Lenses Concentric Rings

by Joseph Buttery
(Australia)

Q: Why can't concentric rings (aberrations)of high minus HI (1.74)lenses be minimized? Too much emphasis placed on absolute clarity of vision with little improvement of the visual appearance of the lenses. Surely some coating or tinting can be done. Don't think enough R&D is done here.

A: Hello Joseph,

This is a truly valid question. Indeed for too many people, these rings on high diopters creates aesthetic problems. Thank you for asking.

Well, even if currently is not possible to eliminate this problem completely, there are some small things that can be done to get a decent looking eyeglass.

First, I must tell you that the high index, high diopter lenses are made with rings because this is the only viable solution that keeps the lens features. I mean about: the focal point, distortion free lens, thickness.

As you already know, the spherical minus diopter lens is thicker at the edge and thinner in the middle, and if we add the high density material to have a high index lens, the only way to keep all this in one is with the rings. Without going into technical details, so far this is the only option the manufacturers have to make these lenses.

So, unfortunately, there is no effective solution to make these rings disappear all.

The excellent news is that all the leading companies are working on it. I am confident that, in the near future, a real solution will show up itself.

Higher diameter lenses

Already you can buy now high minus diopter lenses with a bigger diameter, where the rings are at the edge so after grinding will last fewer of them.

About the tinting or other coatings

There is no perfect solution for this problem. Some lenses come with a particular antireflection coating that hides the rings partially but not highly efficient.

What can you do in this situation

The fact I can suggest is to choose a smaller frame so the part with the rings will disappear in the grinding process. Using the lenses with larger diameter, you can choose a larger frame with the same results.

The other solution is to wear contact lenses, but they also have a few downsides.

I can only hope that one of the many companies in this field will end up with a solution so you can have a decent looking pair of glasses and in the same time highly efficient. In the meantime, try to get the best of the situation, have fun with different frames, be creative and try different glasses until you find the one that fits your individual needs.

For any advices, feel free to write us anytime.

Arpi