Ever picked up your favorite pair of sunglasses, only to notice an annoying scratch right in your line of sight? It’s more than a minor inconvenience; a scratch can compromise your vision and reduce the overall durability of your sunglasses.
You might be tempted to remove the scratches yourself. But DIY options often do more harm than good, further damaging the lenses.
Enlisting the experienced advice of your optician or optometrist is the way to go.
At The Eye Gallery, our team can assess the severity of the damage to determine whether the scratches are removable or if you would benefit more from replacing them with a higher-quality lens.
If your sunglasses are beyond repair or you’ve been considering an upgrade, switching to a fresh, scratch-free pair with updated features can restore your vision while elevating your style every time you step into the sun!
Scratched Your Lenses: Now What?
Scratches on eyeglasses and sunglasses are common. Damage can accumulate from everyday wear and tear—such as dropping them accidentally, keeping them loose in your bag with keys or coins, and even improper cleaning.
Even high-quality lenses aren’t immune to scratches over time, especially when you factor in improper care and maintenance.
With all that said, you’re not alone! Scratches on sunglasses (or eyewear in general) are a challenge most people face. The good news is that there are ways to handle it.
Fixing Scratches in Your Lenses: Leave It to the Professionals
The internet is full of DIY remedies promising to fix scratches. Unfortunately, these promises don’t always hold and can worsen the problem. Home remedies can remove coatings entirely from the lens itself. And once those coatings are gone, there’s no getting them back.
Although you may be able to minimize the appearance of scratches, removing them entirely isn’t feasible without professional help.
Here are a few reasons why working with our experienced team is often ideal:
- When scratches are severe, replacing the lenses might be the only viable solution
- We can help match your lenses, verifying they work seamlessly with your frames
- When you require new lenses, you can confirm your prescription is up-to-date with our optometrist
- A current prescription helps verify that your sunglasses meet all of your visual needs
- Opticians & optometrists have the tools & experience to assess if your lens coatings are still effective
- Damage can degrade your lenses’ protective coatings (like anti-glare or UV protection), even if you can’t see it with the naked eye
Can Lenses with Scratches Affect Visual Clarity?
Although surface scratches might seem like no big deal, they can distort your vision, making it harder to see clearly, especially in bright sunlight.
At their worst, scratches can cause eyestrain or headaches, particularly if the scratches are in your direct line of sight.
When you rely on your sunglasses for UV or glare protection, damage to the lenses and the overlying coating can compromise their ability to meet your visual needs.
Essentially, keeping your lenses scratch-free isn’t about aesthetics. They help maintain and prolong the functionality of your sunglasses, supporting both your vision and your wallet.
Taking Preventative Measures
Prevention is a cost-effective strategy to avoid scratched lenses in the future. You can prolong the life of your sunglasses and maintain clear vision by adopting a few smart habits.
Keep Your Sunglasses Clean the Right Way
Lenses get dirty; it happens! Cleaning with gentle materials helps maintain the integrity of your lens and any coatings. Here’s how:
- Use a microfiber cleaning cloth
- Don’t use your t-shirt, paper towels, or tissues to clean your lenses, as these materials can scratch the surface
- Rinse before you wipe
- Dust & debris can act like sandpaper if you wipe your lenses while drying
- Start by rinsing the lenses with water to remove loose particles, then gently clean them with a microfiber cloth
- Use cleaning solutions formulated for lenses
- Invest in lens-cleaning spray or wipes recommended by your optometrist or optician
- Products formulated to clean lenses prevent damage to lens coatings
Invest in Quality Lenses & Coatings
The craftsmanship and care that can go into your sunglasses frames and lenses are more valuable than you might think. Your optometrist partners with reputable manufacturers and labs as opposed to over-the-counter glasses from your local drugstore or online retailer.
Working with your vision team allows you to customize your lenses, such as investing in scratch-resistant coatings for added protection. At The Eye Gallery, our team can help match you with durable sunglasses that suit your lifestyle.
How to Store Your Sunglasses Properly
One of the easiest ways to protect your shades is to handle and store them correctly:
- Use a hard protective case when you’re not using them
- A solid case prevents scratches & shields your sunglasses from dust, dirt, & everyday mishaps
- Avoid loose storage like tossing your sunglasses into your purse, backpack, or car
- Loose sunglasses are vulnerable to damage (and getting lost), so before you drop your sunglasses, pause & find your case first
- Place them face-up to protect the lenses
- Make it a habit to place your sunglasses lens-side down inside the lens case to help prevent unnecessary wear & tear
Protect Your Vision & Your Investment
Scratches on your sunglasses are frustrating, but protecting your eyes is worth the extra attention.
Placing your trust in the hands of professionals like The Eye Gallery team can help you keep your sunglasses in outstanding condition and enjoy clear, unobstructed vision.
Whether you need help to fix your lenses or are concerned about updating your vision prescription, we’re here to help. Book an appointment or visit us today!
