How to Remove Scratches from Glasses? Scratches on glasses are the worst, a frustrating thing that affects not only your sight but also the prolonged existence of your glasses. It either comes in the form of constant smudges that impair your sight or wear and tear that reduces the overall look, and these scratches seem almost unavoidable. Here’s a guide on different methods for removing scratches on glasses, both DIY and professional solutions, and tips on preventing damage to your eyewear in the future. Let’s get started.
Why Scratches on Glasses Are a Concern
Aesthetically, scratched lenses do have negative effects. Nevertheless, scratched lenses can grossly affect your lifestyle. A scratched lens blurs the view that cannot be focused clearly. Eye strain, headaches, and general discomfort are a few of the frequent results of distorted vision. With time, scratches start to accumulate, meaning that the lenses become less effective in providing clarity when driving, reading, or working on a computer.
Apart from this, scratches can even hurt the material of a lens which may result in another scratch. For anyone wearing glasses all the time, having them in the best condition possible is crucial in ascertaining your own comfort and that of your eyes.
What Causes Scratches on Eyeglasses?
Knowing what causes scratched lenses first starts with the steps towards avoiding them. Major causes of scratches include:
- Dirty cleaning: You may scratch the surface by using paper towels, tissues, or the bottom of your shirt to clean your glasses.
- Dropping: Even if it is not a long distance you can fall, you may witness some marks after hitting some rough surfaces, when lenses hit
- Storage Habits: Placing your unprotected glasses in a bag or pocket subjects them to rubbing against things like keys, pens, and coins.
Knowing this, you can be doubly sure that scratches won’t appear on the glasses and extend its lifetime.
How to Remove Scratches from Glasses: DIY Methods
1. Baking Soda Method
Of the most frequently used household remedies for small scratches is a baking soda paste. The technique is quite simple and works well with plastic lenses but has to be handled very carefully in its execution to not cause damage to the coatings.
- Step 1: To make the paste mix one part of water with two parts baking soda.
- Step 2: Rub the paste into the scratched area using a microfiber cloth in a circular motion.
- Step 3: Then rinse off in cool running water and dry with a clean soft cloth.
This method works by simply buffing off the top layer of the lens, which decreases the appearance of the scratches.
2. Toothpaste Method
Non-abrasive toothpaste is also good for smoothening tiny scratches.
- Step 1: Apply a small quantity of non-abrasive toothpaste, preferably without gel and whitening agent directly onto the scratched area.
- Step 2: Gently rub the toothpaste with a circular motion using a microfiber cloth for around about 30 seconds
- Step 3: Rinse the lens with lukewarm water and dry up with a soft cloth.
While toothpaste is an easy fix, it’s really not so great on deeper scratches or lenses with special coatings.
3. Car Cleaner Wax Method
Similar to car cleaning wax, which makes the process of removing tiny scratches from the vehicle’s body easier, their utility also lies in the fact that they will work well on eyeglass lenses too.
- Step 1: Place a small drop of car cleaning wax onto your microfiber cloth.
- Step 2: Using small circular motions, buff the scratch out with the wax.
- Step 3: Take away excess wax and inspect the lens for enhancements.
This method can be applied to any glass or plastic lens, but be careful so the wax does not come onto other parts of the glasses, such as the frame.
4. Metal Polish Method
For deeper scratches, brass, silver, or metal polish may work. It is only used on uncoated lenses since polish can be abrasive.
- Step 1: Place a small amount of the polish on a soft, clean cloth.
- Step 2: Gently rub the scriptions area in circular motions.
- Step 3: Wipe away the remainder and check the lens for scratch degression.
This is a more aggressive method, so use it with very gentle care.
5. Glass Etching Cream Method
For glass lenses, there’s a more specialized option: glass etching cream. This method works by removing a thin layer of the lens surface, thereby effectively removing minor scratches.
- Step 1: Apply a small amount of glass etching cream to the scratched area, following the product’s instructions carefully.
- Step 2: Let it on for the duration required-mostly for a couple of minutes.
- Step 3: Rinse with water and let dry with a soft cloth.
Note: only on glass lenses and NOT on plastic or coated lenses.
6. Furniture Spray or Nail Polish
Incredibly, one may use furniture spray or clear nail polish to fill in temporarily scratches.
- Step 1: Take a small amount of furniture spray or clear nail polish and dab it on the scratch.
- Step 2: Rub with a soft cloth until the product is gone.
- Step 3: Let it dry and then carefully wipe off what’s left of the residue.
This is a quicker solution, but you usually have to repeat the process a few times, which could get the job done for minor scratches.
Professional Solutions for Scratched Lenses
When to Seek Help from an Optician
If DIY scratches out are not visible or if they are deep, then professional help will be needed. Opticians have equipment and products such that can polish out scratches or replace damaged lenses altogether. You should seek professional help if:
- The scratch is way deep in your lenses and interferes with your vision.
- Your lenses have an anti-glare or UV coating that is damaged.
- You are not sure about applying Do-It-Yourself methods, and you require a no-mistake, failure-proof way of resolving your issue.
Reglaze or Replace Lenses
When the scratches are too deep, it is quite impossible to re-lens these lenses and they must be replaced. As reglazing will only replace the scratched lenses, you save the frames as you revive the function and look of your glasses while not having to purchase a new complete pair.
Preventing Scratches on Your Glasses
1. Use Microfiber Cloth
Microfiber Cloth Use of Microfiber cloth is one of the best ways to avoid scratches. Other materials that are left over will stick on, and that is what causes the scratches, if one uses them to clean your lenses.
2. Use Lens Cleaning Solution
A good lens cleaning solution is an investment. Water or concoctions concocted at home typically leave residue that accretes or builds up over time, while professional cleaners are specifically designed to safely remove dirt and debris from lenses without scratching the lens.
3. Protective Glasses Case
Store your glasses in a case when you are not wearing them. This will prevent objects such as knives or sharp surfaces from touching your glasses and potentially causing damage.
4. Anti-Scratch Coatings
Numerous glasses nowadays come with anti-scratch coatings. The lens is protected as such. Probably it is the most protective coating because it reduces the chances of scratches and increases the longevity of your glass. Thus, if you wear them regularly, then investing in lenses of this coating would be the best decision.
Final Words
Dealing with scratched lenses can be a hassle, but knowing how to remove scratches from glasses can make all the difference. With proper care and attention, you can avoid the frustration of impaired vision caused by scratches. Whether you’re trying out DIY methods or opting for professional help, it’s essential to understand how to remove scratches from glasses effectively. From baking soda to car wax, various techniques show you how to remove scratches from glasses safely without damaging your lenses further.
However, not all solutions work for everyone, which is why learning how to remove scratches from glasses in different ways ensures you have the right option for your specific lenses. For deeper damage, seeking professional assistance is another important aspect of how to remove scratches from glasses and keeping your eyewear functional.
Prevention is just as important as repair, so make sure you follow proper cleaning techniques to avoid needing to figure out how to remove scratches from glasses too often. By investing in high-quality lens cleaners and using protective cases, you’ll reduce the frequency of having to worry about how to remove scratches from glasses at all. Lastly, consider adding anti-scratch coatings to your lenses as this can greatly diminish the need for how to remove scratches from glasses in the future. In summary, learning how to remove scratches from glasses and preventing them in the first place will extend the life of your glasses and ensure clear vision every day.