How are contact lenses made? I got this question from my 8-year-old son, who has just started wearing contact lenses to correct for myopia. Great question. There are 2 main different manufacturing processes used: Injection molding The soft contact lens material is heated to a molten state, injected into a mold. The lenses are quickly cooled and removed, the edges are polished, and the lens is hydrated. This method is fast and less expensive. It is often used for disposable contact lenses. Lathe cutting "Buttons" of dry soft contact lens material are mounted on spinning shafts and shaped with precision cutting tools. The shaped lens is then removed and then hydrated to soften it. Often used for customised contact lenses. Rigid gas permeable (RGP), also known as hard, contact lenses are lathe cut. The only difference is that they do not need to be hydrated afterwards. Hybrid contact lenses have a RGP centre surrounded by a soft skirt which helps the lens fit nicely on the eye. The centre is lathe cut, and then the soft skirt is attached. With so many advances in technology you might be surprised with the amazing comfort some brands offer. If you would like to discover whether you are a suitable candidate for contact lenses please contact us for an appointment or visit evolveoptometry.com.au to book online Tony Ireland Evolve Optometry Shop G03, Village Centre, Batemans Bay | 4472 8080 www.evolveoptometry.com.au evolve OPTOMETRY AW7405440 How are contact lenses made ? I got this question from my 8 - year - old son , who has just started wearing contact lenses to correct for myopia . Great question . There are 2 main different manufacturing processes used : Injection molding The soft contact lens material is heated to a molten state , injected into a mold . The lenses are quickly cooled and removed , the edges are polished , and the lens is hydrated . This method is fast and less expensive . It is often used for disposable contact lenses . Lathe cutting " Buttons " of dry soft contact lens material are mounted on spinning shafts and shaped with precision cutting tools . The shaped lens is then removed and then hydrated to soften it . Often used for customised contact lenses . Rigid gas permeable ( RGP ) , also known as hard , contact lenses are lathe cut . The only difference is that they do not need to be hydrated afterwards . Hybrid contact lenses have a RGP centre surrounded by a soft skirt which helps the lens fit nicely on the eye . The centre is lathe cut , and then the soft skirt is attached . With so many advances in technology you might be surprised with the amazing comfort some brands offer . If you would like to discover whether you are a suitable candidate for contact lenses please contact us for an appointment or visit evolveoptometry.com.au to book online Tony Ireland Evolve Optometry Shop G03 , Village Centre , Batemans Bay | 4472 8080 www.evolveoptometry.com.au evolve OPTOMETRY AW7405440