Are you among the millions of people who depend on glasses to see clearly? Then you likely understand the immense importance of having clear and clean corrective lenses. Scratches affect both the appearance and functionality of your eyewear. So, if your lenses are riddled with scratches, you need to find a fix as soon as possible.

Key Takeaways

• Glasses lenses are usually made of materials like CR-39, polycarbonate, or trivex.
• It is not recommended to remove scratches from glasses at home, as many times, this can lead to additional eyewear damage.
• For deeper scratches, the lenses will likely need to be replaced, which can be done by your local optician.
• Many home remedies, such as with baking soda or toothpaste, wear away at any protective coating, which can cause further damage to your lenses.

Keep reading to learn more.

See Related: What Are The Different Types Of Eyeglass Frames?

What Are Glasses Made Of?

The name “glasses” implies that eyewear lenses are made from glass. But, contrary to popular belief, eyeglasses aren't made from glass. Instead, they're made from a special, lightweight plastic that is often coated in anti-glare, scratch-resistant, or UV treatments.

Standard plastic lenses are made from CR-39, a plastic polymer compound made by Columbia Resin. Lenses can also be made from polycarbonate, an impact-resistant and UV-protective synthetic plastic. High-index polymers and trivex, a pre-polymer plastic similar to polycarbonate, are other common lens materials.

How to Take Care of Your Glasses

Properly caring for your glasses will maintain clarity and prevent scratches. Here are some tips to help ensure the cleanliness, clarity, and aesthetic appeal of your eyewear.

Clean your glasses regularly. Use a clean microfiber cloth to regularly wipe dirt, dust, and oils from your lenses that accumulate over time.

Store your glasses properly. When you're not wearing them, safely store your eyewear in a protective case to prevent damage.

Avoid harsh chemicals. Cleanse your glasses with a purpose-made cleaning solution or a mix of warm water and dish soap, taking care to avoid harsh chemicals.

Can Scratches Be Removed From Prescription Glasses at Home?

It is not recommended to remove scratches from glasses at home. It is possible that you can cause additional damage to your eyewear in the process. Generally, DIY solutions aren't entirely effective, and it's better to visit your local eye clinic to receive expert care.

Can Opticians Remove Scratches on Glasses?

The truth is that a lens with deep scratches will likely need to be replaced. Luckily, this is far easier than it seems. New lenses will provide unparalleled clarity, especially those outfitted with a special scratch-resistant coating.

When you visit your eye doctor, your local optician will be able to provide eyewear care advice that will help prevent any further mishaps. Before switching out your lenses, you'll also have a chance to browse exclusive and highly durable luxury eyewear.

Tips for Preventing Scratched Glasses

With your new lenses expertly installed in your frames, it's important to prioritize prevention. Avoiding scratches will save you a great deal of heartache in the long run. You'll be able to enjoy sharp and clear vision regardless of where life takes you.

Here's how to prevent your glasses from unsightly scratches:

Make sure your glasses have a scratch-resistant coating. At Oculus Eyecare, we offer specialized glasses treatments that will improve the durability, quality, and clarity of your eyewear, including scratch-resistant coatings. This will greatly minimize minor scratches that can occur with day-to-day use.

Wear eyewear that fits your lifestyle. Not all glasses are created equally. If you live an adventurous or active life, then it's a good idea to invest in impact-resistant sports glasses from specialty athletic brands like Rudy Project or Vuarnet.

Be gentle with your glasses. Don't treat your eyewear with a rough hand. Take care when handling your glasses to prolong their lifetime.

Clean your glasses with a microfiber cloth. Regularly wipe away dirt, debris, and oil from your eyewear to maintain cleanliness and clarity.

Store your glasses in a protective case. When you're not wearing them, keep your eyewear in a hard case to keep them safe and secure.

Bonus: 7 Independent Luxury Glasses Brands To Elevate Your Style

Ways to Remove Scratches From Glasses at Home

We do not recommend attempting to fix scratched glasses at home. This can result in further damage, especially if your glasses have an anti-glare coating or a similar treatment. You should always take your eyewear to your local optometrist if you want to fix any unsightly scratches or marks.

Can You Use Baking Soda to Fix Scratched Glasses?

There are a few well-known home remedies for scratched lenses. The first involves applying a baking soda paste to the lens surface. However, this is not recommended, as the baking soda simply wears away at the coating on the lens until small scratches are no longer visible. This does not repair scratches that have penetrated the plastic lens material.

Can You Use Toothpaste on Scratched Lenses?

Toothpaste can also be used to scrub the scratched lens and minimize the appearance of scrapes. However, like with the baking soda method, the microscopic abrasive particles in the toothpaste wear away at the protective coating of the lens, causing further damage.

Can You Use Wax on Scratched Glasses?

Never use sandpaper or other polishing tools in an attempt to buff out the scratches. This will create a rough surface that will leave your lenses heavily marked up. Wax, though it might "fill in" the scratches, will greatly reduce clarity and make it exceptionally difficult to see.

Do Glass Etching Products Fix Scratches on Glasses?

Glass etching products will eat away at the protective coating on lenses. So, if your eyewear is treated with a UV-blocking or anti-glare treatment, those benefits will be lost. Additionally, if you let the glass etching product sit on your glasses for too long, you also run the risk of damaging the lens and the coating.

Is Wearing Scratched Glasses Bad?

You can safely wear your scratched glasses for a couple of days until you're able to see your optometrist. Be sure to schedule an appointment as soon as you notice damage on your lenses. Even minor scratches can impair your vision and lead to headaches and eye strain.

Final Thoughts

Avoid home remedies when removing scratches on your glasses. Though opticians can't typically fix scratched lenses, they can swap them with a new set. This will ensure clear vision, minimize eye strain, and maintain ocular health. Opt for a scratch-resistant coating and durable frames to prevent any future mishaps.

High-quality frames will provide additional protection for your lenses. Frames from independent eyewear designers like Jacques Marie Mage or Barton Perreira offer superior comfort and unparalleled beauty, making them ideal for those seeking a luxurious and consistent eyewear experience.

Keep Reading: How Far Can The Human Eye See?

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Oculus Eyecare is Seattle’s premier optometry practice and optical boutique for those looking to see and be seen in a new way. Located in South Lake Union on Denny Way, Oculus Eyecare offers comprehensive eye care services and exams for individuals and families in Seattle. Click here to schedule an appointment or a personal styling session. To stay connected and learn more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter.