A return with scratched lens resuscitation

First I would like to apologize for my lack of blogging lately. I started a new job and needed a little transition time. The good new is, I am back. Also, a new job means I can now afford to start purchasing products for my blog again. It's a win for everyone-but please, feel free to send me products, any little bit helps.


My return to the As Tried By April blog starts with a product called Lens CPR. I had seen it on television in the past but almost forgot about the product until I saw it on sale at Meijer. I was picking up a few grocery items and saw the Lens CPR box nestled on a shelf among a few other As Seen on TV products. The tag said it was only $4.99, a fair price and one within my almost minuscule budget. (Of course when I got home and looked at my receipt, I noticed I was charged $9.99 for it. Always pay attention when things are being rang up at the register-silly me.)

I was a little excited about trying this one. I love sunglasses and had at least three pairs in need of lens mending. I started with my pair of Oakley glasses. These are my sporty glasses and have really taken a beating over the years. The lenses were covered with small scratches-scratches Lens CPR claimed it would make disappear.


I read the instructions and prepped the lenses by spraying them with the included cleaner, then ran them under water and dried with the provided lens cleaning cloth. I then used the applicator, which looked like a lip gloss wand, to apply the scratch coating. I applied even streaks that slightly overlapped as instructed. At first glance, I saw every single line. I wasn't worried though because the instructions said the scratch coating formula was self leveling and after the glasses were set to dry and cure, the lines would be gone.

I let them set all day. The lines did not disappear, the scratches remained on the lenses and now I had glasses with a weird film on them. I was pretty upset because I thought I had ruined my glasses until I read that the lens cleaner included in the kit would remove the coating and should never be used as a regular cleaner for the lenses once treated. I cleaned my glasses, removing the coating. Thinking I did something wrong, I re-read the instructions and tried again. This time I also tried the product on a second pair of glasses. Again, I was left with the same results. Actually, my other pair of glasses, REVO's, looked like I put a rainbow clear coat on them. The glasses actually had a rainbow swirl across them. I used the lens cleaner on both pairs in order to return them to their original, scratched yet coating free state.

This will be the second time I have boxed up a product and promptly returned it. (Always save your receipt. I keep mine in the box the product came in until I have decided on the products success or failure.) The best scratch repair is scratch prevention.


Take care of your glasses by rinsing dust off with water then patting dry. Once the dirt is removed, used a clean microfiber cloth that is designed for glass cleaning to wipe the lenses clean. Finally, keep lenses stored in a hard case. I know, so simple.


LensCPR=FAIL

What should I try next? Looks like you guys chose the Shark Steamer.