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Scratched or Broken Glasses Lens: Repair or Replace?

You’ve scratched or broken a lens and your frame is still perfect. Before you consider buying new glasses, there are two important things worth knowing.

A scratched lens can’t be repaired — it has to be replaced

However many “home remedies” exist (toothpaste, baking soda, polishing waxes…), none of them actually repair a scratched lens — at best they mask very superficial scratches for a while, and at worst they damage the anti-reflective or hardened coating on the lens. A real scratch, especially if it affects vision, can only be fixed by replacing the lens.

Can I replace just one of the two lenses?

Yes — if your frame and the other lens are in good condition, you don’t need to replace both. This is common, for example, after a knock or a fall that only affects one side. Our configurator lets you order just the lens you need, without forcing you to pay for the one that’s already fine.

When it does make sense to replace both, even if only one is damaged:

  • If the lenses are several years old and you’d like to take the chance to update the coating (anti-reflective, blue light filter…) uniformly.
  • If your prescription has changed since your last check-up — in that case, it would make sense to update both at once.
  • If the lens in good condition already shows signs of coating wear (micro-scratches, anti-reflective coating starting to lift).

If you’re not sure, tell us what happened and we’ll advise you with no obligation before you order anything.

What if it’s the frame that’s broken, not the lens?

If the frame has a crack, a loose screw or a damaged hinge, that’s a different matter from the lens. If the damage is repairable (most is), you can keep using your frame and we’ll fit the new lenses onto it as normal. If the damage is severe (a frame snapped down the middle, for example), the sensible option is to find a new frame and send it to us along with your prescription.

Why it’s worth replacing just the lens, not the whole pair of glasses

Replacing a broken or scratched lens usually costs considerably less than buying new prescription glasses — and you keep the frame you already like and feel comfortable in. This is exactly the kind of case where our lens replacement service makes the most sense: you don’t need a new frame, just a new, well-fitted lens.

Choose the lens type for your replacement

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take if I only need one lens?
The same timeframe as a full replacement: 5 to 10 business days from when we receive your frame.

Is the price of a single lens half that of both?
Roughly, yes, though it can vary slightly depending on the lens type. You can see the exact breakdown in the configurator.

My lens got scratched on the outside — is that down to poor quality?
Not necessarily — all lenses, even with hardened coating, can get scratched through use (dry-wiping them, storing them without a case, etc.). Hardened coating reduces the risk but doesn’t eliminate it entirely.

Can I add hardened coating when replacing the scratched lens, even if the original didn’t have it?
Yes, you can add whatever treatment you like when configuring your new lens, even if the previous one didn’t have it.

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