What causes wierd marks to appear on brand new lenses?!
Question:
What causes wierd marks to appear on brand new lenses?
I purchased a new pair of glasses two weeks ago. The first pair of lenses had very apparant marks on them that looked like a chemical had eaten through the AR coating. They remade the lenses and put them in my glasses and everything seemed normal until I got home and saw my lenses in a different light. There is a very faint circle that looks almost etched on each lens. You can not see it while directly looking through the lens, but at an angle you can. I called the place I got them through and they said they would have yet another new pair made, but I'm kind of tired of dealing with this. I paid 150$ for my lenses (pentax diamond clear with AR coating). Does anyone know why they might have these marks? Also, if they have the same marks on the new lenses, should I just ask for a refund? The company has been more than nice to me and they have done so much for me already...
Answers:
Not a progressive (no line multifocal) lens, are they? If they are, the manufacturers actually do etch little marks into the lens. The marks indicate the brand and type of lens, and the reading ADD power. Most people don't notice it on their lenses, unless held at just the right angle in a certain kind of lighting. (and really, most people wearing these lenses can't see well up close unaided, so they'd have to wear another pair of glasses to see those marks.) Anti-reflective coating can make them seem even more apparent. Generally, patients aren't distracted by these marks when wearing their glasses. There's not any way to get a progressive lens that is etch-free.
If you don't have a progressive lens, sometimes a mark can be left on the lens by the lab when they made your glasses. (Think coffee ring stain on wood . . .) The various little devices/tools to hold the lens in place while being edged to your glasses can leave a faint ring. It becomes more noticeable (and permanent) when a coating (tint, anti-glare) is placed over the mark.
All the above apply to your second pair of glasses. Your first pair sound defective. I'm surprised they didn't notice it before they dispensed them to you.