APPARATUS FOR PROTECTING INTRAOCULAR LENS EDGE GEOMETRY DURING POLISHING PROCESS

摘要

Apparatus and methods for protecting the edge geometry of an intraocular lens (10) during polishing are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a protective device having a cavity configured to receive the lens (10) and an annular peripheral portion for surrounding and protecting at least one edge corner (18, 20) of the lens (10). In one embodiment, the peripheral portion has a constant inner diameter and receives the lens (10) in an interference fit. In another embodiment, the lens is trapped between flanges which extend radially inwardly from the peripheral portion. A lens (10) that is encased in the protective device (22) will have a polished central portion and an unpolished peripheral portion after the polishing process has been completed and the protective device has been removed.