Repairing Guides

how to repair scratched eyeglass lenses

by Prof. Zora Schowalter Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How to Fix Scratched Glasses Lenses at Home

  • Baking Soda Paste to Remove Scratches. For years, wearers of eyeglasses and sunglasses have sworn by using a paste made with baking soda to fix their scratched lenses.
  • Wax Based Scratch Fillers to Temporarily Fill Scratches. Baking soda works great on minor scratches, but scratches of a certain magnitude just cannot be removed and require filling.
  • Glass Etching Products for Removing Scratched Coatings. In most cases, eyeglasses or sunglasses will have some sort of coating on the lenses, whether it is for adding polarization, preventing easy ...
  • Preventing Your Sunglass or Eyeglass Lenses from Becoming Scratched. You’ve heard the saying from your doctor, and now you will hear it again from us- an ounce of prevention goes ...
  • Glass lenses are much more scratch resistant than plastic (polycarbonate) ones. Simply put, glass lenses are harder and less likely to be scratched. ...
  • Scratch resistant coatings can be applied at home or by your eye care professional. ...
  • Clean and store your lenses properly! Believe it or not, many of the tiny, microscopic scratches present on any set of lenses are due to improper care and cleaning.

Mix one to two tablespoons of baking soda with warm water until it forms a thick paste. Apply the baking soda-water mixture directly to the scratched part of your lenses using a cotton ball or a clean microfiber cloth. Use a consistent, circular motion and gentle pressure without pushing down too hard.

How to fix scratched glasses lenses at home?

  • Start by placing a little metal polish on a soft cloth. Use the smallest amount possible, just a enough so that you can see it on the cloth.
  • Rub the scratched glass lightly.
  • When you’re done, use a cloth to clean off any polish left on the glass.

Can my scratched eyeglass lenses be repaired?

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to repair a scratch on your lens as it will have caused permanent damage to the lens surface or treatment. If a scratch is found, your optician can order a new pair of lenses to fit your frames.

How can eye glass scratches be removed from lens?

The methods I used to remove scratches from glasses:

  • Baking soda
  • Toothpaste
  • Wax Based Scratch Fillers
  • Glass Etching Products for Removing Scratched Coatings
  • Polishing

Do scratched eyeglasses have to be replaced?

The lenses have to be replaced which any optical store can do. Scratched lenses must be replaced and cannot be repaired. Trying to “polish out” the scratches would change the prescription of the lenses. Now if there is a chip on the EDGE and not where you look through that can be ground off but scratches cannot be fixed.

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How to clean a lens that is stuck?

Remove any dirt or debris stuck to the lenses with a soft cleaning cloth.

How to get wax off of glasses?

Using lukewarm water, rinse off glasses for 10-15 seconds to remove any additional wax. To dry off glasses and remove any remaining wax on the lenses, wipe them off using a clean cloth. Almost done! For particularly deep or persistent scratches, repeat these steps until the scratch is repaired.

How long does it take to buff a lens?

Buff wax into lens with a lint-free cloth using small, circular motions until the scratch is gone. This can take up to 5 minutes. For especially deep scratches, you may need to re-apply wax and buff multiple times. You may need multiple cloths, as the wax sticks to the cloth easily. Edit.

Can scratches in glasses be fixed?

Scratches in eyeglass lenses can make them difficult to see through. Fortunately, scratches can be fixed to make your glasses look just like new. Keep your glasses clear and free of blemishes in these few easy steps.

What is the best way to fix scratches on eyeglasses?

Wax Based Scratch Fillers to Temporarily Fill Scratches. Baking soda works great on minor scratches, but scratches of a certain magnitude just cannot be removed and require filling. These wax based products fill in the scratches on your eyeglasses and sunglasses temporarily, and must be repeatedly applied.

How to remove scratches from eyeglasses?

Baking Soda Paste to Remove Scratches. For years, wearers of eyeglasses and sunglasses have sworn by using a paste made with baking soda to fix their scratched lenses. After cleaning the lenses with a microfiber cloth, you will need to rub into the lenses in a circular motion using a thick paste made of water and baking soda.

Why do my eyeglasses scratch?

Believe it or not, many of the tiny, microscopic scratches present on any set of lenses are due to improper care and cleaning. A handy microfiber cloth is a must, and paper products are to be avoided at all costs. Even the softest tissue contains wood fibers that will easily scratch. As far as cases, it does help to have a cushioned case that is fitted to your sun or eyeglasses. Of course, what matters more is that you use the case regularly. A single fall from a desk or a chair can mean serious damage to your lenses.

Which is harder, glass or polycarbonate?

Simply put, glass lenses are harder and less likely to be scratched. They are a deal heavier than modern day polycarbonate lenses, but if you are worried about scratches then glass is the way to go.

Do sunglasses have coatings?

