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What Is De-Ringing in Eyeglass AR Coating?

De-ringing is a precise finishing process performed on spectacle lenses after an anti-reflective (AR) coating has been applied. It involves removing a small, uniform band of the AR coating around the entire edge of the lens perimeter.

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What Is De-Ringing in Eyeglass AR Coating?

De-ringing is a precise finishing process performed on spectacle lenses after an anti-reflective (AR) coating has been applied. It involves removing a small, uniform band of the AR coating around the entire edge of the lens perimeter.

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What is the Main Purpose of De-Ringing?

The main purpose is to eliminate a cosmetic flaw and prevent stress. AR coatings sometimes leave a visible, undesirable rainbow ring or haze right at the edge of the lens. De-ringing removes this hazy area, leaving a clean, transparent edge.

How is the De-Ringing Process Performed?

De-ringing is performed in the lab by placing the lens against a cloth or pad soaked in a special solvent. The lens is rotated rapidly while the technician holds the pad against the edge, wiping the coating off the outer perimeter without touching the center viewing area.

Why is De-Ringing Better Than Mechanical Abrasion?

De-ringing uses a chemical solvent rather than mechanical grinding. Mechanical abrasion would rough up the lens edge, potentially causing stress cracks when the lens is mounted. The solvent process leaves the lens edge smooth and safe.

The Benefit of De-Ringing for Frame Assembly

De-ringing prevents damage during frame assembly. When an AR-coated lens is forced into a rigid rim, the coating can chip. Removing the coating from the edge prevents this chipping, which helps keep the lens secure and stable inside the frame.

FAQs on De-Ringing

Is de-ringing done before or after edging?

De-ringing is done after the lens is edged (cut to size) and after the AR coating has been applied.

Does de-ringing damage the lens?

No, the process is carefully controlled to remove only the coating from the perimeter, leaving the main optical surface untouched.

Can de-ringing be used for mirror coatings?

No, de-ringing is specific to removing the thin AR coating. Mirror coatings require a different process.

When to See Your Doctor

De-ringing removes excess AR coating from the lens edge to ensure a secure "fit" in the frame. If this isn't done, the lens can "squeak" or rotate in the frame, causing your astigmatism axis to become misaligned and your vision to blur. See an optician for a reset.

References

The Vision Council. Finishing and Edging Guide (thevisioncouncil.org). 2024.

ABDO. Glazing Techniques (abdo.org.uk). 2023.

Review of Optometry. Errors in PD and Axis (reviewofoptometry.com). 2024.

College of Optometrists. Verifying Spectacle Accuracy (college-optometrists.org). 2024.