Whether it’s an accidental mishap or natural wear and tear, scratches on your glasses aren’t just annoying; they interfere with the sharpness of your vision.
Although there are DIY methods that claim to remove scratches from glasses, they often fall short of this promise. Most of the time, these methods can actually worsen the problem, or simply do nothing at all.
No matter how minor a scratch may appear, it’s always better to seek professional care.
Is it Normal for Glasses to Scratch?
As with every other item, glasses experience wear and tear over time, and they have the marks to prove it!
Everyday actions, such as placing your glasses face down, cleaning them with rough materials, or carrying them unprotected in a bag, can all contribute to unwanted marks. However, with a little mindfulness, these are simple habits that we can change.
The power of eyeglasses lies in the lenses, so it’s not just their aesthetics at stake.
Scratches cause tiny light refractions, creating minor to significant vision distortions. This means your glasses aren’t only becoming harder to look through, but are also failing to adequately correct your vision.
Fun Fact: Goat Vision vs. Human Glasses
Goats have rectangular pupils that give them an incredibly wide field of vision—almost 320 degrees! That panoramic view helps them stay alert to predators. We may not have goat-level vision, but keeping our glasses scratch-free is one way to make sure we’re seeing as clearly and comfortably as possible. If your lenses are scratched, here’s what actually works to fix them and what you should avoid.
Why the Lens Material Matters
It’s important to know what type of lens you have, since incorrect scratch removal techniques can do more harm than good.
Here’s a quick breakdown of common lens types:
- Plastic lenses: Plastic lenses are lightweight and affordable, but prone to scratching. However, most modern plastic lenses come with scratch-resistant coatings, which help prevent minor abrasions.
- Polycarbonate lenses: These are impact-resistant and safer for active lifestyles, but can scratch more easily unless coated with a hardened layer.
- Glass lenses: Although rare these days, glass lenses are highly scratch-resistant. Their downside? They’re heavier and can easily shatter upon impact.
Many modern lenses come with a protective coating that enhances scratch resistance and reduces glare, so be cautious with abrasive techniques that might further strip or damage these coatings.
For daily maintenance, gently cleaning your glasses with lens solution and a microfibre cloth is the way to go.
Avoid DIY Cleaning Solutions
Minor scratches on your glasses can be frustrating, and it might be tempting to try home remedies you’ve seen online. However, DIY methods can do more harm than good.
Many of these solutions not only fail to fully fix the problem—they can also damage the specialized coatings on your lenses or even affect the prescription itself. For the sake of your eyewear’s longevity and performance, it’s best to avoid at-home fixes and consult a professional instead.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’re dealing with persistent scratches, it may be time to seek professional help. Avoid further damage to your eyeglasses with experienced care and learn how to handle your eyeglasses properly to keep them in tip-top shape.
- Professional repairs: Contact your optometrist to assess and possibly repair scratches. While they can’t restore all scratches, professionals have tools to accurately gauge their condition.
- Replacement lenses: Sometimes, replacing the lenses is the ideal solution, especially if the scratches are significantly affecting your vision.
Working with your optometrist has its perks. If you have a warranty on your lenses or with the lens manufacturer, replacing scratched or damaged lenses can be much easier (within reason).
Besides, if you’ve been wearing the same pair of glasses for years (which we’re sure you love), heavy scratches might be your sign to update your vision prescription. Our team is happy to work with you to find a pair of frames that you love!
In some cases, we can send your glasses to the lab for a custom pair of lenses that fit seamlessly into your existing frames. Keep in mind, you will be without those glasses for at least 2 weeks.
Preventing Future Scratches
Goats have rectangular pupils, giving them an impressive field of vision covering almost 320 degrees, helping them stay aware of threats.
While we might not rival a goat’s panoramic range of sight, keeping our lenses scratch-free is a smart way to achieve the clearest vision possible. Here’s how:
- Get a scratch-resistant coating: Upgrade your lenses with a scratch-resistant coating for added durability.
- Use a microfibre cleaning cloth: Avoid using clothing, tissues, or paper towels, which can scratch your lenses.
- Store your glasses properly: Always keep them in a protective hard case when not in use. Use both hands to put your glasses on or take them off.
Invest in Your Vision
If you’re in the market for new glasses, scratch-resistant coatings are always a wise choice. At Focus West Optometry, we offer a wide range of durable lens options to minimize scratches while offering long-lasting clarity.
Connect with us for advice on how to care for your eyeglasses, or even just to browse our unique selection of stylish frames.