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A three-piece rimless mounting is a method of constructing eyeglasses that does not use a frame to surround the lenses. Instead, the frame is just three separate components: a bridge to connect the lenses over the nose, and two temple arms. These three pieces are attached directly to the lenses, which become the main structural part of the glasses.
read more about three piece rimless mounting ...This design is also known as a "drill mount." To make a three-piece frame, an optical lab must drill very precise, small holes into the prescription lenses. The bridge and the temple arms are then carefully secured to the lenses using a system of tiny screws and bushings. This construction requires great skill and precision to ensure the glasses are stable and aligned correctly.
The main advantage of a three-piece rimless mounting is its appearance. It is the most lightweight and least noticeable style of eyeglasses you can wear. Because there is no frame rim, your field of vision is completely unobstructed. This minimalist design offers a very subtle and professional look, allowing your lenses to almost disappear on your face.
Lens material is the most important choice for this design. Because the lenses are drilled and must support the entire frame, they must be made from a highly impact-resistant material. Polycarbonate and Trivex are the only materials that should be used. Standard plastic or glass lenses are too brittle and would crack or shatter at the drill mounting points.
A unique benefit of three-piece rimless glasses is the ability to change the lens shape. Because there is no rim to dictate the form, you can often put any lens shape you want onto the mounting. If you like the frame hardware but feel the lenses are too round, you can ask your optician to have the lenses cut in a square or oval shape instead. This allows for total customization of your look.
<p>The frames themselves can be, but the main extra cost comes from the required lenses. You must purchase a high-impact material like polycarbonate or Trivex, which are premium options. The lab work is also more complex.</p>
They are more delicate than a frame that has a full rim. They must be handled with care. However, when made with the proper polycarbonate or Trivex lenses, they are surprisingly durable for everyday wear. You must use two hands to take them on and off.
Over time, the small screws that hold the frame together can become loose. They will need to be tightened by an optician periodically to keep the glasses from feeling wobbly. This is a very quick and simple adjustment.
The frames themselves can be, but the main extra cost comes from the required lenses. You must purchase a high-impact material like polycarbonate or Trivex, which are premium options. The lab work is also more complex.
You should talk to your optician to see if a three-piece rimless frame is a good choice for your prescription and lifestyle. They will make sure the correct, safe lens material is used. Because the fit is so precise, you should always return to your optician for any adjustments, as they have the special tools and expertise to work on them without damaging the lenses.
A Simpler View of Rimless Eyewear. Review of Ophthalmology. https://www.reviewofophthalmology.com/article/a-simpler-view-of-rimless-eyewear. Accessed April 7, 2026.
Rimless Should Be Drill-less?. Interstate Lab Group. https://www.interstatelabgroup.com/Uploads/page-files/document-center/module/Frame-Collection-E-Brochures/Avantek_.pdf. Accessed April 7, 2026.
Rimless Drill 101. Sunshine Optics. https://sunshineoptics.com/rimless-drill-101/. Accessed April 7, 2026.
Lens Materials. American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/eyeglass-lens-materials. Accessed April 7, 2026.
Trivex Lenses. All About Vision. https://www.allaboutvision.com/eyewear/eyeglasses/lenses/trivex/. Accessed April 7, 2026.