* Dissolves coatings: Many eyeglass lenses have special coatings for anti-glare, scratch resistance, UV protection, or blue light filtering. Acetone and other solvents in nail polish remover can dissolve or strip these coatings, leading to blurry vision, scratches, or a hazy appearance.
* Damages plastic lenses: Plastic lenses (like those made from polycarbonate or CR-39) can be directly damaged by acetone. It can cause them to become cloudy, brittle, or even crack.
* Potential for warping: Certain lens materials may warp when exposed to the chemicals in nail polish remover, distorting your vision.
In short, avoid using nail polish remover to clean or remove anything from your eyeglass lenses. It's a very bad idea.
What to do instead:
* Use eyeglass cleaner: The best option is a cleaner specifically designed for eyeglasses. These are formulated to clean without damaging coatings.
* Mild soap and water: If you don't have eyeglass cleaner, use a tiny drop of mild dish soap (like Dawn) mixed with lukewarm water. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean, soft microfiber cloth.
* Microfiber cloth: For light smudges, a clean, dry microfiber cloth is often sufficient.
If you accidentally got nail polish remover on your lenses, rinse them immediately with plenty of water and then try cleaning them with eyeglass cleaner or mild soap and water. If you notice any damage, it's best to take them to an optician for evaluation.