PROCESS TO REMOVE ONE OR MORE LEVELABLE SUBSTANCES FROM A SEMI-FINISHED POLYMERIC CONTACT LENS (LENS BLANK), PROCESS TO HYDRATE A SEMI-FINISHED POLYMER CONTACT LENS (LENS BLANK) AND APPLIANCE TO EXECUTE THE PROCESSES

摘要

A process for releasing leachable substances from a polymeric contact lens blank. The contact lens is confined in a cavity within a carrier to permit the hydration of the lens without permitting it to invert or roll over. A fluid flow is introduced into the cavity about the lens to extract leachable material from the lens. The process significantly reduces the amount of leaching fluid that is used and the amount of time that is needed for hydration, washing and extraction.