01 · OPTICAL SURFACE
The lens surface is part of the optical system
The front and back surfaces are precisely designed to produce the intended optical performance.
Removing material arbitrarily can alter the original optical surface.
The front and back of an ophthalmic lens are prescription optical surfaces, not merely transparent plastic. In free-form and progressive lenses, small surface changes can be part of the design, so hand-polishing can alter the intended optics as well as appearance.
02 · COATING
Multiple coating layers sit on the surface
Polishing a hard coat, anti-reflective stack or hydrophobic top coat can damage or remove those layers.
A coating system can include hard coat, multilayer anti-reflective films and a hydrophobic or oleophobic top coat. These layers are too thin to remove only from the bottom of a scratch without changing the surrounding structure.
03 · DEEP SCRATCH
Removing a scratch also affects the surrounding surface
To polish a scratch away, surrounding optical material and coating must also be removed, making it difficult to preserve the original surface geometry and coating condition.
Removing a deep scratch physically requires taking surrounding material down toward the defect depth. On a prescription lens that can change curvature and thickness over an area much larger than the original mark, which is why routine re-polishing is not used to restore the original lens.
04 · POLISHING PRODUCTS
Scratch removers and plastic polishes are risky
A general plastic polish may make the surface look temporarily clearer while damaging the coating or optical surface.
Toothpaste, automotive compound and plastic polish abrade or leave material on the surface; a scratch may look different because reflection changes, but the original coating and optical surface have not been restored.
05 · REPLACEMENT
Replace the lens when a scratch meaningfully affects vision
A deep scratch in the main line of sight, or surface damage that causes noticeable scatter, may justify replacing the lens.
Replacement should depend on location and visual effect, not scratch count alone. A deep central mark, widespread coating failure or scatter that interferes with night vision matters more than a small peripheral cosmetic mark, and current prescription should also be considered.
SOLUTION GUIDE
If a lens is scratched
Check whether they actually affect vision.
Consider replacing the lens.
Check both contamination and surface damage.
GLANOS LENS CHECK
Separate cosmetic scratches from visual problems
Replacing a lens for every tiny mark is unnecessary, but continuing to use severe damage may also be inappropriate.
CAUTION
Do not use toothpaste or abrasive DIY remedies
They can damage the coating and optical surface.
GLANOS EYEWEAR
There is a reason glasses feel uncomfortable.
lens scratches · lens replacement · lens coating · eyeglass care · optical surface