Dry polishing of intraocular lenses

Abstract

A process of dry polishing molded or lathe cut intraocular lenses to removing flash, sharp edges and / or surface irregularities therefrom. The process includes rotational tumbling of partially protected intraocular lenses in a dry polishing media. The process is suitable for single piece and multipiece intraocular lenses of varying composition.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to methods of polishing intraocular lenses. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of dry polishing intraocular lenses in a particle pack to remove burrs, surface irregularities and / or sharp edges from molded or lathe cut surfaces. Background technique [0002] Methods of molding articles from moldable materials are known. A common problem with molding techniques is the formation of excess material, or flash, on the edges of molded articles. Depending on the type of article being formed during the molding process and how the article will be used, excess material or flash is undesirable. Also, rough jagged or sharp edges are not desirable on lathed items. [0003] For many medical devices, such as intraocular lens implants, it is critical that the polished surface be free of sharp edges or irregularities. With intraocular lenses, the lens is in direct contact with the delicate eye tissue. Any roug...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Therefore, certain types of cryogenic or cold tumbling are not practical in the manufacture of intraocular lenses from these materials

Also, some types of grinding and tumbling methods can work with harder lens materials, such as glass or plexiglass (PMMA), but not with softer lens materials

Additionally, most prior art tumbling methods require the lens to be submerged in a liquid, which may not be suitable for certain lens materials or certain manufacturing processes

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