How to Remove a Scratch From Glasses

Glasses might become scratched if they are dropped, or carried in a purse without a protective case. Scratches are also caused by the wrong cleaning method or materials. Using your shirt sleeve or a paper towel to wipe your lenses may seem harmless, but fabric softener, tiny dirt particles and paper-based products are not kind to lenses. No matter how careful you are, it is not always possible to keep the lenses of your glasses free from scratches. Try to remove a scratch yourself before spending time and money replacing the lenses.

Things You'll Need

• Eyeglass cleaner
• Toothpaste
• Soft lens cloth
• Glass etching cream

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Instructions

Glass Lenses

• 1

  Clean the lens with eyeglass cleaner, following the manufacturer's directions.

• 2

  Check that the glass is completely dry. Dab a small amount of regular toothpaste onto a soft lens cloth. Never use a gel or whitening toothpaste.

• 3

  Rub the toothpaste onto the glass in small, circular movements. Continue rubbing for 10 seconds.

• 4

  Wipe off the toothpaste; do not rub too hard. Moisten a clean cloth with water to remove any traces of toothpaste.

• 5

  Repeat with more small amounts of toothpaste until the scratch disappears.

Plastic Lenses

• 6

  Purchase a glass-etching cream.

• 7

  Follow the manufacturer's directions for use. Apply the cream to the front and back of the lens. Leave it for the recommended time to remove the anti-glare, anti-scratch coating on plastic glasses.

• 8

  Rinse off the cream and dry the glasses with a soft lens-cloth. Never use glass-etching cream on glass lenses, as this will ruin them.