The headline “Scratches on glasses: don’t waste money: apply a little and they’ll disappear instantly” is a common viral home-remedy claim and is mostly misleading.
The reality:
- Small surface marks or smudges may sometimes look better after cleaning or polishing, but true scratches in eyeglass lenses cannot be removed instantly with a household product.
- Products often suggested online (such as toothpaste, baking soda, or abrasive cleaners) can actually damage lens coatings (anti-reflective, UV, or scratch-resistant layers) and make the lenses worse.
- Once a lens material is physically scratched, the reliable solutions are usually:
- Replacing the lenses.
- Having an optician check whether the damage is only to a coating and whether it can be repaired.
To help prevent scratches:
- Rinse lenses before wiping to remove dust particles.
- Use a microfiber cloth.
- Store glasses in a protective case.
- Avoid paper towels, clothing, and harsh cleaners.
So the claim that a “little application” will make scratches disappear instantly is not realistic. At best, some tricks may temporarily improve appearance; at worst, they can ruin the lens coating.
