How To Fix Scratched Glasses: A Complete DIY Guide [2023]

Getting an annoying scratch on your eyeglasses lens can be frustrating. As an avid glasses wearer, I know the headaches scratched lenses can cause—blurry vision, glare, not to mention how unsightly those scrapes and scuffs can look!

But before you run off to replace your scratched glasses, rest assured there are cost-effective ways to fix minor to moderate scratching and restore clarity to your lenses.

In this comprehensive DIY guide, I’ll share insider tips on:

• Why Fix Scratched Glasses
• Assessing scratch severity
• Using household remedies for light scratch removal
• Investing in a scratch repair kit for more serious damage
• Using household remedies for minor to moderate scratch removal
• Knowing when professional help is needed

With some basic techniques and affordable products, you can fix scratched glasses yourself and avoid the cost of new lenses. Let’s dig in!

Why Fix Scratched Glasses?

Here are 7 reasons on why you should fix scratched glasses:

1. Improve clarity

Scratches refract light and make your vision less clear. Fixing scratches helps restore optical clarity.

2. Reduce glare and distortions

Scratches can cause visual distortions like glare, halos, and double vision. Fixing scratches minimizes these issues.

3. Enhance aesthetics

Scratches make lenses appear dirty and damaged. Fixing them makes glasses look cleaner and clearer.

4. Avoid buying new glasses

New prescription lenses are expensive. Fixing scratches lets you get more use from current glasses.

5. Quick and inexpensive

DIY scratch removal is fast and affordable using household items. Far cheaper than new lenses.

6. Restore coatings

Deep scratches damage anti-reflective coatings. Professional fixing reapplies protective coatings.

7. Protect your eyes

Severe scratches can distort vision and cause eye strain. Fixing them improves eye comfort and health.

Examining Your Lenses for Scratch Location & Depth

Not all scratches are created equal, so start by thoroughly examining your lenses to gauge the:

• Number of scratches – single, few, multiple marks
• Location of scratches – isolated spot or across entire lens
• Length and direction – short, long, circular, straight
• Depth and severity – surface level or penetrating lens material?

Use a bright light at multiple angles to inspect all sides of the lens. Look for any concentrated scratches or general haze/abrasions.

Minor surface scratches are likely fixable at home. But deep grooves penetrating the lens call for professional repair.

Cleaning Lenses Before Any Scratch Removal

Regardless of scratch depth, you’ll get best results by thoroughly cleaning lenses first. Use a lens spray or solution – never wet the lenses. Gently wipe clean with a microfiber cloth, taking care not to further scratch the lens.

Proper cleaning clears away dirt, oils and debris that can hinder scratch repair solutions from working effectively.

Home Remedies to Fix Light Surface Scratches on Glasses

For slight scratches limited to the lens coating, these common household items can help:

1. Toothpaste

The mild abrasives in regular toothpaste work to gently smooth and buff out fine scratch marks. Dab a little paste on a soft cloth and rub over scratches in a circular motion. Rinse thoroughly.

2. Baking Soda

A paste of baking soda & water applied with a cotton swab buffs away surface scratches through light polishing action. Gently rub paste into scratches and rinse.

3. Petroleum Jelly

The oils and lubricants fill in and help “erase” fine scratches by temporarily filling them in so they become less visible. Gently rub on scratches and wipe clean.

4. White Vinegar

The acetic acid in vinegar dissolves coating debris in scratch grooves to essentially lift scratches up. Use a vinegar-dampened cotton ball to rub over marks.

These home remedies work best for light scratching confined to the lens surface. But they are limited in fixing deeper scratches penetrating the glass or plastic.

Specialized Scratch Repair Kits For More Serious Scratch Damages

For more serious scratch damage, invest $10-$15 in a specialized DIY eyeglass scratch removal kit. These contain:

• Multi-grit polishing pads
• Precision buffing tools
• Lens cleaning solutions
• Scratch-filling compound

The process involves gently sanding down scratches in incremental steps while preserving lens shape. This takes patience! But done properly under good lighting, you can achieve professional-grade resurfacing.

Repair kits also include scratch-hiding solutions to apply afterwards to help conceal any remaining marks. With the right tools and technique, these kits can restore badly scratched lenses to near-new condition.

Assessing If Professional Help is Needed

While DIY methods work great for surface scratching, they have limitations:

• Cannot fully remove deep grooves penetrating the lens
• Risk permanently damaging lenses if not used carefully
• Unable to match original lens coatings and treatments

If you have extensive scratching or impairment across entire lenses, it’s best to consult an optical professional. They can assess damage under magnification and remedy with specialized tools for:

– Lens polishing/fining to reshape deeply scratched surfaces
– Re-application of anti-reflective and protective coatings
– Partial lens replacement if damage isolated
– Full lens replacement for extensive scratching

Though pricier than DIY, professional repair may be warranted to restore badly damaged glasses to like-new condition.

Home Remedies to Fix Minor to Moderate scratches on Glasses!

Now let’s go over step-by-step directions to remove minor to moderate scratches using household remedies and repair kits.

1. Baking Soda Paste

Supplies Needed:
– Baking soda
– Water
– Cotton swab

Steps:
1. In a small bowl, make a paste with a pinch of baking soda and a few water drops.
2. Dip cotton swab in the paste, then gently rub over scratches using a circular motion.
3. Let paste sit on scratches briefly, then rinse lens under warm water.
4. Dry lens completely with a soft cloth.
5. Repeat process if scratches persist. The light polishing effect helps smooth surface scratches.

