It seems obvious, but we rely on our eyeglasses to help us see clearly every day. And when things like smudges, dirt, and scratches spread across your lenses, it gets in the way of that clarity.
If your glasses just need a little cleaning up to get rid of pesky smudges or dirt, you can easily do so with the proper cleaning tools (like mild soap and water, eyeglass cleaner, and a microfiber cloth). The same process also applies to sunglass lenses.
But scratches are difficult to remove from lenses, and sometimes they simply can’t be removed. When in doubt, you may research how to fix glasses scratches using home remedies. And although there are many popular ways to repair scratched sunglasses and eyeglasses, several techniques can actually make the problem worse.
The following are six things you may come across in your search for how to fix scratched glasses — and why many of them can do more harm than good.
A glasses or sunglasses scratch repair may be achieved by using the baking soda method, according to dozens of glasses wearers.
Clean your glasses with a microfiber cloth before you begin.
When you’re ready, combine one to two teaspoons of baking soda with water into a thick paste and gently rub it onto your lenses in a circular motion. Then rinse with a gentle, mild soap. Dry them again with a microfiber cloth. It’s important not to be rough as you apply the paste, so don’t apply additional pressure if you notice any lingering scratches.
Pros
Cons
A wax-based filler may promise to fill in deep scratches on your eyeglass lenses, as it can with other surfaces, but it’s often too intense for glasses.
Rubbing toothpaste on your lenses is one of the most popular methods to fix scratched glasses, according to several internet sources. But the ingredients in toothpaste can be harsh on your lens materials, causing further harm and the risk of wearing down your lens coatings.
Using a glass etching product to patch up scratches may seem like a good idea in theory, but the concentration of the product can quickly wipe away any coating on your lenses.
You may have heard of using vinegar and newspaper to clean glass windows, and many people still swear by it. But this old-fashioned technique is too harsh to be used on eyeglasses (even when the vinegar is combined with water) and it can promote irreversible damage.
Dish soap is mild enough to clean your lenses and is frequently recommended for doing so. But if you’re trying to remove a scratch on your lenses, you’ll need something more powerful. (Unfortunately, solutions that are “more powerful” than mild soap can be damaging to your lenses.)
Avoid products such as lotion soaps and cleansers that contain microbeads. These types of products are not designed for cleaning glasses and are not gentle enough to use on your frames without risking further harm.
Some other products we advise against using to fix scratched glasses and sunglasses include:
Repairing scratches on sunglasses, eyeglasses, readers, and other frames can be risky if you use products that are not designed for fragile lenses. Proper care is the best way to prevent scratches and avoid frustrating repair jobs.
Some tips to consider:
The most foolproof way to fix scratched glasses is to replace the lenses. Minor scratches can sometimes be repaired, but if the scratches are abundant or deeply ingrained, you’ll likely need new lenses. And most eye care professionals will recommend new lenses, as they often can’t be repaired by an optometrist.
Speak with your eye doctor about the process and cost of replacement lenses. In some cases, it may not be possible to swap out your lenses in your current frames. If this applies to you, ask your optometrist what your options are and next steps should be. Be sure to ask any other questions you may have about glasses care, storage, and cleaning.
The thought of having to replace prescription eyewear can be overwhelming. But if you do end up needing a new pair of glasses, we’ve got a great selection of frames from which to choose.