Maya Ellison
Scratches on plastic lenses are a common problem, and while there are various DIY methods to remove scratches, they can be risky and may not always yield optimal results. The best way to deal with scratches on plastic lenses is to prevent them from happening in the first place. This can be done by investing in scratch-resistant coatings, which are offered by many glasses retailers, often at an extra cost. Additionally, it is important to clean your glasses regularly with a microfiber cloth, as dirt and debris buildup can cause scratches. When not in use, glasses should be stored in a hard case to protect them from scratches and other damage.
How to protect plastic lenses from scratches
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | Use a microfiber cloth and a glasses cleaning kit or a gentle, lotion-free dish soap to clean the glasses. |
| Storage | Store glasses in a hard case to protect them from scratches, dust, and other damage. |
| Handling | Be gentle with glasses. Avoid tossing them onto a nightstand or into a bag. Avoid using tissues or paper towels as they can leave behind lint or scratch the lenses. |
| Scratch-resistant coating | Apply a scratch-resistant coating to the lenses to give them an added layer of protection against damage. |
| Contact lenses | Consider wearing contact lenses during vigorous activities such as sports, running, or dynamic movements. |
| Avoid home remedies | Avoid using toothpaste, baking soda, or other home remedies to remove scratches as they can damage protective coatings and worsen vision. |
| Professional help | Consult an optometrist or eye doctor for advice on protecting lenses or options for scratched lenses. |
| Avoid excessive heat | Do not leave glasses in hot environments as excessive heat can damage lens coatings and frame materials. |
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What You'll Learn
Use scratch-resistant coatings
Plastic lenses can be protected from scratches by using scratch-resistant coatings. While basic plastic lenses made from CR-39 are naturally scratch-resistant, other types of plastic lenses can benefit from additional coatings. Polycarbonate and Trivex lenses, for example, are more durable types of plastic that can be further enhanced with scratch-resistant coatings.
Scratch-resistant coatings can be added to lenses during the manufacturing process or as a secondary treatment. Some eyeglass packages may include these coatings, while others may be available for an additional cost. It is important to ask for an itemized description to ensure you are not paying extra for a coating that is already included.
The quality of scratch-resistant coatings varies, and a poor-quality coating can sometimes do more harm than good. Low-quality anti-reflective coatings, for example, may cause lenses to scratch more easily or flake off over time without proper care. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for a higher-tier coating or none at all.
It is also essential to note that scratch-resistant coatings can be removed or damaged by certain products and practices. Glass etching products, household cleaners, and abrasive pastes can strip lenses of their coatings, leaving them more susceptible to scratches. Additionally, exposure to extreme heat can cause crazing, a spider web effect that can compromise the lens's appearance and functionality.
Overall, scratch-resistant coatings can be an effective way to protect plastic lenses from scratches. However, it is important to select high-quality coatings, avoid abrasive products, and store lenses properly to maintain their integrity.
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Store in a hard case
Storing your glasses in a hard case is one of the most effective ways to protect plastic lenses from scratches. This simple solution acts as a barrier, shielding the lenses from potential harm when they are not in use.
Hard cases are designed to be sturdy and durable, offering a safe haven for your glasses. They are typically made of robust materials that can withstand minor impacts and shield the lenses from scratches caused by accidental bumps or knocks. The case creates a physical barrier, protecting the lenses from direct contact with potentially damaging objects or surfaces.
When choosing a hard case, opt for one that is specifically designed for glasses. These cases often feature a soft interior lining, such as microfiber or felt, which provides an extra layer of protection. The soft lining helps cushion the lenses and absorb any minor shocks or vibrations, further reducing the risk of scratches.
To maximize the protective benefits of a hard case, it is essential to develop good habits. Always place your glasses gently into the case, ensuring they are properly positioned and secured. Avoid tossing or dropping them into the case, as this can cause unnecessary impact and potentially damage the lenses or frames.
Additionally, maintain the cleanliness of both your glasses and the hard case. Before storing your glasses, ensure the lenses are free from dirt, debris, or smudges, as these can lead to scratches over time. Use a microfiber cloth and, if needed, a gentle dish soap or lens spray to clean the lenses. Similarly, keep the hard case clean and dry, providing a safe and pristine environment for your glasses.
