How do you remove scratches from glasses lenses?

Scratches on glasses lenses are a common problem that can significantly impact visual clarity and disrupt your day. Whether it's your pair of glasses, camera lenses, or other devices, clear lenses are important for daily life activities.

In this article, we will talk about why and how your lenses develop scratches easily, do's and don'ts, and easy ways to get rid of scratches. We've got all the easy tips to make your glasses sparkle like new.

Let's get started on a journey to scratch-free lenses and clear vision.

Why do glasses lenses develop scratches so easily?

If you find that your pair of glasses easily gets scratched despite you looking after them, you're not alone. Several factors contribute to their susceptibility to scratches:

1. Most glasses lenses are made of premium-quality plastic. While plastic is durable and offers greater resistance to everyday wear, it is more prone to scratching than glass material. However, plastic is safer for close proximity to the eyes as it reduces the risk of cracking.
2. 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.
3. Using materials such as shirts, tissues or towels, to wipe lenses can leave behind lint, which can lead to scratches in glasses lenses.
4. Do not use 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/disrupt the vision. However, it is important to take care of your glasses. If the scratches on your lenses are causing one of the below issues, opt for a new pair of spectacles:

• 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

Ensure 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, we provide a scratch-resistant coating absolutely free. It comes with our Standard plus lens package with an added UVA/B protection. Why not explore our wide range of prescription glasses online and decide for yourself?

2. Maintain a proper cleaning routine for your glasses

To keep your glasses clean, it’s important to wipe them with a microfiber cloth regularly. This helps prevent dirt or debris from accumulating on the lenses, leading to smudges and scratches. It’s important to use optician-approved cleaning products, starting with a microfiber cloth to ensure proper cleaning.

Try our optician-approved all-in-one Feel Good Cleaning kit, which includes an alcohol-free lens cleaner, a microfiber cloth and a 3-in-1 keychain screwdriver. The handy spray bottle can effectively clean your prescription glasses and sunglasses, whereas the microfiber cloth can easily remove any dirt and debris on the glasses lenses.

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.

Why not try our sturdy Feel Good Glasses Case that features a snap-hinge closing, keeping your glasses and sunglasses in pristine condition and away from dirt particles?

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 plan.

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.

Will toothpaste remove scratches from glasses?

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.

Rubbing toothpaste on glass lenses can affect the lens coating, such as blue light coating, UV protection or tinting. As a result, the glasses may no longer provide adequate vision correction and may appear smudged or blurry, even after thorough cleaning.

Does baking soda fix scratches?

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.

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.

Avoid using abrasive substances, such as toothpaste and baking soda, to ensure your glasses last long. Instead, use gentle, specialised lens cleaners and microfiber 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. 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.