Scratches on the lenses not only affect the appearance of eyeglasses, but they can also interfere with your vision. Scratched eyeglass lenses can reduce vision and cause glare. Eyeglasses are expensive to replace, but everyday wear and tear can result in scratched lenses. While some people rely on home remedies for repairing scratches, if your eyeglass lenses become scratched, your safest bet is to visit an optician for help.
Step 1
Purchase an inexpensive lens polishing kit from an optometrist's office to buff out light scratches. Carefully follow all the instructions provided with the kit. These kits can be used to repair small scratches and protect your lenses, but they are not designed to remove deep or large scratches. The use of polishing kits is not recommended for lenses with coatings.
Step 2
Take your eyeglasses to an optician who may be able to buff out minor scratches. Depending on the severity of the scratches, it might not be possible to repair the lens. Polishing a lens can change its shape, distorting how light bends. This reduces clear vision.
Step 3
Leave the scratches until you can replace the lens. Trying to repair the scratches using a home remedy could change the prescription of the lens or damage it more. Eyeglass lens repair is best left to a professional.
Step 4
Replace the scratched lens with a new lens, as even superficial scratches can affect the quality of the lens. Doctors at VisionPark Optometry recommend replacing scratched lenses immediately. Some retail vision stores are willing to order one replacement lens.
Step 5
Visit an eye care specialist covered by your vision plan. A network optometrist will be less expensive and can tell you the specifics of your vision insurance. Check the warranty period for your eyeglass lenses. Most warranties on lenses are good for one year. You may be able to get the lens replaced with the original prescription at no cost. Don't try to repair scratches yourself at home first, as this could cancel the warranty.
Step 6
Opt for the scratch resistant coating when ordering new eyeglass lenses. Although no eyeglass lens is completely scratch resistant, the special coating makes the surface of a lens harder to scratch. Polycarbonate eyeglass lenses are also more scratch resistant.
Tips and Warnings
- Protect lenses from scratches by storing eyeglasses in a cushioned case when you are not wearing them. Clean lenses with a microfiber cloth using the cleaning solution recommended to you by your eye care specialist.
- Watch out for commercial products that promise to repair scratched lenses. These may fill in the scratches, but they cannot make the scratches disappear so that the lenses work like new again.
Things You'll Need
- Lens polishing kit
- Warranty
References
- American Optometric Association: Protecting Your Eyes at Work
- All About Vision: Eyeglass Lens Coatings: Anti-Reflective, Scratch-Resistant, Anti-Fog and UV
- The New York Times: Seeing Straight Without Breaking the Bank
- VisionPark Optometry: Your New Eyeglasses
- EyeCareProfessions.com: Eyeglass Care and Advice
