How Are Prescription Lenses Made?

When your eye doctor hands you a pair of prescription eyeglasses, the next step involves detailed workmanship to create lenses that ideally correct your vision. But have you ever wondered how these lenses are prepared and customized according to your vision correction needs? In this article, Six One Six Vision Center, the leading eye experts in Eagle, ID, will discuss the process of crafting your prescription lenses.

Lens Material and Design

The first step in making prescription lenses is for your doctor to determine the lens material and design that best fit your needs. Lenses can be made from various materials, including plastic, glass, polycarbonate, and trivex.

Each material has different advantages, such as being lightweight or more impact-resistant. Similarly, depending on the prescription your optometrist prescribes, lenses can be single-vision, bifocal, trifocal or progressive.

Preparing the Lens Block

The lens is attached to a block to secure it during the manufacturing process. The block is made from alloy or plastic and the lens is secured with protective padding. The block serves as a handle during the cutting and finishing process.

Cutting the Lens

Once the lens is securely attached to the block, it’s ready for cutting—also known as surfacing. Surfacing starts with rough grinding on a generator, which shapes the lens according to the prescription requirements. Then, the lens goes through a process known as fine grinding, which makes the surface smoother.

Polishing the Lens

After shaping the lens, it undergoes polishing, removing any marks or lines left on it during the grinding phase. This step ensures the lens is fully transparent.

Lens Coating

The lens can go through additional processing for optional coatings. Popular coatings include anti-reflective, blue-light blocking, UV protection and scratch-resistant layers. These coatings are applied in a vacuum chamber to ensure a uniform layer and then cured with heat or ultraviolet light.

Inspection and Finishing

Before the lens is sent out to the wearer, it undergoes a quality inspection to ensure it’s defect-free and perfectly matches the prescription. Then, the lens is removed from the block and its edges are finished. If the user’s frames are available, the lenses are cut (or “edged”) into the appropriate shape and mounted into the frame.

Choose Us for Your Eye Care Needs

With this in-depth look into the journey of your glasses from prescription to production, you now understand the intricacies involved in eyewear creation. At Six One Six Vision Center, we are committed to giving you the best vision possible with the most comfortable and stylish glasses. We use top-notch independent frame lines like SALT., ECO®, Zeal, and Modo. Call / text us at (208) 514-1858, or schedule online anytime for an appointment.