METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING OPHTHALMIC LENSES

摘要

An initial curvature is cut into a lens blank in a lens making machine, such as a lathe, and the curvature is subsequently finished by a finishing tool. The finishing tool has curve characteristics which correspond to those of a prescription within a prescribed tolerance. The curvature of the finishing tool is measured on a digital gauge, and those measurements are fed to a digital controller which actuates the lathe. As a result, an initial curvature is cut into the lens blank having characteristics which correspond to those of the finishing tool. The finishing operation can thus be performed more quickly, since less material needs to be removed from the initial curvature during the finishing operation.