You put on your glasses one morning and notice a scratch right in your line of sight. It’s a common frustration that can make it hard to see clearly. However, before you try a home remedy you saw online, it helps to know what works, what doesn’t, and how to protect your lenses.
While it’s tempting to look for a quick fix, scratches generally cannot be buffed out of modern eyeglass lenses without causing more damage. Polishing a lens can remove its protective coatings and even alter your prescription. The most effective approach is to focus on prevention and, when necessary, replacement.
How Scratches Affect Your Lenses & Vision
A scratch is more than just a mark on your glasses. It can interfere with how light passes through the lens to your eye, which can cause a few problems. Clear vision depends on a smooth, uninterrupted lens surface.
Distorted Light & Glare
Scratches scatter light instead of letting it pass through smoothly to your eye. This can create annoying glare, halos around lights, and blurry spots in your vision. These effects are often more noticeable when you’re driving at night.
Increased Eye Strain
Your eyes may work harder to see past the imperfections on your lenses. Over time, this extra effort can lead to eye fatigue and headaches.
Common DIY Scratch “Fixes” & The Real Story
You’ll find many suggestions online for fixing scratched glasses using household items. Unfortunately, these methods often cause more harm than good. Instead of attempting risky fixes, it’s better to learn how to clean eyeglasses properly.
The Toothpaste & Baking Soda Myth
Toothpaste and baking soda are abrasive—that’s how they clean your teeth. Using them on your lenses grinds down the surface around the scratch, which can wear away important lens coatings. This process often creates a haze of tiny new scratches that permanently damage your lenses.
Why Waxes & Oily Substances Don’t Work
Products like wax or car polish might temporarily fill in a scratch, but the effect is short-lived. These substances can smear, attract dirt, and make your vision even worse. Once they wear off, you’re right back where you started.
Can an Optician Polish Scratches from Your Glasses?
Since DIY methods are risky, it might seem logical that a professional could buff out the scratch. However, for modern glasses, this usually isn’t an option, as buffing still damages the coatings on your lenses.
Modern Lenses & Protective Coatings
Today’s lenses often have multiple coatings for UV protection, anti-glare, and scratch resistance. Buffing a lens would strip away these essential layers along with the scratch. This would undermine much of the lens’s intended effect.
The Risk of Changed Prescriptions
Polishing a lens removes material, which can alter its shape. Even a tiny change can distort the lens and change your prescription. This can lead to blurry vision or headaches, defeating the purpose of your glasses.
Prevent Scratches & Protect Your Eyewear
The most effective approach is to prevent scratches from happening in the first place. A few simple habits can keep your glasses in good condition for longer. Taking care of your eyewear, both at home and at work, is an investment in your vision.
Proper Clean Habits
- Always rinse your glasses with lukewarm water to remove dust before wiping them.
- Use a drop of lotion-free dish soap to clean away oils and smudges.
- Dry your lenses with a clean, soft microfiber cloth—never use a paper towel or your shirt.
Use Your Case for Storage
When you’re not wearing your glasses, put them in a hard-shell case. Leaving them on a counter or table with the lenses facing down is a common way of causing scratches. Your glasses case is the safest place for your eyewear.
When It’s Time for New Lenses
Deep or distracting scratches often mean it’s time for replacement lenses. While this can sometimes be expensive, clear and comfortable vision is important for your daily life. It’s better to replace a damaged lens than to struggle to see through it.
Signs You Need a Replacement
- Scratches interfere with your ability to see clearly.
- Your lens coatings are peeling or appear worn away.
- You find yourself squinting or getting headaches more often.
An Opportunity for an Eye Health Check
If you need new lenses, it’s a good time to schedule an eye exam to make sure your prescription is current. Your vision needs can change over time, and your new lenses should match your situation. As your eye doctor in Rancho Santa Margarita, we can help you explore new lens options that fit your lifestyle.
While you can’t fix a scratched lens, you can take steps to protect your eyewear and your vision. If scratches are getting in your way, we can help. At Total Vision Rancho Santa Margarita, our team is ready to help you find new lenses that provide the clear, comfortable vision you deserve.
Schedule a visit today!
