How to Fix Scratched Glasses
Scratching your glasses can be incredibly annoying. Even minor scratches can interfere with your ability to see clearly. But that’s not all–scratched lenses can even be a safety hazard. Therefore, it’s important to fix scratched glasses as soon as possible.
In many cases, it’s possible to fix broken glasses at home–and scratches are no exception. Let’s take a look at how to fix scratched glasses–and how to prevent them from getting scratched in the first place.
How to Fix Scratched Glasses at Home
If your glasses have minor scratches, it’s possible to fix them yourself. While you can’t remove the scratches entirely, you can make them less noticeable using simple household ingredients.
Keep in mind that these are not designed as permanent fixes. Additionally, it’s always recommended that you visit your eye care professional if your glasses are scratched–even if the scratches are only minor.
Baking Soda
The most common solution for fixing scratched glasses at home is to use baking soda. To do so, follow the steps below:
- Clean your glasses with a microfiber cloth
- Mix approximately 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda with equal parts warm water to form a paste
- Gently apply the paste to the scratched areas of your lens(es)
- Use a microfiber cloth to lightly rub the paste over the scratches. Move in a circular motion to avoid damaging the lens.
- Rinse the paste off your glasses and dry with a new microfiber cloth
While this at-home remedy can help reduce the visibility of scratches, it’s generally not recommended by eye care professionals. The paste solution can potentially cause further damage to your lenses, such as wearing away protective lens coating. Therefore, it’s always best to take your glasses to an eye care professional to determine the best solution.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste is another common home remedy for scratched glasses. The steps are the same as above–simply swap out the baking soda for toothpaste. That being said, if you opt for toothpaste, make sure it’s a simple, non-gel type.
It should be noted that, like baking soda, this method can also cause additional damage to the lenses. While these remedies may work for scratches, they should be considered a last resort. Always contact your eye care professional first and foremost.
How NOT to Fix Scratched Glasses at Home
While the methods above may not be recommended, there are additional suggestions on how to fix scratched glasses that should never be attempted.
Glass Etching Solution
While it may seem logical to try a glass etching solution to remove scratches from your glasses, these solutions are not designed for use on glasses. Glass etching solution will completely remove the coating from the lens, and if it sits on the lens for too long, it will damage the lens entirely.
Car Wax
Using car wax (or other wax products) is not an effective solution for scratched glasses. In fact, it may actually make the scratches more noticeable.
Sandpaper
Even the least-coarse sandpaper will cause significant damage to your glasses. Never try to “sand” your scratches out.
Sunscreen
Similar to the other methods listed above, sunscreen will cause further damage to the lens.
When to Have Scratches Fixed Professionally
As mentioned, it is always best to take your glasses to an eye care professional if they are scratched. Even minor scratches can pose a safety risk, as small shards of glass may come off the scratched areas and end up in places you don’t want them to–such as in your eye. For anything more than minor scratches, at-home methods should never be attempted.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the only true fix for scratches is replacing the lens. Taking your scratched glasses to your eye care professional will allow them to recommend the best course of action–and in most cases, that will be to replace the lens. While it may be more costly than using a simple at-home solution, the benefits of a new, undamaged lens will be worth it.
How to Avoid Scratching Your Glasses
Accidents are always bound to happen, but knowing how to protect your glasses can make a major difference in avoiding scratches. Let’s take a look at some of the best ways to keep your glasses scratch-free.
Use a Case
The number one solution for protecting your glasses against scratches (as well as breaks or other damage) is to use a case. Your glasses should always be stored in a case when not in use.
Keep the Lenses Up
If you take your glasses off, never lay them lens-side down. This includes when storing in a case.
Opt for Scratch-Resistant Coating
When getting a new pair of glasses, always opt for the scratch-resistant coating. This additional layer of protection can be the difference between needing to replace your lenses and not.
Get the Best Glasses from Hubble
If you scratch your glasses, the best solution is always to have your lenses replaced. But why stop there–scratched glasses could mean it’s time to move on to a new set of glasses entirely.
If you want to level up your look with a new pair of glasses, check out Hubble’s selection of frames today. Our line of glasses features a wide variety of styles and designs to suit your needs—from the classics to the most contemporary designs.
Hubble glasses also feature impact resistant lenses equipped with a variety of coatings—including anti-scratch—so that you know your glasses will perform as good as they look.
Getting new glasses is fun—so get started today by checking out Hubble’s men’s and women’s glasses.
