How To Remove Scratches From Glasses Lens

In the event that your glasses are scratched up, it will affect the appearance and functionality of your glasses, which is why you will need to have them repaired as soon as possible.

The removal of scratches from prescription glasses is, however, a risky proposition, especially if you attempt to do it yourself. It is important to be aware of various myths about treating scratched glasses before stripping your lenses of their coatings or blasting them with a sand blaster. We’ll also discuss how to prevent scratches from occurring in the first place in addition to (spoiler: Scratches can only be removed by replacing the entire lens of a glasses.)

Is it possible to remove scratches from prescription glasses at home?

It is possible to do so, but we do not recommend it. DIY solutions often do not work as expected and you may end up damaging your glasses. Always conduct research on any product you intend to use on your eyewear.

A paste made of baking soda and water is the most commonly used “home remedy” for scratched glasses. However, like any home hack for removing scratches, it is designed to wear away at your lenses’ coating until you cannot see the scratches as clearly. Not ideal! We will explain how it works, but we do not endorse it.

Here is what you will need

• Baking soda

• Water

• Small mixing bowl

• Two microfiber cloths

• Sink

How To Get Scratches Out of Glasses With Baking Soda

The first step is to clean your glasses well with the microfiber cloth. If it has been a while since your glasses have been thoroughly cleaned, please refer to the following guide: How to Clean Your Glasses.

Using a bowl, mix baking soda and water together to create a thick paste. Start with a few teaspoons or a tablespoon of baking soda and add water until the consistency is achieved.

Using the second microfiber cloth, gently rub the paste over the scratched area of your glasses lens. Move the cloth continuously in a circular motion (not back and forth). You’re trying to achieve a gentle approach.

Remove the paste from your lenses by rinsing them with water.

When you have dried your lenses with the microfiber cloth, check for scratches. If they have become less noticeable, you may repeat this process until you are satisfied with the results (but keep in mind that you are also removing the coating from your lenses as you do this).

Depending on the degree of scratching on your glasses, the baking soda method may not work (or it may take hours that you don’t have). If the scratches seem worse or more pronounced, do not repeat the procedure.

Is it possible to use toothpaste to clean scratched glasses?

The answer is no, and you may even make scratches worse if you rub toothpaste on your glasses.

In order to hide a scratch on your lens, toothpaste is applied to scratched lenses because the small abrasive particles within the toothpaste will wear down the lens coating sufficiently. Some toothpastes are more abrasive than others: gel toothpastes and toothpastes that contain whiteners will adversely affect your glasses.

It is not worth the risk to use toothpaste as a cleaning agent.

Is it possible to remove scratches from glasses by polishing them?

In the absence of sandpaper or other polishing tools, you should never attempt to buff out scratches on glasses. Sandpaper and other polishing tools will only result in your lenses becoming rougher and more marked up.

Is there another product that can remove scratches from glasses?

In addition to scratched glasses, you may be tempted to try other quick fixes, but unfortunately most of these solutions are too good to be true.

Are glass etching products effective in repairing scratches on glasses?

An etching product can be applied directly to the surface of your glasses lens in order to completely remove any coating. If only your coating is scratched, this will theoretically “fix” the scratch by eating away at it.

If you do this, you will lose all the benefits that the coating provides, including blue light protection. In addition, if you allow glass etching products to sit on your lenses for an extended period of time, they will damage both the coating and the lens. Therefore, these products are never recommended for use on glasses.

Is wax suitable for use on scratched glasses?

Your glasses will probably become more difficult to see through if you attempt to fill in scratches with wax. Despite its ability to patch up a deep scratch, wax (including car wax and furniture wax) is an opaque substance that can make a scratch more noticeable as it is more opaque than your lens material.

Can sunscreen remove scratches from glasses?

In some guides, it is recommended to apply sunscreen to scratched sunglasses with mirror coating. By doing so, you will remove the mirror coating entirely, so the scratches will be gone, but you will also lose the reflective portion of your sunglass lenses. In addition, we do not recommend this method because it will substantially alter your lenses, which could be detrimental to your vision.

Can Opticians Remove Scratches From Glasses?

It is usually not possible for opticians to repair scratched lenses without installing new ones. Once a lens has been scratched deeply enough, it is permanently damaged. Optical professionals are capable of adjusting glasses and providing advice regarding fit and care, but replacing a scratched lens is always the most effective solution—that’s what we will always recommend.

The Best Way to Fix Scratched Glasses: Replace the Lenses

You will be able to see clearly and maintain your glasses looking sharp if you have badly scratched glasses. If you are considering changing out your lenses, consult your optician to find out whether it is possible with your current frames, the cost, and how long it will take.