Scratches on your glasses? Here's how to safely get rid of them!

Can scratches be removed from glasses?

Scratches on your lenses can be frustrating, but there are several methods that may help to reduce their appearance or make them less noticeable. Before attempting any treatment, check whether your lenses have a special coating – some methods can damage it. This is especially important when considering how to remove scratches from prescription glasses with coating.

How to remove scratches from glasses

Polish scratches with a microfibre cloth

Start by using a clean microfibre cloth to gently remove any dust, dirt, or grease from the lenses. For very fine scratches, thorough polishing alone may help—sometimes, you’ll notice an improvement straight away. This simple method can be surprisingly effective if you're looking to remove minor scratches from eyeglasses without any special tools.

Use polishing agents made for glasses

There are specific polishes designed for eyeglasses, particularly those with plastic lenses. These contain fine abrasives that gently work on the surface and may reduce the appearance of scratches. Apply a small amount of polish to the lens and gently rub in circular motions using a soft microfibre cloth. Afterwards, rinse the glasses thoroughly and allow them to dry. If you're looking to eliminate scratches from plastic glasses, this is often the safest and most effective method.

How NOT to remove scratches from glasses

Toothpaste

Toothpaste is often recommended as a DIY remedy for scratched lenses, but it’s not ideal. Most types of toothpaste contain coarse particles that can cause more damage to the lens and may also affect any protective coatings. So, if you're looking to remove scratches from prescription glasses, it's best to stick to proper lens cleaners rather than toothpaste.

Baking soda or bicarbonate of soda

Baking soda is frequently mentioned as a home remedy, but like toothpaste, it contains gritty particles that can cause further damage. Using it may worsen scratches and reduce lens clarity—exactly what you want to avoid when trying to remove scratches from eyeglasses at home.

Car polish or furniture polish

Avoid using car polish, metal polish or furniture polish on your eyeglasses at all costs. These products contain harsh abrasives that can severely damage both the lenses and their coatings. They are far too aggressive and can permanently affect the material—definitely not suitable if you're trying to remove scratches from your glasses or from the lens itself.

Common causes of scratches on glasses lenses

Scratches on eyeglasses are usually caused by improper handling or contact with hard materials. It often happens when glasses are stored in a bag without a case or placed face-down on a surface. Cleaning your eyeglasses with unsuitable materials such as tissues or clothing can also leave marks. Dust particles act like sandpaper, gradually damaging the material—so prevention is key if you're hoping to avoid or reduce scratches on your lenses. Even tap water containing limescale can cause tiny abrasions when cleaning your lenses. Sand grains, keys, or other hard objects near your glasses may also result in scratches. This is especially true for plastic lenses, which are softer than glass. That’s why removing scratches from plastic glasses is such a common concern, particularly for those who wear them daily.

How to prevent scratches on your glasses lenses

Scratches on glasses lenses can be avoided by following a few simple care tips. Here are some measures that can help you keep your glasses in perfect condition:

• Always store your glasses in a case: When you’re not wearing your glasses, they should always be kept in a case. This protects the lenses from impacts, scratches, and dust. Make sure the case is large enough so that the glasses aren’t squeezed or bent.

• Clean your glasses properly: Always use a soft microfibre cloth or a specialist lens cleaning solution. Avoid rough materials or paper towels, as these can cause scratches. Also, make sure to use a clean cloth and check that there are no dust particles on the lenses before wiping them.

• Handle with clean hands: Before touching your glasses, make sure your hands are clean and dry. Dirt or oils from your fingers can lead to scratches when wiping the lenses.

• Avoid contact with hard surfaces: Don’t place your glasses directly on hard surfaces like tables or floors. Even rough furniture can cause scratches.

• Avoid placing your glasses on clothing: Don’t rest your glasses on your clothes or keep them loose in bags where they might come into contact with other items. There’s a high risk of scratches from keys, coins or other hard objects.

• Don’t leave your glasses in direct sunlight: Extreme temperatures can damage both the lenses and their coating. Avoid leaving your glasses in direct sunlight or in the car. This also applies to sunglasses.

• Regular maintenance and check-ups: Have your glasses checked regularly by your optician. They can professionally clean the lenses or apply protective coatings to extend their lifespan. These treatments can help prevent minor damage and keep your glasses in good condition for longer.

When is it time to replace your lenses?

Scratches on your glasses can significantly impair your vision, especially if they are deep or lie directly in your line of sight. In such cases, repair is often no longer effective, as the damage to the lenses is permanent and can cause blurred vision. Deeper scratches reduce the light transmission of the lenses, making it harder to see clearly, particularly in changing light conditions. If the scratches are right in the centre of your vision, replacing the lenses is almost unavoidable, as the optical quality will no longer be satisfactory.

Another reason for replacing your lenses is that scratches can compromise their protective features. Lenses with coatings such as anti-reflective treatment or UV protection can lose their effectiveness when damaged.

Many opticians offer affordable replacement lenses, which are often cheaper than buying a whole new pair of eyeglasses. If your frames are still in good condition – with no cracks or damage – replacing the lenses can be a practical and cost-effective solution. In many cases, new lenses can also be fitted with specialist coatings that enhance both functionality and appearance.

While shallow scratches can sometimes be concealed with DIY methods or gentle polishing, deeper marks are a different challenge. These cuts penetrate the material and cannot simply be removed. In such cases, lens replacement is often the only viable option.

If you want to enjoy clear vision and comfortable wear in the long term, it's important to take regular care of your eyeglasses and consider lens replacement in time when damage becomes serious. Even if you're in a hurry, take a few seconds to protect your glasses – instead of tossing them into your handbag, place them in a case. This not only helps maintain clear vision but also extends the lifespan of your glasses.