Molding apparatus and method

A contact lens assembly comprising a contact lens having an outer edge, a flash ring disposed around the outer edge of the contact lens, and a connecting portion connecting the flash ring to the contact lens wherein the mass of the flash ring is at least forty times greater than the mass of the contact lens.

A contact lens injection molding apparatus comprising first and second molding parts moveable relative to each other between a compressed and an uncompressed position, and an overflow portion disposed proximal to the outer edges of the first and second molding part, wherein in the compressed position a contact lens mold is provided, an outer edge of the first molding part is disposed 1 to 50 μm from an outer edge of the second molding part, and the entire outer edge of the first molding part is disposed at a substantially constant distance from the entire outer edge of the second molding part, wherein a composition to be molded may move from the spacing between the first and second molding parts to the overflow portion, wherein the overflow portion defines a cavity having a volume at least forty times greater than the volume of the contact lens mold provided between the first and second molding parts in the compressed position, and wherein the contact lens injection molding apparatus provides a contact lens assembly comprising a contact lens having an outer edge, a flash ring disposed around the outer edge of the contact lens, and a connecting portion connecting the flash ring to the contact lens wherein the mass of the flash ring is at least forty times greater than the mass of the contact lens.