In the world of optics, maintaining the clarity and quality of glasses is paramount. Optical shop owners have their secrets for keeping lenses in top condition, and one lesser-known trick helps make dirt and scratches seemingly disappear from glasses. Here’s a look at a simple yet effective method they use, which you can try at home to restore your own glasses.

What You Need

• Microfiber cloth

• Lens cleaning solution or a simple homemade mixture (distilled water with a drop of dish soap)

• Fine wax (like car wax or furniture wax)

• Soft cotton cloth

Instructions

1. Clean the Lenses Thoroughly: Start by gently cleaning your glasses with a lens cleaning solution to remove any surface dirt and oils. If you don’t have a specialized solution, mix a little dish soap with distilled water. Spray or apply it to the lenses and gently wipe with a microfiber cloth. This step ensures that you’re working with a clean surface.

2. Apply Wax to Fill in Minor Scratches: Take a small amount of fine wax—optical shop owners often use a clear or neutral car wax or a specialized lens wax. Using a soft cotton cloth, apply a small amount of wax directly to the lenses. Rub it in a circular motion over the entire surface of the lenses. The wax acts as a filler for fine scratches and makes them less visible.

3. Buff the Lenses: After applying the wax, use another clean microfiber cloth to buff the lenses vigorously. This helps in further smoothing out the surface, enhancing the visibility through the lenses, and adding a protective layer that repels dust and moisture.

4. Inspect the Results: Hold the glasses up to a light to ensure that all scratches are filled and the lenses are clear. If scratches are still visible, you may repeat the wax application for a deeper fill.

5. Regular Maintenance: To keep your glasses in the best condition, clean them daily and apply wax once every few weeks or as needed. This not only helps keep them looking new but also extends their lifespan.

Why This Works

The fine wax fills in the micro-abrasions or shallow scratches on the lens surface, which are usually the culprits behind cloudy or blurred vision from glasses. By filling these in, the wax smooths out the surface, allowing light to pass through without scattering, which diminishes the visibility of scratches.

Additional Tips

• Avoid Rough Materials: Always use a microfiber cloth or other soft materials to clean and dry your glasses. Rough fabrics can add more scratches.

• Test First: If you’re unsure about the type of wax or are worried about potential reactions with your lenses (especially if they have special coatings), test the wax on a small, less noticeable area of the lens first.

• Consult Professionals for Major Repairs: While this trick works well for minor scratches, significant damage or deep scratches might require professional repair or replacement lenses.

This simple trick can keep your glasses looking sharp and clear, much like the secret methods used by optical shop owners. It’s an easy and cost-effective solution to enhance the longevity and performance of your eyewear.