How To Clean Scratches On Prescription Glasses

Anyone who has worn glasses a long time knows that scratched lenses are the worst. And they always tend to come on right after we purchase a new set or a new style. How mad have you gotten at yourself over scratching a new set of lenses? Thankfully, there are several remedies made at home or purchased easily in stores to remove scratches from our glasses. If you've ever run into this problem in the past, then here is an easy to follow guide on how to fix scratched glasses at home!

Baking Soda Paste to Remove Scratches

For years, wearers of eyeglasses and sunglasses have sworn by using a paste made with baking soda to fix their scratched lenses. After cleaning the lenses with a microfiber cloth, you will need to rub into the lenses in a circular motion using a thick paste made of water and baking soda.

You do not need to rub hard into the lenses for this method to work, and it is actually recommended that this be done gently. Toothpaste and other pastes of a similar thickness have also been successful at times.

Wax Based Scratch Fillers to Temporarily Fill Scratches

Baking soda works great on minor scratches, but scratches of a certain magnitude just cannot be removed and require filling. These wax based products fill in the scratches on your eyeglasses and sunglasses temporarily, and must be repeatedly applied.

Glass Etching Products for Removing Scratched Coatings

In most cases, eyeglasses or sunglasses will have some sort of coating on the lenses, whether it is for adding polarization, preventing easy scratching, or for reflective purposes. Often, scratches will affect these coatings while the lenses beneath them remain just fine.

Certain products used for glass etching can be applied to a lens to remove these coatings altogether without harming plastic lenses. Keep in mind that glass lenses will be absolutely ruined by these products, and that your glasses will no longer provide certain features related to the coatings like polarization.

Preventing Your Sunglass or Eyeglass Lenses from Becoming Scratched

man holding scratched glasses You've heard the saying from your doctor, and now you will hear it again from us- an ounce of prevention goes a long way. Replacing or even repairing scratched lenses can be costly, and there are ways to make harmful scratches an absolute rarity!

Glass lenses are much more scratch resistant than plastic (polycarbonate) ones.

Simply put, glass lenses are harder and less likely to be scratched. They are a deal heavier than modern day polycarbonate lenses, but if you are worried about scratches then glass is the way to go.

Scratch resistant coatings can be applied at home or by your eye care professional.

Obviously, the one hundred dollar professional treatment will last longer and offer more protection than the spray bottle at the drug store, but these coatings can really make a difference. The next time you go in for a new pair, ask your doctor about a tough coating!

Clean and store your lenses properly!

Believe it or not, many of the tiny, microscopic scratches present on any set of lenses are due to improper care and cleaning. A handy microfiber cloth is a must, and paper products are to be avoided at all costs. Even the softest tissue contains wood fibers that will easily scratch. As far as cases, it does help to have a cushioned case that is fitted to your sun or eyeglasses. Of course, what matters more is that you use the case regularly. A single fall from a desk or a chair can mean serious damage to your lenses.

It is a fact of life, at least for those of us who wear glasses- the pain associated with scratched lenses will catch up to us sooner or later, regardless of how diligently or responsibly we care for our eyewear. Still, the remedies and tips in this guide will help you to put that moment off just a bit longer. Enjoy!

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