Scratches on sunglasses cannot truly be removed: home remedies such as toothpaste or baking soda will, at best, hide a very light scratch and, at worst, damage the lens coatings. If the scratches are deep or numerous, the most effective solution is to replace the lenses and keep your frame.
A scratch is not just a cosmetic problem. It distorts what you see, causes annoying reflections and, over time, strains your eyes. That is why it is worth knowing what works, what doesn’t and when it is time to replace the lenses.
Do home remedies work?
There are lots of tricks going around online: toothpaste, baking soda, glass cleaner… Their effectiveness is very limited, and in some cases they make the lens worse. The reason is simple:
- They are abrasive. What they actually do is wear down the surface around the scratch. That can make it look less visible, but the lens ends up hazier.
- They damage the coatings. Many lenses have layers such as a polarizing film, an anti-reflective coating or protective coatings. Rubbing them with abrasive or chemical products ruins them for good.
- They don’t restore the optics. Even if the scratch is less noticeable, the surface is no longer even and your vision is never quite the same.
The best solution: replace the lenses
If your sunglasses have deep or numerous scratches, the best thing to do is to replace the lenses. That way you keep the frame you love and enjoy sharp, flawless vision again.
Advantages of replacing just the lenses
- Savings: it is cheaper than buying new glasses.
- Personalization: you can choose new colors and finishes.
- Sustainability: you extend the life of your glasses and generate less waste.
How to replace the lenses step by step
- Identify your model. On the inside of the arm you will see the reference, for example “RB3025 001 58□14”: model, color and measurements. The first number of the measurements is the lens size, that is, the width of the lens.
- Choose the lens. Decide between original and compatible lenses and pick the color.
- Check how it is fitted. On metal frames the lens is usually held by a screw in the rim; on plastic frames it is usually press-fitted.
- Make the swap. On metal frames, loosen the screw, replace the lens and gently tighten it again. On plastic frames, warm the frame with hot water or a hair dryer on a low setting, push the lens from the inside outward and fit the new one starting from one side.
On our blog you will find video tutorials for many specific Ray-Ban and Oakley models.
How to avoid new scratches
- Clean the lenses with lukewarm water and a microfiber cloth, never with your clothes or with paper.
- Always keep your glasses in their case.
- Don’t leave them lens-down.
- Rinse off sand or salt with fresh water before drying them.
- Don’t carry them loose in your bag or glove compartment, next to keys or coins.
- Avoid leaving them in the sun on the car dashboard: excessive heat is not good for the lenses or the frame either.
Frequently asked questions
Does toothpaste remove scratches?
It does not remove them. At most, it hides a very superficial scratch by wearing down the lens, and it can ruin the coatings.
Can sunglass lenses be polished?
It is not recommended. Polishing removes the surface coating and the lens loses its properties.
What is the difference between original and compatible lenses?
The originals are the factory part; we have been a certified EssilorLuxottica distributor since 2018. Compatible lenses are a more affordable quality alternative. Both come with a 3-year warranty against manufacturing defects.
What if I don’t know which lens I need?
Write to us with a photo of your glasses and of the markings on the arm, and we will help you find it.
Give your glasses a second life
At ReplacementLenses you will find a wide range of replacement lenses: original Ray-Ban lenses, compatible Ray-Ban lenses and original Oakley lenses. Standard shipping is free on orders over $ 50.75. If you have any questions, write to us and we will help you by email.
Looking for a replacement part for your glasses?
Type the model engraved on the temple arm and we'll show you everything that fits.
