Wetcell device for inspection

Abstract

The invention provides an inspection cell for inspecting an ophthalmic lens. The inspection cell is a solid block that has a bottom planar surface, a top surface, and an indentation in the top surface. The indentation is adapted to receive an ophthalmic lens. which is to be inspected. The invention additionally provides an inspection unit for an ophthalmic lens, which holds one or more of the inspection cells.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001] The present invention relates to a device that receives an ophthalmic article for an inspection.[0002] Conventional production methods for producing ophthalmic lenses, e.g., contact lenses and intraocular lenses, include lathe cutting methods and cast molding methods. A lathe cutting method produces an ophthalmic lens by cutting a solid substrate of a polymeric optical material to a designed shape. A cast molding method uses a molding process to produce an ophthalmic lens. Typically, a lens mold having two mold halves. i.e., a front curve mold half and a back curve mold half, is used to mold a lens from a polymerizable liquid composition. Once the lens is produced and before it is packaged. the lens is inspected for flaws and damages that may be created or included during the production process.[0003] Typically, a finished lens is inspected before the lens is packaged for sale. The inspection process for ophthalmic lenses, especially hydrogel lenses...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The inspection cell of the present invention allows an opthalmic lens to settle to the bottom of the indentation of the inspection cell and allows light to transmit through the cell without significant optical distortion once a carrier liquid is placed in the indentation. Accordingly, the inspection cell is highly suitable for conducting an automated or a manual inspection of an ophthalmic lens with a relatively simple inspection system.

Problems solved by technology

The inspection process for ophthalmic lenses, especially hydrogel lenses, e.g., polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate contact lenses, is highly arduous since a typical ophthalmic lens is transparent, and therefore, it is difficult to locate the lens, let alone inspect the lens, especially when the lens is placed in a transparent liquid, such as water or saline solution.

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