Scratches on prescription glasses and blue-light lenses are a common annoyance for many glasses wearers. If you have children or pets, you know just how easily they can leave marks on lenses.
While it may be tempting to use home remedies to fix scratches on your glasses, these usually cause more harm than good. The best course of action is to visit your optometrist. They can help recommend options for repair or replacement.
Why It’s Important to Deal With Scratches on Your Glasses
Scratches on eyeglasses are not just a cosmetic issue. Sometimes, they can impact your vision. When lenses are scratched, they scatter light, causing glare and reducing clarity, leading to eye strain and headaches over time.
Although the scratches typically won’t cause permanent vision problems, the eye strain and discomfort they cause can recur if the scratches aren’t addressed.
Ensuring that children’s glasses remain scratch-free is even more crucial for parents. Kids rely heavily on their glasses for school and play, where vision plays an important role in their learning. Unaddressed scratches can hamper their daily activities, impacting both learning and enjoyment.
Taking prompt action to fix scratches on your glasses extends their lifespan and ensures you get the most out of your investment. It keeps your vision clear and protects the lens coatings that often come with modern eyewear, such as anti-reflective or blue light filters.
Can I Fix Scratches On My Glasses At Home?
Over time with daily use, eyeglass lenses can eventually become scratched and damaged. While it may be tempting to take to the internet to find effective home remedies, these will often cause more damage to your glasses.
With modern eyewear, especially higher-end frames and lenses supplied by your optometrist, the lenses are treated with special coatings, such as anti-reflective or UV protection layers. Using abrasive materials found at home like toothpaste or baking soda can strip away these coatings, potentially making the scratches worse and even damaging the lenses beyond repair. Additionally, other common home remedies, like using window cleaner or vinegar, can harm the lens material itself, causing the lens to warp or become more brittle.
It’s always best to consult a professional if your eyeglasses have extensive damage. Your optometrist is here to help – they can assess the condition of your eyeglasses, recommend options for professional repair or replacement, and even recommend other eyewear options that may be more suited to your lifestyle.
How to Prevent Scratches On Your Eyeglasses
While not all scratches are preventable, there are measures you can take to minimize damage to your glasses, reducing the hassle of taking care of them.
One of the simplest ways to prevent scratches is always to store your glasses in a protective case when not in use. A hard-shell case offers the best protection against accidental drops and bumps. Soft cases are also practical, but ensure they are lined with a material that won’t scratch the lenses.
Always use a microfiber cloth designed for eyeglass lenses when cleaning your eyeglasses. Avoid using paper towels, tissues, or your shirt, as these materials can be abrasive. Use sprays made specifically for eyeglasses for the cleaning solution. Rinsing the lenses with water before wiping them can help remove any debris that could cause scratches.
Quality Eyewear From Optometrists
Sometimes, eyeglasses are easily damaged because the lenses have been cheaply manufactured by an online retailer looking to make a quick buck, sacrificing quality for quantity. If your glasses are consistently getting scratched, consider purchasing frames and lenses from your optometrist instead.
Personalized Service
When you buy eyewear from an optometrist, you receive personalized service that online retailers simply can’t match. An optometrist will take the time to understand your specific needs and help you choose the best lenses and frames. They can also provide professional fittings and take additional measurements to account for the shape of the frames when crafting your lenses.
Quality Assurance
Optometrists offer high-quality eyewear that has been tested and verified. They stand behind their products and often provide warranties and aftercare services. If your glasses get scratched or damaged, you can return to the optometrist for repairs or replacements.
Expert Advice
Optometrists are trained professionals who can advise you on eye care and eyewear maintenance. They can recommend the best lens coatings to prevent scratches and improve vision. Additionally, they can help identify any underlying issues with your eyesight, ensuring you get the most appropriate eyewear.
Comprehensive Eye Exams
Professional eyeglass fittings are often accompanied by comprehensive eye exams, which are crucial for detecting potential vision problems. Regular eye exams can help catch issues early, helping maintain overall eye health. This is an added benefit that you won’t get from online retailers.
Community Support
Supporting local optometrists means you’re contributing to your community. Many optometrists engage in community outreach and provide services that benefit residents. By shopping locally, you help sustain these valuable services and contribute to the local economy.
Book Your Appointment
You can typically maintain your lenses at home, but consulting your optometrist for professional cleaning and maintenance can help address bigger issues. If you notice that your glasses are especially prone to scratches, talk to your optometrist about special lens coatings to help prevent abrasions.
At Sage Eyecare, we understand the importance of quality eyewear for supporting all your vision needs. Contact us today to see if we can match you up with your next pair of dream eyeglasses.
