Scratches on eyeglass lenses that interfere with vision will eventually be experienced by all wearers. Some scratches on glasses can be repaired fairly easily. Depending on the severity of the scratch, you may not have to pay for new glasses.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Repairing Minor Scratches
Step 1. Wet the eyeglass lenses
You can wet the lenses with running water for 1 minute, or use a special cleaning solution for glasses. Window cleaning sprays can also be used.
Never wet the lens with any chemical that is abrasive, or has a high acidity (as will be explained in the next step). Usually there is a coating or protective lens on the glasses. You're actually only rubbing this outer layer when scrubbing or cleaning your glasses. When trying to remove scratches, the outer layer of the lens will also lift or peel off. You should try to minimize the peeling in the early stages of removing scratches
Step 2. Look for a soft microfiber cloth specifically for cleaning
You will use the rag to clean the lens. Do not use a rough cloth. While it may be more powerful to peel off the lens coating, you should try to minimize it.
The use of microfiber cloths is very important because the very small size of the fibers will only leave scratches or pressure marks so small that they cannot be seen by the naked eye
Step 3. Wipe the cloth in one direction over the entire surface of the lens
Do not rub in a circular motion, because it can leave circular stains on the outside of the glasses.
Method 2 of 3: Repairing Heavier Scratches with Toothpaste
Step 1. Apply toothpaste to the scratched lens
Toothpaste contains micro-sized abrasive particles that can polish and smooth the outer layer of glasses.
Step 2. Use a soft cloth to apply toothpaste all over the lens surface
Again, do not use a rough cloth or other abrasive cloth, as this can add scratches to the lens.
Step 3. Apply toothpaste in one direction over the entire surface of the lens
Do not wipe in a circular motion as this can leave circular streaks.
The abrasives in toothpaste are stronger than microfiber cloths. Rubbing it on one part of the lens for too long can penetrate the outer layer of the lens and damage the inside
Step 4. Rinse off the toothpaste
You can use warm water or glass cleaner, or a mixture of both.
Step 5. Finish by wiping the glasses using a microfiber cloth
Remove finger pressure stains and toothpaste residue from the lens.
Method 3 of 3: Repairing Heavy Scratches with Glass Etching Material
Step 1. Purchase the materials needed
Usually, glass etching requires a strong acid to cut or embed the image onto the glass. In this case, the material will be used to burn the outer layer of the glasses. The materials you will need are:
- Glass etching material. The Armor Etch brand provides a variety of glass etching materials, but there are other options as well.
- Quality rubber gloves to protect your hands.
- Ear plug or other material for applying glass etching material to the lens surface.
Step 2. Apply the glass etching material using a cotton swab
No need to rub, you just need to apply it to the lens surface. Because the acid in it is so strong, you have to work it fast. Only apply the amount needed to coat the lens.
Step 3. Leave the material on the lens surface for no more than 5 minutes
Again, the etching solution contains a strong acid. Prolonged exposure to strong acids can damage the lens.
Step 4. Clean the etching material from the lens
Use water to rinse the etching material, unless the instructions for use suggest a different method. Clean all parts of the glasses to make sure there is no etching material remaining.
Step 5. Clean the glasses using a microfiber cloth
Use the cloth to wipe and dry the lens, again, wiping in one direction.
Warning
- The method above can only be used on glasses with plastic lenses that have a protective coating on the outside. Most glasses currently manufactured have this coating, but older glasses may not be able to be repaired that way.
- Whatever you do, be careful. Glasses are quite expensive, so consider them carefully.
- Understand that rubbing eyeglass lenses can remove some of their outer protective layer.
