Having even a minor scratch on the lens of your glasses can be irritating and obstruct your vision. Your first instinct may be to grab the bottom of your t-shirt and wipe the smudge away. However, doing so will probably worsen the damage and further interfere with your vision.
The first thing to do when you notice a small scratch or smudge on your lens is to rinse the lens with gentle dish soap and water, or spray them with a doctor-recommended lens spray. Be sure to wipe them with a microfiber cloth designed for glasses. This way, you reduce the risk of further embedding the grit or dust into the lens.
If you use soap and water, it’s best to let the glasses air dry. Wiping them with paper towels, tissues or clothing can leave them covered in lint particles and even cause more scratches.
The best practice for dealing with scratches is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. If your lenses are scratched to the point where they interfere with your vision or cause headaches, it’s time to replace them.
Here are a few tips for preventing scratches on your glasses:
- Store your glasses in a hard protective case whenever you aren’t wearing them.
- Avoid leaving your glasses in the car, as the heat can damage the protective coatings on the lens’ surfaces.
- Wash your glasses according to your optometrist's instructions. Although we’ve all done so in a pinch, don’t use clothing or tissues to clean your glasses. These seemingly soft materials are actually too abrasive for the delicate lenses.
- Only use gentle dish soap or lens spray provided by your optometrist to wipe your lenses. Household glass cleaners can strip your lenses of their protective coatings.
How do you know when it’s time to replace your lenses due to scratches? Ask your eye doctor. If your glasses are scratched and need to be replaced, we can help! Our practice carries a wide range of optical choices, so you’ll be sure to find a pair to suit your eyes and lifestyle.
To find out more about our services or to make an appointment, call Eye Trends in Conroe today!
At Eye Trends, we put your family's needs first. Talk to us about how we can help you maintain healthy vision. Call us today: 936-441-3937 or book an appointment online to see one of our Conroe eye doctors.
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Q&A
Can I remove a scratch on my glasses using baking soda or toothpaste?
No. Using these abrasive products can deepen the scratches and permanently damage your lenses. If you’d like to know if it’s possible to remove a scratch from your glasses, head over to your local optometrist and find out if they can help.
Can I have an anti-scratch coating applied to my lenses to prevent more damage?
Unfortunately, once your lenses are scratched, it’s too late to apply additional coatings to your lenses. Lens coatings are only applied when they’re manufactured and can’t be added afterwards. When you order a new pair of glasses, inquire about adding a scratch-resistant coating to your lenses.