A buffered optical waveguide includes an optical waveguide having a core, a cladding, and at least one coating and a buffer layer. The buffer layer being disposed around the optical waveguide for protecting the same so that the coupling/adhesion of the buffer layer is reduced. In one embodiment, at least one coating on the optical waveguides has an undulating profile for reducing contact area of the optical waveguide, thereby reducing coupling/adhesion of the buffer layer thereto. In another embodiment, the buffer layer has an internal profile with at least one recessed portion that extends along a longitudinal length of the buffer layer for reducing the contact area of the buffer layer for reducing coupling adhesion thereto. In preferred embodiments, the buffered optical waveguide is about 900 microns or smaller.