasizing why you should purchase your glasses from them: 

  • Professional evaluation: This determines whether you’re dealing with actual lens scratches or just damaged coatings. Sometimes what appears to be a scratch is actually debris or coating damage that can be safely cleaned or polished away with the right tools. 
  • The proper repair techniques: Your vision team understands how different lens materials and coatings interact with treatments. If your scratches are minor and only affect the coating, they might strip and reapply the coating at a fraction of the cost of new lenses.
  • Warranty considerations: Many lens manufacturers offer warranties that cover certain types of damage, including scratches under normal use. Attempting DIY repairs will often void these warranties. 

Your vision is too important to risk on untested home remedies. Your eye care team is here to make any necessary repairs to maintain the quality of your lenses. 

Tips for Scratch Prevention

Prevention is always better than a cure when it comes to eyeglass care. With proper maintenance and handling, you can significantly extend the life of your lenses and avoid scratches altogether: 

  • Proper cleaning technique: Always rinse your glasses with lukewarm water first to remove dust and debris. Use only lens-specific cleaning solutions and microfibre cloths. Never use paper towels, tissues, or your shirt, as these can contain particles that can scratch lenses.
  • Safe storage: Protect your glasses when you’re not wearing them. Always use a hard case when possible, and never place your glasses lens-down.
  • Regular maintenance: Your optometrist offers complimentary cleaning services that can remove buildup and minor scratches before they become problematic. They can also adjust your frames to fit properly, which reduces the likelihood of the glasses sliding around and getting scratched.
  • Protective coatings: While no coating can make lenses completely scratch-proof, they provide valuable protection against everyday wear and tear.

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, scratches on your glasses become severe enough that professional repair isn’t feasible, which usually indicates it’s time for replacement.

Keep Your Vision Clear

Scratches on your lenses are frustrating, but they don’t have to be permanent. 

While DIY solutions may seem tempting, they rarely deliver the results you’re hoping for and often exacerbate the problem. Professional repair offers a much better chance of restoring your lenses safely and effectively.

The next time you notice a scratch on your lenses, resist the urge to try home remedies. Instead, visit our See Eye Clinic team for a proper evaluation and treatment. Your vision (and wallet) will thank you! 

Written by See Eye Clinic

Dr. Smith-Bodiroga established See Eye Clinic in the summer of 2015 with a big vision: to offer thorough patient care using optometric expertise and diagnostic medical technologies.

See Eye Clinic built a stunning eyewear section to ensure everyone has access to a wide selection of glasses to fit their face, style and mood. Every pair of frames in our boutique are hand-picked from premium and independent brands to offer you a look that’s as unique as you.

Book your next eye exam with See Eye Clinic in Winnipeg today!

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