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A rolled edge is a lens finishing technique where the lens edge is smoothed and rounded into a polished curve. This process is typically applied to high-power spectacle lenses that are noticeably thick at the perimeter. The goal is to make the lens edge feel softer to the touch and less visible when viewed from the side.
read more about rolled edge on lenses ...The main purpose is cosmetic improvement and comfort. For a farsighted person, the lens edge is thin, but for a nearsighted person, the lens edge is thick. The rolling process reduces the apparent thickness of the lens and removes the sharp contrast between the frame and the lens surface, making the glasses look better.
Rolling the edge improves comfort by eliminating the harsh, angular edge that could otherwise rub against the wearer's cheek or brow. The smooth, rounded finish also makes the lens safer and more resistant to chipping when the frame is handled or adjusted.
Lenses with high minus (-) prescriptions benefit most from this technique because they have the thickest edges. Rolling the edge can make the lens appear thinner than it actually is, improving the aesthetics of the finished pair of spectacles.
A properly finished lens in your backup glasses ensures safety. A well-rolled edge makes the frame comfortable to wear when you need to switch from contacts. This smooth edge prevents chipping and makes handling the backup glasses safer.
No. A polished edge is shiny. A rolled edge changes the shape of the perimeter to reduce thickness and make it round.
No, the rolling is done so the edge is less visible inside the frame, reducing the distracting light reflections that a thick, clear lens edge can cause.
The material removed is minimal, so rolling the edge does not significantly reduce the overall weight of the lens.
If you have a high minus prescription and are bothered by the "concentric rings" or "power rings" visible at the edges of your glasses, ask your optician about edge rolling and a satin finish. This can diffuse internal reflections and make thick lenses appear significantly more aesthetic.
Review of Optometry. High-Index Dispensing Challenges (reviewofoptometry.com). 2024.
Optical Journal. Lens Edging and Aesthetics (opticaljournal.com). 2023.
All About Vision. Ways to Make Thick Lenses Look Thinner (allaboutvision.com). 2024.
The Vision Council. Lens Surfacing and Finishing (thevisioncouncil.org). 2024.