How to Prevent and Remove Scratches from Glasses Lenses?

• Why do my glasses lenses develop scratches so easily?
• Is it bad to wear scratched glasses?
• How do you prevent scratches on prescription glasses lenses?
• How to get scratches out of glasses using toothpaste?
• How do you get scratches out of eyeglasses using baking soda?
• Can opticians get scratches out of lenses?

Seeing through scratched lenses is certainly an annoying experience. Wondering how to get scratches out of glasses? We understand that scratches on glasses lenses are a common problem that can significantly impact visual clarity. The problem gets even more annoying when you rely on wearing your prescription glasses every day.

Unfortunately, there’s no way of fixing scratched eyeglasses. However, we have some optician-recommended tips to enhance the life of your glasses lenses. In this article, we will talk about why your glasses lenses develop scratches easily, simple ways to keep your glasses scratch-free and some myths to steer clear of. So, if you are into keeping your glasses sparkling like new, let's get started!

Why do my glasses lenses develop scratches so easily?

If your glasses get scratched easily, you're not alone. Even if you take good care of your glasses, there are several factors that can contribute to their susceptibility to scratches:

1. Material

Most glasses lenses are made of premium plastic that’s durable and lightweight, but more prone to scratching as compared to glass. Plastic lenses easily attract grit and dust particles, which can stick to the lens surface. Rubbing your glasses when the lenses are dirty can develop scratches on them.

2. Mishandling

Damaging your glasses lenses during everyday activities like exercising is quite common. Also, long exposure to extreme hot or cold weather conditions can disrupt the coating on your glasses lenses. Hence, you should avoid keeping your glasses in a hot car and wearing them while working out.

3. Unreliable cleaning supplies

Using materials such as shirts, tissues or towels, to wipe the lenses of your glasses can leave behind lint, which can lead to scratches. You should not use such materials and household glass cleaners as they can strip off the lens coatings, leaving them more vulnerable to damage.

Is it bad to wear scratched glasses?

Minor scratches do not majorly affect or disrupt the vision. However, it is important to take care of your glasses. If the scratches on your lenses are causing one of the issues mentioned below, opt for a new pair of spectacles as soon as possible:

• Headaches or eye strain
• Blurry vision

How do you prevent scratches on prescription glasses lenses?

It is important to keep your glasses safe to enjoy crisp and clear vision. Here are some easy-to-follow tips to prevent your prescription glasses lenses from scratches:

1. Opt for scratch-resistant coating

Glasses lens coating plays an important role in keeping your lenses and vision crystal-clear. Ensure that your lenses have a scratch-resistant coating, especially if you have opted for polycarbonate lenses, as they are more prone to scratches. Although this coating does not provide 100% protection from scratches, but it can act as a shield, resisting smudges or scratches to form on your glasses. At Feel Good Contacts, all the lenses packages (except the basic Bronze) offer a free scratch-resistant coating with an added UVA/B protection.

2. Maintain a proper cleaning routine for your glasses

To keep your glasses squeaky clean, it’s important to wipe them regularly with a microfibre cloth. This helps prevent dirt or debris from accumulating on the lenses, keeping smudges and scratches at bay.

3. Use a hard case for storage

Store your glasses in a hard case when you’re not wearing them. This protects them from being scratched or damaged. This simple step can significantly extend the shelf life of your glasses.

4. Switch to contact lenses during physical activities

Physical activities, such as sports or running, can pose a risk to your glasses. Wearing contact lenses could prevent your glasses from falling off and getting damaged, letting you focus on your game. Check out our premium-quality contact lenses online that are up to 50% cheaper than high street opticians.

5. Handle your glasses with care

Be gentle when handling your glasses. Avoid tossing them onto surfaces or into bags without considering the potential impact on the lenses. A proper cleaning regime for your glasses ensures they can continue to provide clear vision without scratches.

How to get scratches out of glasses using toothpaste?

It is not advisable to use toothpaste to remove scratches from glasses lenses. Toothpaste contains abrasive chemicals that can harm the lenses more than they can help. These chemicals can increase the scratches on the surface of the glasses, making them less effective and cloudy. Moreover, rubbing toothpaste on glass lenses can affect the lens coating, such as blue light coating, UV block or sun tints. As a result, the glasses may no longer provide adequate vision correction and may appear smudged or blurry, even after thorough cleaning.

How do you get scratches out of eyeglasses using baking soda?

We do not recommend using baking soda to reduce scratches from glasses or sunglasses. Just like toothpaste, it can cause damage to the glasses lenses. Rubbing baking soda on the surface of the glasses can lead to scratches, damaging the lens coating. Instead, use gentle, specialised lens cleaners and microfibre cloths to keep your glasses in pristine condition.

Can opticians get scratches out of lenses?

Opticians are trained professionals who can examine and offer guidance on lens damage, such as scratches on your glasses. They can identify scratches or if foreign particles have accumulated on the surface. Unfortunately, scratches are impossible to fix and can permanently damage the lens. In such cases, opticians suggest replacing the lenses to maintain clear vision.

We all know how tempting it is to resort to any video circulating on social media for DIY to remove minor scratches. However, it would rather cause more harm to your glasses than help you clear them for better vision. It is essential to replace the lenses if the scratch is obstructing your vision. Opticians can help you get new lenses tailored to fit your frames according to your prescription. You can also ask your optician for further advice for your glasses or prescription sunglasses. This includes instructions on how to keep your lenses clean and protect them from scratches in the future.

Disclaimer:The advice in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical care or an in-person check-up. Please check with an eyecare professional before purchasing any products or remedies. For information on our article review process, please refer to our Editorial Policy.