2. Toothpaste

Supplies Needed:
– Toothpaste, regular or whitening variety
– Soft cloth

Steps:
1. Put a small drop of toothpaste on a soft lint-free cloth.
2. Use your fingertip to gently massage toothpaste into the scratched area using small circular motions.
3. Rinse lens well under warm water, then dry with a clean soft cloth.
4. Inspect scratches; repeat process if still visible.

3. DIY Scratch Repair Kit

Supplies Needed:
– Eyeglass scratch repair kit
– Bright work lamp

Steps:
1. Clean lenses according to kit directions. Inspect scratches under bright light.
2. Use sanding pads in order of fine to coarse grit to buff away top layer of lens where scratches are present.
3. Work in straight lines going opposite direction of scratches. Rinse away debris between pads.
4. Apply scratch-filling compound after sanding and buff with polishing pad.
5. Use circular motion to polish entire lens for uniform clarity and finish.
6. Rinse cleaned lenses and apply protective solution. Inspect under light.

Follow kit instructions closely. Avoid excess pressure and wash debris away frequently to prevent deeper scratching. This process takes patience but can recondition badly scratched lenses.

4. Petroleum Jelly

Supplies Needed:
– Petroleum jelly
– Cotton swab
– Soft cloth

Steps:
1. Put a tiny amount of petroleum jelly on a clean cotton swab.
2. Gently rub the jelly over scratched areas using small circular motions.
3. Let it sit briefly, then wipe clean with a soft lint-free cloth.
4. Inspect scratches. The lubricants help temporarily fill small surface scratches.

5. White Vinegar

Supplies Needed:
– White vinegar
– Cotton ball or soft cloth

Steps:
1. Dip a cotton ball in vinegar and squeeze out excess.
2. Gently wipe the vinegar over scratched parts of the lens.
3. Allow to sit for 2-3 minutes.
4. Rinse lens under warm water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
5. Vinegar dissolves coating debris in scratches to make them less visible.

FAQs: Scratched Eyeglasses Repair

Still have questions about remedying lens scratches? Here are answers to commonly asked questions:

How can I remove deep scratches from glasses lenses?

Deep scratches penetrating the lens material usually require professional repair methods like lens fining, buffing and resurfacing to fully fix. DIY kits only repair surface level damage.

What home remedies fix scratched lenses?

Toothpaste, baking soda, white vinegar, petroleum jelly and brass polish can improve the look of fine surface scratches using gentle circular polishing motions. Start with clean lenses for best results.

Can scratches be removed from plastic lenses?

Yes, plastic and polycarbonate lenses can have minor surface scratches smoothed away through light buffing using toothpaste or baking soda applied with a soft cloth and gentle pressure. Avoid harsh rubbing.

How do you fix scratched sunglasses lenses?

Try the same DIY methods – toothpaste, baking soda or petroleum jelly massaged gently into scratches using small circular motions. Start by cleaning lenses to maximize scratch removal. Avoid pressure that could further damage the lenses.

Should I replace or repair badly scratched glasses?

For deep scratches causing vision distortion, replacement may be best. For light to moderate scratching, try DIY remedies first for a cost-effective repair. If DIY methods are ineffective, ask an optician about professional resurfacing to fix scratches.

How do you get scratches out of prescription glasses?

Use gentle circular rubbing with toothpaste, baking soda paste, or petroleum jelly on lens scratches. For deep scratches, opticians can professionally polish and resurface lenses.

Can you buff out scratches on glasses frames?

Yes, you can gently buff plastic and metal frames with toothpaste, jewelry polish, or baking soda paste using light pressure to minimize the look of fine scratches.

Will Magic Eraser remove scratches from eyeglasses?

Magic Erasers can potentially improve the appearance of very minor surface scratches but won’t fix deeper grooves penetrating the lens. Rub gently to avoid damaging coatings.

How does baking soda remove scratches from glasses?

The light abrasive properties of baking soda work to smooth and buff out fine scratches when used in a paste and massaged gently into the lens surface.

Does rubbing alcohol remove scratches from glass?

Rubbing alcohol can help remove some light surface fogging and scratches on glass lenses by dissolving away debris in scratch grooves. But it carries risks of damaging lens coatings.

Does vinegar remove scratches from glass?

Vinegar’s acetic acid can slightly dissolve and lift scratches on the lens surface to make them less noticeable. But it cannot fully remove deeper scratches.

Can I fix scratched prescription glasses myself?

Yes, you can fix minor surface scratches at home with items like toothpaste. For deeper damage, seek professional help to resurface lenses while preserving your prescription.

Does WD-40 remove scratches from glasses?

WD-40 can potentially improve the look of very fine scratches by filling them in. But it can’t fix severe damage and risks removing coatings with repeated use.

Can acetone remove scratches on glasses?

Acetone carries high risks of permanently damaging lenses and coatings. It’s not recommended for DIY scratch removal on glasses due to its harsh chemistry.

Summary

As a lifelong glasses wearer, I’ve learned it’s possible to remedy scratched lenses yourself using affordable household items and a bit of elbow grease. For light surface scratches, toothpaste, baking soda, petroleum jelly and vinegar can work wonders.

Invest $10-$15 in a quality DIY scratch repair kit for more extensive buffing and polishing of moderate lens damage. But leave deep scratches that impair vision to a professional optician for lens replacement or resurfacing.

With some basic techniques and supplies, you can fix minor scratched glasses and avoid the cost of new lenses! Just be sure to properly assess scratch severity first, and always handle lenses gently to prevent causing further damage. With patience and care, you can restore clarity to your vision.

Also Read:

How to Maintain GUNNAR GLASSES?

How to Fix Scratched Glasses with Coating?

How To Remove Scratches from Sunglasses?

How to Remove Tint from Sunglasses?