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Can you polish prescription glasses lenses? + 7 things you should know
With daily use, it is inevitable that the lenses of your glasses will become scratched and damaged. When this happens, the inevitable question is whether you can polish your prescription glasses lenses to restore their sharpness .
In general, the answer is no , let's explore at Bassol Optics the reasons why you should not polish the lenses of your glasses and discover 7 essential tips to take care of your prescription glasses.
Can prescription glasses lenses be polished?
Prescription glasses lenses cannot be polished like other types of glass , such as watch glass or car windshields. This is due to several factors:
1. Lens material : Prescription glasses lenses are made of specific materials, such as plastic, glass or polycarbonate, which are more susceptible to permanent damage if polished.
2. Lens graduation : lenses have a graduation carefully designed to counteract vision problems, depending on each person. Polishing can alter the prescription of the lenses and damage the treatments .
3. Special treatments : Many prescription glasses lenses come with various special treatments applied, such as the following:
- Anti-glare : reduces glare and improves visual clarity.
- Anti-scratch : Adds a layer of protection against scratches.
- Photochromic filter : These lenses change color depending on the intensity of the light, darkening when exposed to sunlight and becoming clear indoors.
- Blue light filter : reduces the blue light that reaches your eyes, reduces eye fatigue and protects eye health , especially in front of screens.
Polishing your prescription glasses would remove their protective properties and affect their visual quality. Special treatments such as anti-reflective and anti-scratch coatings can be irreparably damaged during the polishing process.
Can sunglasses lenses be polished?
As with prescription glasses, polishing sunglasses lenses is not recommended. Sunglasses lenses are designed to provide protection from glare and UV rays. Polishing can damage these protective filters and coatings, thereby damaging their most basic purpose .
7 tips to take care of your prescription glasses
These are 7 tips you can apply daily to keep your glasses free from scratches and damage.
1. The best remedy is prevention
- Always store your glasses in a case when not in use. This will protect the lenses from accidental bumps and scratches.
- Clean your glasses regularly with a microfibre cloth and specific lens cleaning solutions. Avoid using harsh chemicals or paper towels, as these can scratch the lenses.
- Do not place your glasses face down on dirty or rough surfaces and remember to hold them by the frames , not the lenses.
- Don't wear them to bed - sleeping with your glasses on can scratch the lenses and warp the frames. Remove your glasses before going to bed and store them in a safe case.
2. Know the material of the glasses for better care
Prescription eyeglass lenses can be made from a variety of 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 impair 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 damage their prescription. Also, remember that the material of the frames 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 glasses or Kaleos Donovan for men.
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3. Alternatives to polishing
If your glasses are scratched, consider these alternatives to polishing:
- Replacing lenses : If scratches are deep or bothersome, replacing lenses is the best option. Consult your optician for new lenses with the same prescriptions and coatings.
- Professional cleaning : Some opticians offer professional cleaning services that can remove surface scratches and improve lens clarity.
- Update your glasses: Sometimes the best solution is to buy 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 of resistant acetate materials and vibrant colours.
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4. Be careful with chemicals
Avoid contact of your glasses with chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, chlorine, perfumes, cosmetics and hair spray. These products can damage the lenses and the frame.
If your glasses get dirty with chemicals, wash them immediately with warm water and neutral soap.
5. Don't follow myths about glass polishing!
Many people believe that polishing with toothpaste or other home-made methods is effective. However, doing this can make scratches worse or damage protective treatments.
We also 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 appropriate solutions depending on 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. Perform regular maintenance on your glasses
Regular maintenance is key to prolonging the life of your glasses. Here are some tips:
- Clean your glasses every day with a microfibre cloth and a specific solution for lenses.
- 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 be damaged.
Take care of your prescription glasses with Bassol Optics!
At Óptica Bassol we are the best allies for your eyesight and for your prescription glasses or sunglasses. Do you want new glasses? Make an appointment with us ! Our expert optometrists will provide you with relevant solutions to renew your lenses. Your vision is our priority at Óptica Bassol.
