Can you fix scratched sunglasses?

Don’t let a scratch force you to part with your favorite pair of sunglasses. Minor scratches often respond to home remedies, while deeper gouges require professional repair or replacement. 

Learn how to fix scratched sunglasses at home and professionally, including how to identify your lens material and how to prevent future scratches, so you can look great and stay UV safe.

😎 SwimZip offers durable UV-protective sunglasses for the whole family.

Identify your sunglasses' lenses first

Before you try to fix your sunglasses, you need to know what the lenses are made of. Using the wrong method can ruin lenses permanently.

Plastic and polycarbonate lenses

Most casual sunglasses use plastic or polycarbonate lenses. These materials scratch easily but respond well to gentle polishing. They're softer than glass, so minor scratch removal is possible without special equipment.

🔎 Test for plastic: Tap the lens gently with your fingernail. Plastic produces a dull thud.

Glass lenses

Premium sunglasses have glass lenses for superior optical clarity. Glass resists scratching but can shatter if dropped. Once scratched, glass lenses rarely improve with home remedies since the material is too hard for basic polishing compounds.

🔎 Test for glass: Tap the lens gently with your fingernail. Glass creates a sharp click.

Coated lenses

Many sunglasses include special coatings. Anti-reflective layers reduce glare, mirror coatings add style, polarized sunglasses cut water glare, and UV-blocking treatments protect eyes. Any scratch repair attempt can strip these coatings, so home remedies aren’t an option.

🔎 Test for coatings: Examine lenses under bright light to check for coating. Coated lenses show color shifts or rainbow reflections at different angles.

Lens damage and repair potential

Sunglass scratches fall into three categories that determine repair options and success rates.

Surface-level scratches

These barely-there marks catch light at certain angles but don't affect vision. Your fingernail can't catch on them when dragged across the lens. Surface scratches respond to polishing compounds and home remedies.

Moderate scratches

Your fingernail catches slightly on these scratches. They create minor visual distortion or glare spots. Some polishing methods work, but results differ based on lens material and coating.

Deep gouges

These scratches penetrate multiple lens layers. Your fingernail catches firmly, and the scratch creates obvious vision problems. Deep gouges rarely improve with home remedies and often require lens replacement.

Home repair methods for sunglasses scratches

These techniques fix minor scratches on uncoated lenses. Test any method on a lens corner first.

Baking soda paste

Mix two parts baking soda with one part water to create a thick paste. The mild abrasive action can polish out surface scratches without aggressive chemicals.

Application steps:

1. Clean lenses with dish soap and water.

2. Apply paste with a microfiber cloth using small circular motions.

3. Focus on scratched areas for 10 seconds.

4. Rinse with cold water.

5. Dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

6. Repeat if needed, maximum three attempts.

This method works on plastic lenses.

Non-abrasive toothpaste

Regular toothpaste contains mild abrasives that polish minor scratches. Use non-whitening, non-gel paste without microbeads or crystals, so you don’t accidentally damage the sunglasses more.

To polish scratches with toothpaste:

1. Apply a pea-sized amount to a microfiber cloth.

2. Rub the scratched area in circles for 10 seconds.

3. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

4. Inspect results under bright light.

5. Repeat once if improvement shows.

Vehicle wax

Car wax fills tiny scratches temporarily rather than removing them. The wax creates a smooth surface that reduces light scattering. This fix lasts for a few weeks.

Wax application process:

1. Clean lenses.

2. Apply a thin wax layer with a soft cloth.

3. Let dry to haze (follow product timing).

4. Buff with a clean microfiber cloth.

5. Reapply monthly as needed.

Vehicle wax works on glass and plastic but may blur vision slightly.

Professional repair options for scratched sunglasses

Some scratches need professional attention or lens replacement.

Optical shop services

Professional opticians offer lens polishing with specialized equipment. Industrial polishing compounds remove deeper scratches than home methods. Ultrasonic cleaning removes debris from scratch grooves before polishing.

Costs range from $20–50 per pair, depending on the damage.

Lens replacement

Deep scratches often make replacement more practical than repair. Many sunglass manufacturers sell replacement lenses. Third-party companies also create custom lenses for discontinued styles.

