The claim “apply a little and scratches on glasses will disappear instantly” is a popular online tip, but it is usually misleading.
Most household “scratch removers” (such as toothpaste, baking soda, or abrasive cleaners) do not actually remove scratches from eyeglass lenses. They may:
- Make lenses look temporarily clearer by filling tiny imperfections,
- Create a smoother-looking surface,
- Or, in some cases, damage the lens coating (anti-reflective, UV, or scratch-resistant layers).
What you can do instead:
- Clean lenses properly: Use lukewarm water, a drop of mild dish soap, and a microfiber cloth. Dirt particles can make lenses look scratched.
- Check if the mark is on the coating: Sometimes a damaged coating looks like a scratch even when the lens itself is intact.
- Use lens repair options: For significant scratches, an optician may advise whether the lenses can be repaired or need replacement.
- Prevent future scratches: Store glasses in a hard case and avoid wiping them with clothing or paper towels.
If scratches are deep enough to affect vision, especially if they are in your main line of sight, replacing the lenses is usually the safest solution.
