When you receive a pair of progressive lenses, you might notice tiny markings engraved on the surface. These are not scratches or defects—they’re manufacturer engravings used to identify the lens design, verify authenticity, and help opticians ensure your lenses are properly aligned.
These markings are industry standard and appear on all progressive lenses, regardless of brand.
Why Are There Engravings?
Progressive lenses combine multiple prescription powers in one lens. To make sure everything is positioned exactly where it should be—especially the reading, intermediate, and distance zones—lens manufacturers place microscopic reference marks into the lenses.
These markings allow opticians to:
Verify the correct alignment of your lenses
Ensure the optical center is placed accurately
Help with remakes or adjustments if needed
What Do These Markings Look Like?
These cannot be rubbed off and are intentionally subtle. They sit on the far left and right of the lens, usually at the height of your pupil. These markings usually include:
A brand/logo
A lens design code
A circle
Sometimes the ADD power (the reading strength)
These are very small—often only visible when you tilt the glasses under bright light.
Are These Engravings a Defect?
Not at all.
These engravings are normal, expected, and required for all progressive lenses. Every major lens manufacturer uses them.
They do not affect your vision, durability, or lens quality.
How Can I See the Engravings?
Because they are designed to be discreet, you might only notice them if:
You look closely under bright light
You tilt or rotate the lenses
You inspect them very near your eyes
They’re not meant to be seen during daily wear.
Why You Don’t Need to Worry
These tiny engravings are part of what ensures your progressive lenses work accurately and comfortably. They:
Confirm you received the correct lenses
Help opticians verify proper alignment
Assist with any future adjustments or replacements
They are a sign of precision manufacturing, not an issue.
Still Concerned?
If you're unsure about the engravings on your lenses or want help locating them, our team will be happy to walk you through what you’re seeing and confirm everything is correct.