A blend of finite element method and effective mass approximation is used to analyze the optical properties of the following nanostructures, namely nanoplatelets, nanorods and other structures. This theoretical research is directed  towards the effects of structural asymmetry on size quantization, absorption coefficients, and photoluminescence. The introduction of asymmetry in these nanostructures led to significant shifts in the absorption spectra and marked  variations in photoluminescence intensity compared to the symmetric ones. The results provided in this work will be that even slight deviations from symmetry can provide rise to radical alterations in optical behavior, which turn out critical in its design and optimization when thinking of a host of optoelectronic applications. The overall results further suggest that better and tailor-made design strategies in the engineering of nanomaterials can be achieved with an  improved understanding of the interplay between the structural features and optical properties. In general, the present research contributes to the growing understanding directed at the functional enhancement of nanostructures  through controlled structural manipulation.