Scratch resistant lenses provide protection from everyday accidental damage. The hard coating prolongs the life of the lens, while simultaneously providing clearer vision.

No eyeglass lenses — not even glass lenses — are scratch-proof.

However, lenses that are treated front and back with a clear, scratch-resistant coating have a much harder surface that is more resistant to scratching, whether from dropping your glasses on the floor or occasionally cleaning them with a paper towel.

Kids' lenses, especially, benefit from a scratch-resistant hard coat for greater durability.

Since scratch-resistant coatings are sometimes optional, make sure your optician knows that you want your eyeglass lenses to include hard coating for extra durability. Keep in mind that even the best scratch-resistant coating can't completely protect your lenses from wear and tear. To keep your glasses looking new, store them in a cushioned case when not in use, and clean your lenses with a microfiber cloth and the cleaning solution your optician recommends.

Also, be wary of products that promise to repair scratched lenses. These products may fill in the scratches, but it is impossible for them to make the scratches disappear so the lenses look new again.

At Optical Masters all of our premium lenses include a scratch resistant coating as standard.