Putting lenses into glasses frames, particularly metal ones, typically involves opening the frame slightly to insert the lens and then securing it.
For many types of metal glasses frames, the process of inserting lenses is a precise procedure that involves temporarily loosening a part of the frame rim to create space for the lens. This method ensures the lens is held securely once the frame is closed again.
Here's a breakdown of the common steps used for fitting lenses into metal frames that utilize a screw mechanism:
- Prepare the Frame: To begin, you need to create enough room to insert the lens without forcing it. This is done by carefully loosening a specific screw on the frame, often located near the hinge or bridge. Loosen the screw just enough to allow space for aligning the lens with the frame front. The goal is to open the frame rim slightly.
- Align the Lens: Lenses designed for glasses frames have a special edge profile called a "bevel." This bevel is crucial for fitting into the corresponding channel or groove within the frame's rim. The lens will have a bevel that needs to fit into the groove of the frame. Carefully position the lens so its bevel aligns with the groove of the loosened frame section.
- Seat the Lens: Gently press the lens into the frame's groove. Start by fitting one edge into the groove created by loosening the screw, then work the rest of the lens into the channel around the frame rim. Ensure the bevel is fully seated within the groove along the entire circumference of the lens. Once you've secured the lens into the groove, it should sit snugly within the frame.
- Secure the Frame: With the lens properly seated in the groove, the final step is to close the frame rim and lock the lens into place. you can tighten the screw back into place. Carefully tighten the screw that was loosened earlier. Tighten it just enough to close the gap and hold the lens firmly, but avoid overtightening, which could strip the screw or damage the frame or lens.
This method is common for metal frames where the rim can be slightly separated by a screw. Different frame types (like plastic full-rim, semi-rimless, or rimless) use other insertion techniques, but for many metal designs, the screw-loosening method is standard.
