Scratches on glasses can be frustrating. Whether it’s a small mark or a noticeable scuff, they can easily lead to vision problems. Your glasses play a key role in maintaining clear vision, so it’s important to regularly inspect them for damage and scratches as part of proper eyewear care.
If you notice any damage, visit your optometrist as soon as you can. Unfortunately, scratches on your eyeglasses can’t be repaired, and severe damage usually requires lens replacement, but your optometrist can provide new lenses to restore your clear vision.
What Causes Scratches on Glasses?
Scratches on your lenses are more common than you might realize and can occur without you even noticing. The extent of the damage can vary—sometimes it’s minor, while other times it’s more significant—depending on your lifestyle and daily habits.
Some common causes include:
- Cleaning lenses with rough or abrasive materials like paper towels or clothing fabrics.
- Dropping your glasses onto hard surfaces.
- Putting glasses face-down on desks, counters, or other solid surfaces.
- Dust, sand, or other fine particles rubbing against lenses when cleaning.
- Storing glasses in bags or pockets without a protective case.
Knowing the cause makes it easier to take steps to protect your lenses from harm. Preventive measures make all the difference in keeping the frames and lenses damage-free.
But what should you do if your lenses are already damaged?
Can an Optometrist Fix Scratches on Glasses?
Scratches on your eyeglasses cannot be repaired, as attempting to buff or polish the lens can alter its surface and impact your prescription, ultimately affecting your vision. While your optometrist can perform a professional deep cleaning to remove dirt and debris, more severe scratches typically require lens replacement to restore clear vision.
Deep scratches not only affect the appearance of your lenses but can also distort your vision and damage important coatings, such as UV protection or anti-glare films, compromising their effectiveness.
If your lenses are severely scratched, your optometrist can determine whether replacement is necessary to ensure optimal visual clarity. It’s important to address scratches as soon as possible to prevent further damage and maintain clear vision.
The Importance of Eye Exams for Glasses Replacement
Regular eye exams are essential, not only for monitoring your eye health but also for determining when it’s time to replace your glasses. Wear and tear, changes in your vision, and even evolving style preferences can all impact your eyewear needs.
Replacing your glasses every couple of years helps you keep up with any changes in your vision and benefit from advancements in lens technology. Scheduling an exam every 1–2 years allows your optometrist to assess both your vision and the condition of your frames and lenses, ensuring you’re always seeing clearly.
Be sure to bring your current glasses for a quick check-up during your visit.
How to Tell if You Need to Replace Your Glasses
No matter what, there may be a point when you need to replace your glasses. Regularly inspect them for damage, chips, and scratches, and watch out for signs like:
- Scratches that obstruct your vision
- Prescription changes
- Warped, broken, or ill-fitting frames
Tips for Maintaining Glasses
Keeping your glasses in great shape doesn’t have to be complicated. A little care can go a long way. Proper eyeglasses maintenance can help you avoid scratches and extend the lifespan of your frames and lenses. Proper care includes:
- Using a microfiber cloth and lens-cleaning solution to clean glasses.
- Storing them in a protective case when not in use.
- Avoiding paper towels, tissues, or other abrasive materials as cleaning tools.
- Cleaning them regularly to remove grime or particles that could scratch the lenses.
Update Your Eyewear Today
Taking care of your glasses is essential for clear, comfortable vision. Your glasses are a great way to correct vision, but that doesn’t make them indestructible. Sooner or later, you’ll need to replace them.
When it’s time to refresh your frames, update your prescription, or address damage, our team at Queensway Optometric Centre is ready to help. Contact us today to book your appointment.
