Can you polish prescription glasses lenses? + 7 things you should know

With daily use, it is inevitable that eyeglass lenses will suffer scratches and damage. When this happens, the inevitable question is whether prescription glasses lenses can be polished to restore their clarity.

In general, the answer is no, let's explore at Bassol Optics the reasons why you should not polish your glasses lenses and discover 7 essential tips to take care of your prescription glasses.

Can prescription glasses lenses be polished?

The lenses of prescription glasses cannot be polished like other types of glass, such as watch lenses or car windshields. This is due to several factors:

1. lens material: prescription eyeglass lenses are made of specific materials, such as plastic, glass or polycarbonate, which are more susceptible to permanent damage if polished.

2. Lens prescription: Lenses have a carefully designed prescription to counteract vision problems, depending on the individual. Polishing can alter the prescription of the lenses and deteriorate the treatments.

3. Special Treatments: Many prescription eyeglass lenses come with various special treatments applied, such as the following:

• Anti-reflective: reduces glare and improves visual clarity.
• Anti-scratch: adds a layer of protection against scratches.
• Photochromic filter: these lenses change color according to light intensity, darkening when exposed to sunlight and becoming clear indoors.
• Blue light filter: reduces blue light reaching your eyes, reduces eyestrain and protects eye health, especially from screens.

If you polish your prescription glasses, you would leave them without their protective properties and this would affect their visual quality. Thus, special treatments such as anti-reflective and anti-scratch can be irreparably damaged during the polishing process.

Can sunglass lenses be polished?

As with prescription glasses, polishing the lenses of sunglasses is not recommended. Sunglass lenses are designed to provide glare and UV protection. By polishing them, you can deteriorate these protective filters and coatings, thus damaging their most basic usefulness.

7 tips for caring for your prescription glasses

Here are 7 tips you can apply on a daily basis to keep your glasses cared for from scratches and mistreatment.

1. The best remedy is prevention

• Always keep your glasses in a case when you are not wearing them. This will protect the lenses from accidental bumps and scratches.
• Clean your glasses regularly with a microfiber cloth and lens-specific cleaning solutions. Avoid using harsh chemicals or paper towels, as they can scratch the lenses.
• Do not place your glasses upside down on dirty or rough surfaces and remember to hold them by the frames, not the lenses.
• Do not wear them in bed, sleeping with your glasses on can scratch the lenses and deform the frame. Remove your glasses before going to bed and store them in a safe case.

2. Know the lens material for better care.

Prescription eyeglass lenses can be made of various materials, each with its own characteristics and susceptibility to damage. The most common materials are:

• Glass: scratch-resistant and provides clear vision, but is heavy and fragile. Polishing is often ineffective due to surface treatments.
• Plastic (CR-39): common in modern eyewear, it is lightweight and impact resistant, but susceptible to scratches. Polishing can damage it and worsen visual clarity.
• Polycarbonate: very impact resistant and lighter than glass, but scratches easily.

If your glasses have special treatments, polishing can cause optical distortions in the lenses and deteriorate their prescription. Also, remember that frame material is very important in the event of a fall or accident.

Among the most resistant frame materials is acetate, which you can find in Carolina Herrera Her or Kaleos Donovan glasses for men.

3. Alternatives to polishing

If your glasses are scratched, consider these alternatives to polishing:

• Replacing the lenses: if the scratches are deep or bothersome, replacing the lenses is the best option. Consult your optician for new lenses with the same prescriptions and treatments.
• Professional cleaning: Some opticians offer professional cleaning services that can remove surface scratches and improve the clarity of the lenses.
• Renew your glasses: Sometimes the best solution is to get new glasses and update your style. Need some ideas? You can opt for Carrera glasses, with a simple and elegant frame or the bold models of Oliver Peoples glasses, made with resistant acetate materials and vibrant colors.

4. Be careful with chemicals

Avoid contact of your glasses with chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, chlorine, perfumes, cosmetics and hairspray. These products can damage the lenses and frames.

If your glasses become soiled with chemicals, wash them immediately with lukewarm water and neutral soap.

5. Don't follow myths about lens polishing!

Many people believe that polishing with toothpaste or other household methods is effective. However, doing so can worsen scratches or damage protective treatments.

Also, we remind you that not all glass is suitable for polishing. Modern materials and special treatments do not respond well to abrasive polishing.

6. Evaluate with a professional

If you discover scratches on your glasses, consult an optician, who will be able to offer you appropriate solutions according to the type and severity of the scratch. On the other hand, superficial scratches may not significantly affect your vision and could be ignored. Deep scratches, on the other hand, may require professional attention.

7. Maintain your eyewear regularly

Regular maintenance is key to prolonging the life of your eyewear. Here are some tips:

• Clean your glasses every day with a microfiber cloth and a lens-specific solution.
• Schedule regular visits to your optician to check the condition of your glasses and make sure they are in good condition.
• Store your glasses in a safe place when not in use and avoid leaving them on surfaces where they can fall or get damaged.

Take care of your prescription glasses with Óptica Bassol!

In Optica Bassol we are the best allies of both your eyesight and your prescription glasses or sunglasses. Do you want new glasses?Schedule an appointment with us! Our expert optometrists will provide you with relevant solutions to renew your glasses. Your vision is our priority at Optica Bassol.