Why Do Progressive Lenses Have Tiny Engraved Markings?

Faint symbols, letters or numbers on progressive lenses can be intentional engravings. They help identify the lens and give optical professionals reference information for fitting. Noticing a tiny mark when you tilt your glasses towards the light does not, by itself, mean the lens is scratched.

That does not mean every mark is an engraving. If you are unsure what you are seeing, or it interferes with your view, ask the supplier to inspect the glasses.

What are the markings for?

Different markings have different jobs. A small logo may identify the manufacturer, while other codes can identify a lens design or material. Reference markings also help optical professionals position and check progressive lenses.

Lens manufacturer Divel Italia's guide to lens markings describes these identification and fitting uses. The meaning of a code depends on the manufacturer's system, so an online example is not a universal decoder for every pair.

Why do I only see them at certain angles?

Engravings are deliberately subtle. For example, ZEISS explains that its brand engraving is semi-transparent and intended to be visible when examining the lens, without interfering with normal viewing through it.

This is an example of one manufacturer's marking, not a claim that your lenses are ZEISS. Check your order information or ask the supplier which lenses you have.

Should I try to remove them?

Do not treat an engraved mark as stubborn dirt. Avoid scraping, polishing or experimenting with chemicals to make it disappear. If ordinary cleaning according to your lens-care instructions leaves a mark, ask what it is before doing anything further.

An intentional engraving does not need a scratch repair. Actual scratches are a separate issue; our guide to scratched glasses lenses explains why home polishing attempts can damage the surface or coating.

What should I tell the optical team?

• Whether you see the mark only when inspecting the lens, or while wearing the glasses.
• Whether it appears on one lens or both, and whether it resembles a symbol, number, line or patch.
• When you first noticed it, and whether you have a separate concern about your vision through the glasses.
• Your order number and lens details, if available.

For glasses supplied by Dr. Lens Change, contact our technicians about the markings. A photo can help start the conversation, but an inspection may be needed.

If you are considering replacement progressives for another reason, compare the progressive lens options and discuss what you like about your current lenses. A faint engraving alone is not a reason to replace a pair that otherwise meets your needs.