Provide a valuable resource to your clients or customers by linking to this resource page. Just place the following link on your website.
A chamfer is a small, precise angled cut applied to the perimeter of a spectacle lens. It is similar to a safety bevel but involves cutting a specific angle or sloped face onto the sharp edge of the finished lens. This process is performed after the lens has been cut to fit the frame.
read more about chamfer on lens edges ...A safety bevel is a very simple dulling of the sharp corner. A chamfer is a more defined, angled surface applied to the edge. The chamfer is often applied for functional reasons, such as making sure the edge does not snag the rim of the frame when inserted.
The chamfer removes the sharpest, most brittle part of the lens material, making it much less prone to chipping or cracking, especially during the lens mounting process. It protects the lens from stress that occurs when it is pressed into a plastic frame or screwed into a metal rim.
The chamfer is most important for full-rim plastic frames. When a lens is inserted into a plastic frame, the rim is slightly heated and stretched. The chamfered edge prevents the lens from damaging the frame's internal groove during insertion.
The quality of the finish on your backup lens matters for safety. A properly chamfered lens is less likely to chip or damage the frame, meaning your backup pair is reliable and safe to use when you cannot wear your contacts.
Yes, the chamfer is typically applied to both the front and back edges of the lens to ensure durability.
No, the chamfer only changes the shape of the very edge; it does not significantly change the lens's overall thickness.
No, the chamfer is hidden entirely within the groove of the frame rim.
The chamfer is a micro-bevel that prevents the lens from chipping inside the metal eyewire. If you notice small "flecks" or chips appearing around the rim of your glasses, the chamfer may have been missed. Have your optician inspect the lens integrity to prevent further breakage.
ABDO. Ophthalmic Lens Mounting (abdo.org.uk). 2024.
The Vision Council. Laboratory Finishing Standards (thevisioncouncil.org). 2023.
Review of Optometry. Troubleshooting Lens Breakage (reviewofoptometry.com). 2024.
Optical Laboratory Association. Finishing Best Practices (ola-labs.org). 2023.