In most cases, eyeglasses or sunglasses will have some sort of coating on the lenses, whether it is for adding polarization, preventing easy scratching, or for reflective purposes. Often, scratches will affect these coatings while the lenses beneath them remain just fine.

Can glass be etched?

Certain products used for glass etching can be applied to a lens to remove these coatings altogether without harming plastic lenses. Keep in mind that glass lenses will be absolutely ruined by these products, and that your glasses will no longer provide certain features related to the coatings like polarization.

Can a chair hurt your glasses?

A single fall from a desk or a chair can mean serious damage to your lenses. It is a fact of life, at least for those of us who wear glasses- the pain associated with scratched lenses will catch up to us sooner or later, regardless of how diligently or responsibly we care for our eyewear.

How to fix scratched lens?

Apply toothpaste to the scratched lens. Toothpaste contains microscopic abrasive particles that can polish and grind down the exterior layers.

How to get scratches out of a lens?

Use a piece of soft fabric to rub the toothpaste over the lens. Again, do not use any fabrics that are coarse or abrasive on their own; they will leave additional scratches in the lens. Rub the toothpaste over the lens using a side-to-side motion. Do not use circular motions as they can create circular scuff marks.

How to clean etching from glasses?

Use water to wash off the etching substance, unless the instructions call for alternatives. Wash thoroughly to guarantee that no residue from the substance remains. Clean the glasses using a microfiber cloth.

How to get rid of scuff marks on eyeglasses?

Rub the toothpaste over the lens using a side-to-side motion. Do not use circular motions as they can create circular scuff marks.

What does it mean when you remove scratches?

When you remove scratches, you are buffing or removing a small amount of the exterior layers. It is best to keep this to a minimum in the initial phases of scratch removal. ...

How to get rid of etching residue?

Wash off the etching substance. Use water to wash off the etching substance, unless the instructions call for alternatives. Wash thoroughly to guarantee that no residue from the substance remains.

What is glass etching?

Purchase the necessary materials. Normally, glass etching involves the use a fairly powerful acid to cut or burn an image into glass. In this particular context, it will be used to burn off the exterior layer of the glasses. You will need: A glass etching substance.

How to get rid of scratches on glasses?

Apply an ample amount of non-abrasive or non-gel toothpaste on the scratched area of the glasses .

How to fix scratches on plastic frames?

Gently dab a small amount of polished wax on the scratched surface of the plastic glass frames.

How to fix/replace eyeglasses hinges?

Integrated right on the frame, fixing broken hinges is a tough task. If your glasses break from the hinge, then you are left with the limited options of either replacing the entire pair or fixing them. If you don’t want to count on buying new glasses, try these methods that can help.

How to prevent your glasses from damage?

We wear glasses throughout the day, but we always avoid keeping them safe against damage. But there are a lot of things you can do to preserve the integrity of your glasses just the same as the day you bought them.

What to use to clean glasses?

Gently clean glasses with a microfiber cloth or a high-quality cotton cloth.

How to tighten temples?

Tighten the temple by applying the pressure downwards or upwards depending on the need.

Where to place glasses to remove?

Also place the case on a secure spot such as a nightstand, work desk, or handbag.

How long are prescription eyeglasses covered by a warranty?

In many cases, the lenses are coated with a scratch-resistant finish and are covered by a one-year warranty. If the lenses are less than a year old, I can replace them at no cost to the patient.

How long does anti-reflective coating last?

Having said that, I must add that in my experience, anti-reflective coating only lasts about a year. The coating isn’t designed to protect the glasses; it’s designed to protect the wearer from UV and eye fatigue, and to improve clarity and cosmesis (appearance, which matters in our “selfie” taking culture).

Do warranty covers scratched lenses?

Such warranties do not cover scratched lenses from wear and tear. But, hey, you probably wanted new sunglasses anyway.

Can abrasives remove scratches from lenses?

The problem with these remedies is that they seldom if ever remove the scratch , and during the process any protective or anti-reflective coating is damaged or rubbed off. Also, abrasives are pretty good at their job, so they leave tiny abrasions across the entire surface of the lens, coated or not.

Can scratches cause blurred vision?

I know that the tiniest scratch can be annoying. Scratches of any size can cause blurred vision, obstructed vision, halos, and glare.

Do prescription sunglasses have replacement lenses?

As for nonprescription sunglasses, replacement lenses are not as readily available as for prescription. Even with higher-priced nonprescription sunglasses that carry a 90-day or one-year warranty, the lenses are rarely covered.

What can you do?

Even a minor scratch on the lens of your glasses can be irritating and obscure your vision.

What not to do?

Do not use toothpaste, baking soda or any other home remedies to try to remove scratches off your lenses.

Tips for protecting your lenses

Here are 4 tips to help you protect your lenses from getting scratched:

What are anti-scratch coatings?

Anti-scratch coatings can be applied to your lenses to give them an added layer of protection against damage. If you have children or pets who may accidentally scratch your lenses, this coating is highly recommended.

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