Method for producing contact lenses

A method for producing contact lenses, comprising the steps of:

• a) providing a mold including a male mold half having a first molding surface and a female mold half having a second molding surface, wherein the male and female mold halves are configured to receive each other such that a mold cavity is formed between the first and second molding surfaces when the mold is closed;
• b) dispensing an amount of a silicone hydrogel lens-forming material into one of the male and female mold halves;
• c) mating the male and female mold halves to close the mold;
• d) curing the silicone hydrogel lens-forming material located between the two mold halves, thereby forming a molded silicone hydrogel contact lens;
• e) soaking the mold with the molded silicone hydrogel contact lens therein in hot water for a time sufficient long to allow the hot water get into the mold and hydrate the molded lens therein;
• f) separating the mold into the male and female mold halves, with the silicone hydrogel contact lens adhered on one of the male and female mold halves;
• g) optionally soaking the lens adhered on the lens-adhering mold half in hot water for a time sufficient to allow the hot water penetrate into interface between the lens and the lens-adhering mold half so as to reduce adhesion between the lens and the lens-adhering mold half;
• and
• h) soaking the lens adhered on the lens-adhering mold half in room-temperature or cold water to cause the lens and the lens-adhering mold half contract differentially so as to facilitate dislodging of the lens from the lens-adhering mold half;
• and removing the lens from the lens-adhering mold half for further processing.