Optical plastic and polycarbonate, staple materials in the production of eyeglass lenses, have steadily nudged crown glass out of consumer preference over the last 20 years. Lightweight, safe and easier to fabricate, they have pretty much made glass lenses obsolete. This is born out in the12% market share of glass, and even that figure is clearly due to a loyal following of Photogrey glass lens users.

Plastic and polycarbonate do have a major disadvantage compared to glass, however. They both scratch easier. This problem has been addressed by all the major lens manufacturers over the last several years and it has resulted in a very scratch resistant product. So much so that most manufacturers offer optical labs at least a one year scratch warranty and some even two years. Except for some of the national and regional optical chain stores, your doctor or optician will pass this warranty on to the customer at no charge.

So if your lenses are no longer warranted, scratch removal is achieved by purchasing new lenses. Or not….according to ads on T.V. and on the Internet claiming a liquid polish or a crayon-like substance for your “minor scratches”.

Eyeglasspeople has tried all these products and we have to agree with the wording of the ads. It does reduce the effects of light surface scratches by glossing over the microscopic frosted edges of light eyeglass scratches. The scratch line remains visible, however. These substances must be reapplied frequently to work properly, otherwise they retain a smudgy greasy appearance. The only way it can be removed easily is with rubbing alcohol .And all this for “light surface scratches”. What about deep scratches? It does not work at all, as stated in the ad.

So why bother with a product that only minimally effects surface eyeglass scratches, which are barely noticeable anyway? Eyeglasspeople has concluded that you should not bother. We suggest checking to see if the lens is warranted for scratching, and if not, replace the lenses and save a lot of time. You’ll probably wind up doing it anyway!  And you can save a lot of money ordering them from Eyeglasspeople.