5 Ways to Repair Scratched Glasses — At-Home Fixes That Might Help (With Realistic Expectations!)

Scratches on eyeglasses can be irritating, but the reality is that most marks cannot be fully removed—only made less noticeable. Many home remedies simply polish or fill the damaged area, which may reduce visibility while also risking harm to protective lens coatings.

One frequently suggested option is a paste made from baking soda and distilled water. After cleaning the lenses, a small amount can be rubbed gently in circular motions for a short time, then rinsed and dried with a microfiber cloth. This might slightly improve very fine scratches on plain, uncoated lenses.

However, this approach should be avoided for lenses with anti-glare, blue-light, or scratch-resistant coatings, since the mild abrasion can strip away these protective layers and worsen overall clarity.

Another popular tip involves plain, non-gel toothpaste. A tiny amount applied with a damp microfiber cloth and rubbed briefly may reduce the look of shallow scratches, but modern toothpaste formulas are often abrasive and can increase damage. For that reason, it’s safest only for old or spare glasses.

Some people use car wax or commercial scratch fillers to reduce glare by temporarily filling tiny marks. These products do not repair the surface and are generally unsuitable for daily prescription eyewear.

Strong substances such as metal polish should never be used, as they can permanently cloud or ruin lenses.

If scratches interfere with vision or cause discomfort, consulting an optician is the safest choice. Preventing damage—using microfiber cloths, storing glasses in a hard case, and avoiding paper towels or clothing for cleaning—is the best long-term solution.