01 · PARTICLES
Invisible particles can remain on the lens
Airborne dust, sand and cosmetic particles may be too small to notice easily.
Some can be harder than the lens or its coating surface.
Lens contamination varies in hardness. Skin oil is soft, while sand and mineral dust can contain particles harder than the coating; the important condition is whether such particles are pressed against the lens and dragged across it.
02 · FRICTION
Wiping can drag particles across the surface
Pressing a dry cloth against the lens can trap dust between the cloth and surface.
Repeated movement in that state increases the chance of fine scratches.
A dry cloth does not automatically scratch every clean lens. Risk rises when hard particles remain between cloth and lens and are moved repeatedly under pressure, so lightly wiping a clean lens with clean microfiber is not the same as rubbing a dusty lens with a sleeve.
03 · COATING
A coating does not make a lens scratch-proof
A hard coat improves surface durability, but it is not an un-scratchable layer.
Hard particles and repeated friction can still damage it.
A hard coat improves durability but does not make a plastic lens scratch-proof. Modern lenses may combine hard coat, anti-reflective layers and a hydrophobic top coat, each with different durability and failure modes.
04 · MICRO SCRATCHES
Fine scratches may not be obvious at first
Very small scratches can be difficult to notice indoors.
As surface damage accumulates, scatter and flare may become more noticeable under certain lighting, especially at night.
Fine scratches may be hard to see initially, yet accumulated surface defects can increase scatter and halos around point lights or strong backlighting. Glare also has other causes, so scratches should not be diagnosed as the only explanation without checking dirt, coatings, prescription and ocular factors.
05 · PREVENTION
Rinsing particles away is a simple preventive step
When possible, rinse dust and particles from the lens under running water before wiping.
The useful rule is to manage particles before friction. Rinse first when possible; if dry cleaning is unavoidable, check lens and cloth for grit and use minimal pressure to reduce cumulative abrasion.
SOLUTION GUIDE
When a lens is dirty
Rinse the particles away under running water when possible.
Use water and a mild cleaner suitable for spectacle lenses.
Check both the lens and cloth for large particles and use minimal pressure.
GLANOS LENS CHECK
Care habits matter as much as coating quality
Even a good coating can be damaged by repeated contact with hard particles and strong friction.
CAUTION
Do not try to restore scratches by aggressive polishing
This can further damage both the coating and the optical surface.
GLANOS EYEWEAR
There is a reason glasses feel uncomfortable.
lens scratches · eyeglass scratches · lens coating · lens cleaning · eyeglass care