How to Remove Scratches from Glasses
Scratches on your glasses’ lenses can cause all sorts of problems, from making it more difficult to see to messing up your outfit! Unfortunately, no matter how careful we are, we’re all bound to scratch our glasses at some point. We’re on a mission to simplify eye care. That means Visionworks is here to assist with all your glasses maintenance needs, including free cleanings and adjustments. To help you with scratched lenses, the team explains how to remove scratches from glasses at home. However, we must warn you—most scratched glasses can only be fixed by replacing the lenses. So, we’re also sharing ways to prevent scratches in the first place.
Can You Remove Glasses Lens Scratches at Home?
Scratches on glasses impair both appearance and function, so it’s important to get your lenses fixed quickly. Can you remove glasses scratches yourself? Well, yes and no. We’re sharing one method that may remove minor surface scratches from your lenses. However, fixing glasses yourself is risky because making a mistake could damage the lens coating and cause even more problems. Therefore, we always recommend bringing your glasses to a professional and taking preventive steps to reduce the chance of scratches and other damage.
How to Remove Scratches from Glasses in 5 Steps
If you are determined to try and remove the scratches from your glasses yourself, try this at-home method. Test a small area of the lens first to see how it reacts. Always use caution when trying to repair your lenses, so you don’t make the problem worse.
- Wash your hands so they won’t leave a residue on the lenses.
- Use a clean microfiber cloth or lens wipe to clean lenses thoroughly.
- Combine one to two tablespoons of baking soda with warm water and mix until they form a thick paste. Adjust the proportions if the paste feels too thick or too watery to apply evenly.
- Apply the paste to the scratched area of the lens and rub in small, circular motions with light pressure. It may be best to use a Q-tip to successfully target a small area. Remember, less is more. Don’t apply too much paste or press too hard on the lens because you could cause further damage.
- Rinse the paste off and dry the lens with a new, clean microfiber cloth. Ensure the lens is completely dry and inspect to see whether the scratch appears reduced.
Tip: Don’t Trust the Toothpaste Myth
There’s a viral toothpaste “hack” going around online that says you can rub toothpaste on your lenses to deep clean them and remove tiny scratches. However, we don’t recommend this method. Toothpaste’s texture (degree of abrasiveness) and ingredients vary widely. Particles that are too abrasive can damage the glasses’ lens and lens coatings. At the end of the day, the toothpaste hack just isn’t worth the risk!
When to Consult a Professional about Glasses Scratches
If the baking soda method doesn’t work or you’re hesitant to try the DIY approach, we recommend taking your scratched glasses to a professional. At Visionworks, we offer free glasses cleanings and adjustments for life. Regular cleanings help reduce the chances of particle buildup scraping your lenses. However, once scratched, often the only solution is to replace your lenses with new ones. Prevention is the best way to avoid glasses lens scratches.
How Do I Prevent Scratches on My Lenses?
Invest in Scratch-resistant Lenses
Investing in quality lenses is the best way to prevent scratches. At Visionworks, all our lenses come with scratch-resistant coatings. Additionally, we offer polycarbonate lenses that are two times more scratch-resistant than standard plastic lenses. These are perfect for kids and adults with an active lifestyle.
Ensure a Proper Fit
Finding glasses that fit your face shape is another crucial step to avoid scratches. If your glasses fit poorly, they can easily slip off and become scratched. Our Visionworks associates can help you find the right fit and provide free adjustments to ensure your glasses stay secure and comfortable.
Get Glasses Made for the Job
If you work in a field like construction or enjoy diving into home improvement projects, you may want to consider getting glasses made for the task at hand. If your lenses are likely to get scratched during a project, you probably need extra protection for your eyes, too. Custom safety glasses offer the protection you need to get the job done safely. Plus, you can keep your day-to-day glasses safe and protected in their case while you work.
Protect your Glasses & Keep them Clean
Following a few best practices helps keep your glasses scratch-free. First, store your glasses in their case when not using them. Glasses left on a table or in your bag or pocket are at risk of scratching or even breaking. Never set your glasses on their lenses and always handle your glasses from the temples. Finally, refrain from touching the lenses as much as possible—and clean them daily.
Visit your Local Visionworks to Get New Scratch-resistant Lenses
If your lenses are scratched, there is a big chance you won’t be able to repair them. So, stop by a Visionworks store near you today and replace your old lenses with new scratch-resistant ones. Our experts love to help by recommending all you need to see clearly, from new lenses to cleaning kits.
Information received through Visionworks® content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Claims regarding blue light efficiency are supported by manufacturer-provided test results.
