Do progressive lenses have markings on them?
Most of the time, yes. The markings are necessary for the optician or laboratory to be able to identify the major fitting reference points on the lenses so that they can be properly placed in the frame. It is also possible to determine fit issues after the glasses have been dispersed if the wearer experiences a visual problem.
Although it is possible to have lenses made without markings, no major manufacturer offers lenses without the markings. They are ergonomically designed so that they do not interfere with vision and are not visible to the observer. They require magnification of at least 2X in a laboratory setting to be located. It is possible, however, that some high myopes can see them without glasses even when not wearing them.
Typically, progressive lenses have the following markings. They are commonly marked with waterproof ink when they are sent from the laboratory, which speeds up the fabrication process. Upon dispensing the lens, the ink is removed, however the microengraved markings underneath are permanent. These markings indicate that it is for the right side, the reading addition is +2.00, and the lens manufacturer is Essilor.
Do varifocal lenses have numbers on them?
It is true that these numbers indicate and describe the size of your eyeglass frames, specifically: 1) the eye size number (which represents the diameter of the lenses on your frame); 2) the bridge size number (which indicates the distance between the lenses on your frame).
How do you check lens markings?
You’ll find up to three numbers on glasses frames, and they stand for the lens width, bridge width, and temple length. These numbers are written on the inside of one arm and may be separated by spaces or dashes. Often, a small square shape separates the lens width from the bridge width.
You may see other letters or numbers on the arm, and these could refer to the frame model, color, brand, or manufacturer. Usually, the glasses measurements are easy to spot, as they follow the same order and have standard ranges, all expressed in millimeters. Here’s how to read them.
Lens Width
As the first measurement of glasses, lens width, often referred to as eye size, is always the first in the series. In millimeters, it tells you how wide each lens is. This measurement only refers to the clear lens you are looking through, meaning it does not include any of the surrounding frames.
40-60 mm is a typical range
Bridge Width
In your frames, the bridge width indicates the shortest distance between the lenses. (Contrary to what you might expect, this is not simply a measurement of the bridge on your glasses.) A narrower bridge width accommodates a narrower nose, whereas a wider bridge width is best suited to a wider nose.
14-24 mm is a typical range
Temple Length
Approximately the length of each temple (or arm) of your glasses begins at the screw that attaches to the frame’s main body and continues to the tip that sits behind the ear. A common standard for this measurement is 135, 140, 145, and 150, which usually ends with a zero or five.
A properly fitted temple length will ensure that your frame extends far enough behind your ear without protruding too far.
120-150 mm is a typical range