eye on equipment

Running with Rimless

by Karlen McLean, ABOC, NCLC

In-office labs and rimless lenses can be a match made in heaven. Processing rimless in-house is economical and allows flexibility to create unique, personalized lens designs quickly.

RIMLESS RIGHT

Keep it simple in the beginning. Start with compression-fit drill mounts that have two holes nasally and temporally and don't require slotting.

After you build your confidence, you will be ready to venture into more difficult work, concentrating on different rimless mounts in segments until skills are mastered in each area.

Once you've honed basic rimless skills, branch out into custom rimless work, including:

• Fully customized lens shapes
• Decorative edge designs
• Tattooing
• Faceting

Some systems offer shape editing and jewel functions specifically for the customized rimless market.

Be sure to set your automatic edger to the rimless setting, so it adjusts to the proper beveling stage and ensures accurate lens sizing.

LEAP OF FAITH

Because the whole point of most rimless eyewear is to downplay the look of wearing glasses, AR is popular from a cosmetic standpoint. In addition, since more of the lens is exposed in a rimless style, glare from lens' edges, especially polished edges, can be corrected or softened by AR or a lens edge tint.

Hydrophobic/oleophobic and AR lenses can be a challenge to edge, especially in rimless form, since they feature a smooth and slippery surface. During edging, the lenses can slide between the edger clamp shafts, causing off-axis errors.

Rimless drilling in action. Image from Santinelli International

To avoid this, experts recommend that lenses be cleaned with rubbing alcohol and special tissues prior to applying surface-saver tape.

Apply a leap pad specifically designed for use on hydrophobic lenses on the front and back of the lenses, ensuring there are no creases. Trim any overhanging tape and use the largest chuck and leap pads or wax blocks available.

Use the highest clamping pressure possible, keeping in mind that excessive pressure causes breakage. Using a less aggressive cycle increases cycle time, but is a safer approach as this helps reduce axis errors. EB