🕶 How We Tell the Difference: Lens Scratches vs. Manufacturer Defects

We know it’s frustrating to see marks on your lenses—and we want to help you as quickly as possible. When evaluating a lens issue, we look closely at the type of damage to determine if it’s from improper use or a manufacturer defect.

Here’s how we tell the difference:

🔄 Scratches from Wear & Tear / Accidental Damage (Not Covered)

These are considered normal wear and tear or accidental damage:

• Scratches that appear after cleaning lenses with a shirt or towel

• Scuff marks caused by sand, keys, or impact (like dropping your shades)

• Fine lines or directional streaks in a pattern (e.g., wiping in circles)

• Edge chips from high impact or being tossed in a bag

💡 Tip: These scratches often appear in random spots and build up gradually with use.

🧪 Possible Manufacturer Defects (Covered)

We cover defects that show up early and unexpectedly, including:

• Peeling or bubbling of the lens coating

• Cloudy or patchy areas that weren’t caused by impact

• Uniform discoloration or coating lift

• Issues showing up on both lenses at once, especially within the first year

💡 These issues are often signs of a breakdown in the lens coating rather than external damage.

📸 What We Need From You

To make a warranty decision, we kindly ask you to:

1. Send a few clear, close-up photos of the issue in good lighting

2. Include your order number and let us know how long you’ve had the shades

3. Tell us a bit about how you normally care for or clean your lenses

From there, we’ll take a look and get back to you quickly with next steps. Please remember to take care of your shades so they can take care of you! Store them in your free hard case, use our included microfiber cloth, and rinse with fresh water after saltwater exposure.