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Wear contacts during vigorous activity
Glasses are often most vulnerable to damage during activities such as sports, running, hiking, or even an enthusiastic drum solo might cause your glasses to fall off your face and get scratched or broken. One way to avoid this is to wear contact lenses during these more dynamic moments.
Contact lenses are not for everyone, but they can be a great alternative to glasses for the active patient on the go. If you're unsure, the best way to determine whether contacts are right for you is to speak with your optometrist.
It's worth noting that there are situations where you should not wear contacts. For example, if you are in any situation where dust, sand grit or other foreign matter could enter your eye, such as bike riding, gardening, sanding or grinding, or working in a dusty environment, you should wear protective glasses or goggles instead.
If you are unwell, or your eyes are uncomfortable or unusually red, you can continue wearing your contact lenses. It is also safe to place a lens in your mouth for cleaning or wetting.
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Clean regularly with a microfiber cloth
Keeping your lenses scratch-free starts with good cleaning habits. It is recommended to clean your glasses regularly with a microfiber cloth to prevent scratches. Microfiber cloths are essential for keeping your lenses in good condition without causing scratches. They are designed to be used on lenses and are gentle enough not to cause any damage.
Letting debris or dirt linger on your lenses can cause smudges and marks. Enough buildup can also scratch your lenses when you try to wipe it off. It is important to note that you should not use just any cloth to clean your lenses. While your first instinct may be to wipe a smudge away with the bottom of your shirt, eye care professionals warn against doing so as it can actually worsen the damage. Even clothes made of soft cloth can cause scratches.
Instead, use a microfiber cloth designed for cleaning lenses. You can get this at any eyeglass store or optometrist's office. They will probably give it to you for free if you bought your glasses there. Make sure to use a cleaner made specifically for glasses. You can use a gentle, lotion-free dish soap or a doctor-approved lens spray.
To clean your lenses, rinse them with a mild dish soap or spray them with a lens spray, then gently pat them dry with a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth or let them air dry. Avoid using tissues or paper towels, as they can leave behind lint or scratch the lenses.
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Avoid abrasive cleaners
Plastic lenses are prone to scratches, which can obscure your vision and affect the appearance of your glasses. While there are various DIY methods to remove scratches, many of these involve using abrasive cleaners, which can cause further damage to your lenses.
Toothpaste, for example, is often recommended as a scratch remover. However, toothpaste contains abrasive chemicals that can damage any protective coatings on your lenses, such as hard coat, UV coating, anti-glare treatments, or tints. Baking soda is another common home remedy for removing scratches, but it can cause your lenses to warp and erode any previous lens treatments. As a result, your lenses may become opaque, leading to worsened vision and more headaches. For sunglasses, these abrasives can remove tints and coatings, reducing the lens's ability to protect your eyes from UV rays.
Similarly, glass etching products, such as creams or abrasives, contain corrosive hydrofluoric acid, which dissolves lens coatings. While this may be useful if only the coating of your lens is scratched, leaving the product on for too long will damage the lens itself, along with the coating. This will result in the loss of any benefits the coating provided, such as blue light protection.
Metal polish is another abrasive cleaner that should be avoided when attempting to remove scratches from plastic lenses. Metal polish is designed for hard metal surfaces, and using it on plastic eyewear could harm the lenses.
Instead of using abrasive cleaners, opt for gentle dish soap or a doctor-approved lens spray to clean your lenses. These options will effectively clean your lenses without causing further damage.
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Frequently asked questions
To protect your plastic lenses from scratches, you should always store your glasses in a hard case when you're not wearing them. You should also clean your glasses regularly with a microfiber cloth to prevent a buildup of debris, dirt, or grime that could cause scratches. It is also recommended to apply an anti-scratch coating to your lenses to give them an added layer of protection.
There are several household products that can be used to remove scratches from plastic lenses, including non-abrasive, non-gel toothpaste, baking soda, and scratch remover products. To use toothpaste, gently rub a small amount onto the scratched area in a circular motion, then rinse with cool water. For baking soda, mix a small amount with warm water to create a paste, then apply to the lens. You can also buy scratch remover products designed for glasses, which can be applied with a microfibre cloth.
Glass etching products contain hydrofluoric acid, which dissolves lens coatings. Therefore, while they can be used to remove scratches from plastic lenses, they will also remove any coatings on the lenses, such as UV protection. As such, it is not recommended to use glass etching products on your lenses unless the coating is already significantly damaged.
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