Scratched eyeglasses can easily affect visibility and functionality. However, removing scratches from prescription eyeglasses is tricky, especially when trying to do it yourself. But can you sand the eyeglass lenses to reduce scratches?
Using sandpaper and other polishing tools on eyeglasses is not recommended because they can rough up or cause marks on the lenses. However, you can use baking soda to clean the lenses if they have minor surface scratches. Baking soda paste wears away the coating on your lenses.
Scratches on glasses are a pain. You spend a substantial amount of money and time buying new eyeglasses. So it’s best to devote a few minutes daily to care for them. So now, let’s learn more about how to fix scratches on eyeglasses.
Can Sandpaper Fix Scratches on Your Eyeglasses?
Using sandpaper is one of the less-touted methods for fixing scratches on your eyeglasses. Sandpaper grinds the lens down to the depth of the scratch, so only use this procedure if you only care about eliminating the scratches from your eyeglasses.
Follow the steps below when using sandpaper to fix scratches:
- Sand the lens to grind down the surface to the depth of the scratch.
- Use a buffing wheel to buff and smoothen the surface.
- Polish the lenses using wax to shine.
This process may take up a substantial amount of time and doesn’t focus on your lens’s functionality.
Avoid using sandpaper if you don’t want to risk damaging your lenses by altering their clarity, refraction, and possibly prescription. Sandpaper can also damage protective coatings like hydrophobic, anti-glare, and UV protection.
What are the Best Methods to Fix Scratches on Your Eyeglasses?
You can restore scratched glasses quickly through various at-home hacks. But the only sure way of completely removing scratches from the lenses on your eyeglasses is to replace the lenses completely. You can also try using glass etching cream for plastic lens glasses.
Below are some simple hacks for fixing scratched eyeglasses:
Baking Soda Paste
Mix baking soda and water to revitalize your lenses with a simple and common kitchen ingredient.
To restore lenses with minor scratches, mix some baking soda and water into a thick paste and rub it over the lenses in a circular motion. Wash off the paste with cool water and repeat the process until the scratches fade.
Sunscreen Lotion
Lenses that have scratches make any dirt or filth on them more noticeable. Sunscreen with an SPF of 45 or higher can also be used to restore the luster of your eyewear and prevent further signs of scratch damage.
To make your old pair of glasses look new and get rid of the scratches on its lenses, dab some sunscreen on a soft cloth and use it to polish the lenses and their edges until the scratches, and the thin coating are gone.
If your lenses are made of glass, you should not use this method.
Toothpaste
Your toothpaste has various uses, more than just good oral hygiene. For example, use toothpaste as a polishing agent for minor scratches. However, it’s best to avoid using abrasive teeth-whitening toothpaste.
To restore the lens, take a soft cloth or cotton ball, dab a small amount of toothpaste on it, and wipe it gently in a circular motion all over the lens. After 10 seconds, remove the solution by rinsing the lenses in cold water.
Visit an optical shop to have the scratches removed if there are many and deep.
Liquid Dishwashing Soap
Use lotion-free liquid dishwashing soap (on Amazon) to clean your lenses and remove any dust or minor scratches that build up over time. Apply two drops of liquid dishwashing solution to the lenses and rub them lightly.
Rinse the eyeglasses with warm water and avoid pressing a cloth against them. Then shake off excess water and clean the lenses using a microfiber cloth. When you put your glasses up to the light, you’ll notice that the scratches have reduced or disappeared, and the lenses now look brand new.
Vinegar
You can use vinegar as a handy trick to clean and disinfect your eyewear. For example, vinegar can replace baking soda and water when cleaning lenses. The vinegar in the mixture gives your glasses a shiny appearance while maintaining their transparency.
However, if your eyeglasses have plastic lenses, you should not use the vinegar and water solution.
Baby Wash Solution
Cleaning your lenses with a baby wash solution is a good idea because of its gentle formulation. To clean your eyeglasses, mix a few drops of baby wash with a small amount of water to make a paste.
Use the solution to clean your eyeglasses, then wash them with warm water. Finally, gently use the cotton cloth to wipe the lens and admire your now scratch-free spectacles.
Car Wax
Although they may appear minor, even slight scratches require prompt action. You can clean your glasses by applying a small quantity of auto wax (on Amazon) to a soft cloth and wiping the lenses down in circular motions.
Once done, rinse the glasses with cold water, then dry the lenses with paper towels or a soft cloth. Try this approach once a week to effectively get rid of scratches.
Tips to Keep in Mind Before Starting
If you want to use toothpaste, avoid using whitening or gel toothpaste and ensure not to scrub your teeth too hard. Instead, go for non-gel, non-abrasive toothpaste brands. But, again, avoiding toothpaste and using other less risky methods to eliminate scratches is best.
Glass etching solutions often remove the damaged coating, such as anti-glare coating from lenses. This may theoretically work, but doing so carries its risks.
Lenses can sustain severe damage if the etching solution is left on them for an extended period. If you choose this option, you risk damaging your lenses beyond repair and will also remove any protective coating that may have been present.
How to Avoid Scratches in the Future
Avoiding scratches on your glasses can spare you the hassle of trying to remove them with sandpaper and other hacks. The following steps can help you prevent scratches in the future:
- Invest in lenses that can withstand scratches. For example, polycarbonate lenses often have a protective layer to prevent scratching. Lenses are more susceptible to scuffs and scratches if they lack this coating.
- Always use a microfiber cloth and manufacturer-recommended lens cleaner solutions (on Amazon) to wipe down your eyewear. Lenses can get smudges and markings if dust and dirt are allowed to accumulate. If you let the buildup get too bad, wiping it off will scratch your spectacles.
- Keep eyeglasses safe by keeping them in a protective case. Your eyewear will be safe from damage when stored in a hard case when they’re not being worn.
- Wear your contacts during vigorous activity. Your eyewear may be in danger if it slips off your face while running, playing sports, or practicing that mind-blowing drum solo. To better see during these times of increased activity, you may choose to consider using contact lenses.
- Handle your eyeglasses with care. Do not carelessly set them on your nightstand or throw them in your purse, as doing so could damage the lenses. Instead, maintain good health in your eyes by caring for your eye doctors.