Polarization creates unique processing and dispensing challenges. Catching distortion-causing situations before they happen can prevent both redos and lost revenue. And, if they occur, knowing how to troubleshoot the complaint expertly and efficiently can smooth ruffled feathers.

Here are four possible problems and how to correct them.

1. AXIS ALIGNMENT

COMPLAINT: Patient complains of distorted vision, headaches, dizziness, nausea. �Something�s just not right.�

PROBLEM: Axis is off by more than three degrees, compromising tolerance. Possible causes include: the manufacturer�s markings and tight tolerances on axis placement are off, the axis is misaligned during lab processing, or the axis is displaced through wear.

SOLUTION: Make sure that polarized reference markings are aligned across the 180� line, especially when the Rx has high power astigmatism and/or prism correction.

Proper polarized lens axis is no more than three degrees off

Images courtesy of Younger Optical

If axis was displaced during wear, the lenses may have been edged too small�polarized lenses should have a snug, not tight, fit, especially in metal frames. In this case, or if the manufacturer�s markings are incorrect, or the lenses were misaligned by the fabricating laboratory, reorder and remake the lenses with attention to the manufacturer�s 180� axis orientation markings.

An axis alignment gauge tool may help verify proper polarized axis alignment. Additionally, a polarized lens with markings intact can be used to verify new polarized lens accuracy by cross polarizing them.

TELL THE PATIENT: It is necessary to remake the lenses to correct this problem. We apologize for the inconvenience and will call as soon as the eyewear is ready and has been verified.

Avoid edging lenses too large and/or overtightening in frame to prevent stress marks

Images courtesy of Optical Distribution Corp

2. DELAMINATION

COMPLAINT: Patient reports that layers of a polarized lens have separated, bubbled, flaked, peeled, or otherwise failed.

PROBLEM: Laminated construction sandwiches the polarized film between lens layers that are held together with adhesive, which can fail when exposed to high heat and/or pressure. Polarized lenses that are cast with a suspended filter don�t rely on adhesive, and therefore rarely, if ever, delaminate. Most of today�s quality polarized lens lines feature advanced processing that includes molecular bonding techniques, ensuring that lenses won�t delaminate.

SOLUTION: Utilize only top- quality polarized lenses with the polarized filters cast into the lens.

TELL THE PATIENT: We will replace the failed product with a different technology.

Caveat: If the product was abused, you may want to split the cost.

 

High-quality polarized lenses have the polarization cast in them

Images courtesy of Polaroid

3. PERIPHERAL VISION

COMPLAINT: Patient notices waves or patterns at the lens periphery when looking side to side.

PROBLEM: Lenses were edged too large and/or over-tightened in the frame, causing stress marks. Primarily visible in the lens periphery, stress marks can also spread throughout the lens. These marks can occur with some poly materials and in wrap style frames without proper base curve compensation.

SOLUTION: Visually verify that the lenses have stress-induced distortion. If hard resin lenses are edged too large, heat them to 200�F for 30

minutes. All other materials can be re-edged smaller to relieve the pressure distortion. However, if re-edging doesn�t eliminate distortion, reorder and remake the lenses with special attention to sizing and mounting.

TELL THE PATIENT: Your lenses have stress waves in the periphery. They will be reconfigured or remade to eliminate this problem.

4. VIEWING DISTORTION

COMPLAINT: Odd patterns or colors when looking at surfaces like windshields, glass buildings, and liquid crystal displays (cell phone, gas station pumps, and depth/fish finder readouts, for example).

PROBLEM: Polarized lenses are picking up different light wavelengths and orientations.

SOLUTION: If, however, this occurs during heavy usage, recommend non-polarized tinted lenses for those tasks.

TELL THE PATIENT: This is normal for polarized lenses. But if you are experiencing this for several hours or more a day, switch to standard tinted lenses for those times.  EB