Replacement typically costs 30–70% of new sunglasses, depending on lens features.

Warranty claims

Premium sunglasses usually include scratch warranties. Check your purchase documentation for coverage details. Some manufacturers offer discounted replacement lenses even outside warranty periods.

How to prevent scratched sunglasses

Protection beats repair every time. These practices keep sunglasses scratch-free longer.

Dedicated storage

Hard cases provide maximum protection during transport. Microfiber pouches prevent scratches when tucked in bags. Neoprene bags and cases protect sunglasses during beach and water activities.

Never place sunglasses lens-down on surfaces, as sand, dirt, and table grit can create instant scratches.

Cleaning practices

Rinse lenses with water before you wipe them down to remove abrasive particles. Only use eyewear microfiber cloths, as tissues and other materials can create tiny scratches over time. Clean sunglasses weekly to prevent buildup that requires aggressive scrubbing.

Activity-specific protection

Beach and pool environments pose extra scratch risks.

• Sand particles embed in the cloth and scratch during cleaning.

• Chlorine weakens some lens materials, so the sunglasses may scratch more easily.

• Salt crystals leave mineral deposits that require careful removal.

Choose activity-specific eyewear for high-risk environments. Sunglasses with scratch-resistant coatings survive active situations better than fashion frames.

About children's sunglasses

Kids' sunglasses should be able to endure sandbox adventures and playground tumbles. Choose models with scratch-resistant coatings from the start. Sunglasses with wraparound designs protect better than adult-styled frames. Teach children to use cases and handle sunglasses with both hands.

Do not use these products on your sunglasses

These common suggestions actually damage lenses permanently.

Dangerous substances

Never use these products on sunglasses:

• Glass cleaner containing ammonia strips coatings

• Acetone and nail polish remover dissolve plastic

• Paper products create micro-scratches

• Rough fabrics, like denim, damage all lens types

• Household cleaners with bleach or acids

Risky internet remedies

Skip these viral "fixes" that cause more harm:

• Brass or silver polish: too aggressive for eyewear

• Furniture polish: leaves residue

• Petroleum jelly: creates permanent smearing

• Lemon juice and vinegar: acid damages coatings

• Sandpaper or steel wool: destroys lenses instantly

SwimZip: Swimwear and beach accessories that last

We carry adventure-proof children’s sunglasses that prioritize eye health. Our sunglasses are backed by rigorous testing, so your kids can safely enjoy the sun, season after season.

Here’s how we build protection into our products:

• Durable construction

• UV 400 lenses with 100% UVA & UVB protection

• Bendable frames

🏊 We also carry sun protective swimwear for head-to-toe outdoor protection and style. All of our swimwear carries the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation.

Sunglasses FAQ

How do I fix damaged sunglasses frames?

Bent metal frames often straighten with gentle pressure. Broken plastic frames require special adhesives or professional welding. Loose screws tighten with jeweler's screwdrivers. Missing nose pads and temple tips are replaceable at optical shops for $5–15.

Do scratch removal kits work?

Commercial scratch removal kits work on minor scratches in uncoated plastic lenses. Results vary by brand and scratch severity. Kits that contain multiple polishing grades perform better than single-step products. Most kits struggle with glass lenses or deep scratches.

Can I fix a sunglasses scratch on polarized lenses?

Polarized lenses contain special film between lens layers. Surface scratches on the outer layer might polish out, but any repair attempt risks damaging the polarization film. Deep scratches reaching the polarized layer can't be repaired without destroying polarization properties.

🕶️ Learn more about the differences between polarized and non-polarized sunglasses.

How long do home scratch repairs last?

Polishing repairs that remove material last permanently, but can also permanently damage the sunglasses if done incorrectly. Filling methods (like wax) need reapplication every few weeks. Toothpaste and baking soda can create permanent improvements on successful repairs but won't deteriorate the sunglasses if unsuccessful.

Further Reading

How long does it take to tan in UV 6?

Best sunglasses for eye health

Polarized vs UV protection sunglasses

What is the best UV index to tan?

What is the UV index burn time?