How To Get Scratches Out Of Glasses
We all try our best to take care of our glasses. Unfortunately, scratches happen. Searching online, you’ll find dozens of DIY solutions for fixing scuffs and surface damage involving everything from toothpaste to high-end cleaning supplies. But are these really the best ways to restore your scuffed lenses?
Before we get into that, let’s take a look at why glasses get scratched in the first place.
Why do my glasses get scratched so easily?
Even though we call them “glasses,” modern lenses are seldom made from glass. Sure, you can still get glass lenses through special order, but today’s lenses are more commonly made from different types of plastic.
Plastic lenses are both safer and lighter than glass lenses. If something were to cause your glass lenses to break or shatter, it would be dangerous for this to happen so close to your face and eyes.
Unfortunately, the tradeoff is scratch resistance. Plastic is softer than glass and scratches more easily, making plastic lenses more prone to surface wear.
This is why it’s super important to follow best practices when cleaning your lenses.
What are the best ways to get rid of scratches on glasses?
For light scratches, use a small microfiber cloth to clean your lenses. Pinch the cloth between your thumb and index finger and gently wipe in a circular motion over the surface of the lens. This alone may remove very light scratches.
You can also try water and a drop of mild dish soap when cleaning your glasses. Dish soap is gentler than most cleaners, making it a far safer option for deep-cleaning your lenses. Use a microfiber cloth and gentle, circular motions to rinse and remove any excess soap.
For smudges or other stubborn marks, a small amount of isopropyl alcohol can also be used. Again, a microfiber cloth and circular motion are the best way to clean.
Beyond these suggestions, there’s not much else you can do to remove deep gouges or scuffs from your lenses without causing more harm.
If you still see scratches that don’t affect your vision, it’s often best to leave them alone. Any hard scrubbing or excess force is likely to cause more scratches and damage them further.
Don’t try this at home: these “solutions” won’t work!
If you’ve done any online research before landing here, you’ve probably already stumbled upon more than a few at-home solutions for fixing scratched glasses.
The following remedies should be avoided, as most of them can permanently damage your lenses or even cause serious injury.
Products such as window cleaner, toothpaste, and glass etching cream are abrasive and/or damaging to plastics. As mentioned above, lenses are not made from glass, so any abrasive cleaning materials can permanently damage your glasses. Glass-etching cream is especially dangerous and needs to be handled with gloves, otherwise it can cause serious skin burns.
We’ve also seen articles recommending wax to fill in scratches. Wax-based products may fill in the scratch, but the fix will be temporary. The wax can also create hard-to-remove smudges on your lenses, which may lead to more scratches as you try to clean them off.
While some of these solutions may seem to remove scratches, they can also strip away lens coatings, such as anti-reflective, anti-static, blue-light blocking, or UV protection. These protective layers may cost extra. As a result, by using these solutions, you may be removing functional lens coatings you paid for.
When should I replace my glasses?
If scratches on your glasses are affecting your vision or feel overly distracting, it’s time to say goodbye. Having a new pair of lenses will be better than the frustration of scratches or any permanent damage you could cause by cleaning them too harshly.
Of course, it’s not all bad. Most eye doctors recommend updating your prescription and replacing your lenses every two years. If it’s been a while since you last updated your prescription, scratched lenses could be a reminder that it’s time for another eye exam.
If you’re replacing your lenses due to intolerable scratches, consider getting an anti-scratch coating on your next pair. While you’re at it, we’d suggest reviewing the different types of lens coatings before you order your new lenses. Life changes, so your needs may have changed as well. It’s always good to keep up on what options are available to help improve your vision and protect your eyes.
Get replacement lenses for scratched glasses at Yesglasses.
At Yesglasses, many of our lenses include a range of eyeglass coatings. Choose from anti-static, anti-scratch, blue-light blocking, and more. You’ll also find a wide selection of frame materials and styles to match with your new lenses. Best of all, anti-reflective and anti-scratch coatings are completely free!
Shop All Eyeglasses
