Eyeglasses can get scratched through neglect, improper care or just daily wear and tear. The best way to ensure the eyeglasses work well is to prevent scratches as scratched lenses can compromise vision and functionality. If your eyeglasses have light scratches and the prescription is still up-to-date, there are few ways to get rid of them. Badly scratched eyeglasses need to be replaced either by getting an entirely new pair or by replacing just the lenses.
Prevention
Preventing scratches will prolong the life of your eyeglasses. Storing eyeglasses in a sturdy, padded eyeglass case can protect your glasses. It is advisable not to put eyeglasses in the pocket or in a handbag without a case. It is best to clean the eyeglasses with a mild detergent and dry with a soft, clean cloth. Facial tissues, paper towels or rough cloths can scratch lens surfaces.
Eyeglasses Scratch Repair Kit
Eyeglasses scratch repair kits are available at drug stores or online. There are a number of types but basically, the kit includes a polish and a soft cloth. Apply polish on clean surfaces of the lenses and allow it to set for time specified by the manufacturer. Use the cloth provided to buff away scratches until the polish is completely gone and the glasses are clear again. Buffing away scratches may not work for anti-scratch lenses or sunglasses.
Scratch Filler
Some scratch repair kits use a liquid as a filler to patch scratches. Usually, a liquid lens polymer is applied to the scratched area. The area is then worked on by applying soft, circular motion using the soft cloth that comes with the kit. This will help to fill and then seal the scratch, making the lenses smooth and clear again. However, reviews of the effectiveness of such kits are mixed and inconclusive.
Home Remedies
There are not many home remedies and such methods should be applied with great caution. Some have reported some success using baby oil, rubbing alcohol, cleaner wax or metal polisher. Apply any of these and rub gently with a soft cloth to buff away scratches. Go easy with the buffing as over-buffing can actually change the prescription of the eyeglasses.
Considerations
Plastic lenses tend to scratch more than eyeglasses made with glass.
Fixing scratches is an expedient and temporary measure and not intend for severe scratches.
When using a scratch kit, it is important to read instructions and follow them closely to obtain optimal results. Some polishes will not work on eyeglasses with a protective coating or anti-reflective coating.