Apparatus and method for the production of ophthalmic lenses

Abstract

An apparatus and method for the production of ophthalmic lenses, and particularly contact lenses, which minimizes damage of the lens in removal from the mold. The ophthalmic lens is produced in a mold having a male part and a female part that are placed in proximate relation to each other to create a lens-forming cavity. At least the female surface of the female part mold is preferably coated with plasma and is irradiated for a predetermined time such that the female surface and/or surface coating is at least partially cured. Once the female surface, and alternately the male surface and other surfaces of the mold, is at least partially cured, a curable lens-forming material is placed into the lens-forming cavity and cured to form an ophthalmic lens.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.