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What Is Nasal Edge?

The nasal edge is the border of an eyeglass lens closest to the bridge of the nose. It is the inner-most side of the lens where it meets the frame or where the lens is drilled for rimless designs. Its shape and position are vital for the proper fit and alignment of the entire frame.

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What Is Nasal Edge?

The nasal edge is the border of an eyeglass lens closest to the bridge of the nose. It is the inner-most side of the lens where it meets the frame or where the lens is drilled for rimless designs. Its shape and position are vital for the proper fit and alignment of the entire frame.

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How Nasal Edge Thickness Is Determined?

The thickness of the nasal edge is determined by the wearer's prescription. For people with nearsightedness, the nasal edge is the thickest part of the lens. For people with farsightedness, the nasal edge is the thinnest part, as the center of the lens is thickest.

Types of Edge Shapes

The shape of the nasal edge affects how the lens sits in the frame.

  • Beveled Edge - Used for full-rim frames, where the edge is shaped to fit securely into the frame groove.
  • Polished Edge - Used for rimless frames where the edge is visible and smoothed for safety and aesthetics.

Why the Nasal Edge Matters?

The nasal edge is needed for lens stability and appearance. It directly affects the overall symmetry and balance of the glasses on the face. Careful edging prevents the lens from shifting, which helps avoid induced prism and maintains visual clarity.

Edge Management for Strong Prescriptions

Opticians use several techniques to reduce the appearance of a thick nasal edge in nearsighted lenses. High-index materials reduce the bulk. Opticians can also tint the edge or grind it into a specific shape to hide the thickness within the frame.

FAQs on Nasal Edge

Can the nasal edge be thinned down?

Yes, but it must still meet the minimum safety thickness required by the FDA.

Does a thick nasal edge cause distortion?

It can make the lens feel heavy and increase distortion when looking far off-center.

Does the nasal edge relate to pupillary distance (PD)?

Yes, the nasal edge position is used as a reference point to align the optical center with the patient's PD.

When to See Your Doctor

If your glasses are pinching the bridge of your nose or if you see a "blur" when looking toward your nose, the nasal edge thickness or "inset" may be incorrect. An optician can adjust the frame or suggest high-index materials to reduce this bulk.

References

The Vision Council. Frame and Lens Selection (thevisioncouncil.org). 2024.

ABDO. Ophthalmic Lens Edging (abdo.org.uk). 2023.

Optical Journal. Centration and Inset (opticaljournal.com). 2024.

Review of Optometry. Troubleshooting Frame Fit (reviewofoptometry.com). 2024.