How to Repair a Scratched Sunglasses Lens

Do you have annoying scratches on your sunglass lenses or your regular eyeglass lenses?
Depending on the depth of your scratches, you may be able to finally do something about it.

Newer sunglasses and eyeglasses are generally made out of plastic, not glass. That's a good thing. It's impossible to remove scratches from glass lenses. If you have glass lenses, you should consider buying new ones and skip ahead to the 'General Care' section of this article. If you have plastic lenses, you're off to a good start. Now you need to determine whether or not your lenses have anti-reflective coating. If you're unsure, hold your glasses on an angle. I you can see green, blue, or purple reflections, you probably DO have the coating. If these are sunglasses, you can also check the temples for "polarized".

If you determine that you don't have an anti-reflective coating, then go to the next section, 'Removing Scratches (Plastic/ NO Anti-Reflective Lenses)'. If you DO have an anti-reflective coating, then read on:

The first step is to go out and buy some "Armour Etch". You can find this at your local hobby and craft store, or online at www.armourproducts.com. Armour Etch is toxic, so use in a well ventilated area, and wear gloves.

Apply the Armour Etch to the lenses using latex or rubber gloves. This will remove the anti-reflective coating. Be sure to coat both sides of the lenses as anti-reflective coating is on both sides. Rinse under warm water. Dry with appropriate micro fiber cloth. Do NOT dry with paper products including toilet paper, paper towel, or facial tissue! This may be how you got your scratches in the first place!

Removing Scratches (Plastic/ NO Anti-Reflective Lenses)

For scratches on non-anti reflective coated plastic glasses, try cleaning by rinsing with warm, soapy water, and drying with appropriate micro fiber cloth. Do NOT dry with paper products including toilet paper, paper towel, or facial tissue! This may be how you got your scratches in the first place!
Next, spray some Lemon Pledge Furniture Polish on both sides, rub it in a circular motion with your fingers. Wipe off excess Pledge with a cotton cloth.

This will cover your scratches with a clear waxy film and make your scratches much less noticeable. You will have to repeat this process as necessary, perhaps once every few days until you can buy new lenses/glasses.

General Care

As an optician, I have assisted many angry customers due to scratched lenses which could have been avoided. Take these few simple steps when caring for your glasses and you will avoid unnecessary damage to them.

-Go to your local drug store or eye care facility and purchase a lens cleaner solution. This cleaner will be safe for all types of lenses, including glass, plastic, and anti-reflective coating.

-I recommend using a micro-fiber cloth (available in different sizes at your local drug store or eye care facility). This cloth is less abrasive than others, including standard cotton cloths. Remember, never use paper products including toilet paper, paper towel, or facial tissue on your lenses!

-When cleaning your lenses, use a good amount of cleaner to ensure removal of dust and to avoid scratching your lenses.

-Another good idea is to buy moist towelette lens cleaners (available at your local drug store or eye care facility). These will come in handy when you are out of the house. They can be easily stored in your purse, pocket, or car and will save you from using your shirt to clean your lenses.

-When your glasses are not being used, store them in the appropriate case! If you don't have a case, you can purchase one at your local drug store or eye care facility, or order one online at www.anysunglasses.com.

It may seem like a lot of things to buy, but these are inexpensive items, and in the end, you will prolong the life of your lenses and save money.