Abstract: A technique is presented for increasing the effective strength and impact resistance of mounted, finished, edged and strengthened ophthalmic glass lenses and particularly those which are relatively thin and prestrengthened chemically. This is accomplished by the incorporation of material preferably applied to the edge of the lens such that the material cushions a relatively thin eyeglass lens when mounted in an eyeglass frame. The elastomeric material is selected to have high strength and low modulus properties. One particular group of materials meeting these requirements is known as heat shrinkable material. This material is preferably applied to the edge of a lens in the form of a gasket.