Scratches on your glasses: what you can do and how to prevent them

A scratch on your (sun)glasses happens faster than you think. You drop them by accident, toss them in your bag without a case, or they rub against something in the wrong moment. Glasses are fragile, so accidents are bound to happen. Natural wear and tear also plays a role. And since lenses aren’t cheap, discovering a scratch can be seriously frustrating. But what can you actually do about it?

Can you remove scratches yourself?

The short answer: no. Avoid DIY “hacks” like car wax, baking soda, or toothpaste. These won’t remove the scratch—in fact, they can make it worse. A scratch is a true physical damage to the lens, and there’s no quick trick that will make it disappear.

Can scratched lenses be repaired?

Unfortunately, no. If an optician tried to polish the lens to remove the scratch, it would also alter the prescription strength and strip away coatings like the anti-reflective layer. Once these coatings are gone, they can’t be restored. This means dull or scratched lenses can’t simply be fixed to look like new again.

Does that mean you need a whole new pair of glasses?

Most optical chains will recommend buying a completely new pair, claiming it’s “more cost-effective.” But if you just want to replace the lenses and keep your existing frame, the prices often shoot up unexpectedly. Sounds unfair, doesn’t it?

Glazoo does it differently

With us, you can have brand-new lenses fitted into your current frame. You keep your favorite glasses, save money, and help reduce waste.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Order new lenses online from our experts (we don’t sell lenses separately; we always fit them into your frame).
  2. Send your frame to us by post.
  3. We replace your scratched or dull lenses with fresh new ones.
  4. Within 8 days, you’ll receive your glasses back—ready to enjoy again for years to come.

We don’t just replace damaged lenses; we can also help if you need a new prescription or a different type of correction.

3 tips to prevent scratches

Prevention is always better than cure. Follow these tips to keep your lenses in top shape for longer:

  1. Clean your glasses gently.
    Never use alcohol wipes or tissues. These create micro-scratches that will make your lenses look dull over time.
  2. Always store your glasses in a case.
    If you set them down, make sure the lenses are never facing downwards.
  3. Consider an anti-scratch coating.
    This adds a harder protective layer to make your lenses more resistant to scratches. While no coating makes them completely scratch-proof, it will help protect them much better.

With a little care—and the right service—you can enjoy clear vision for much longer. Discover Glazoo’s range of lenses and find the solution that works best for you.