I am always careful to use the verbiage “potential for advanced design” because as digital surfacing allows for sculpting of a lens that is only limited by our imagination, I can assure you that we are still very capable of limited imaginations. In many ways freeform processing is just another way to make a lens. … Continued
The front curvature of a lens is known as the base curve. The measured dioptric power of the base curve is what the ocular back curve powers are based on to deliver the desired prescription. The sum of the dioptric power of the front and back curvatures create the total lens power. This means every … Continued
Digital lens design allows the lab to make complex curves unique per order on the back lens surface. This means the front lens surface can now be a simple spherical curve, also known as a single-vision blank. This drastically reduces required lens stock because each single-vision blank only has to have the features of base … Continued
This precision in freeform processing created by the diamond lathe leads to great benefits throughout lens surfacing. There is less degradation of the lens surface while manufacturing. These pictures compare the lens surface after conventional lap tool grinding versus the lens surface after freeform generation. The ridged opaque surface from conventional processing must be heavily … Continued
Digital surfacing has revolutionized the optical industry as an entirely new way of manufacturing prescription lenses. From blocking to generating to polishing, the freeform lens is created with specialized machinery from beginning to end. Digital surfacing is accomplished with freeform generators. Instead of a multitude of simple lap tools, freeform generation utilizes a fine point … Continued
With the lab making only simple single-vision curves, the lens pucks those curves were ground on had to be stocked in every available lens option pre-made on the front lens surface. Let’s say a lab carried ten different types of progressive designs. Now, picture each of those lens designs stocked in 11 add powers, in … Continued
Lap tools are a molded grinding instrument that is formed to the specifications of every possible sphere and cylinder power in quarter step increments and compatible with each possible base curve selection. These tools were stocked on huge rotating shelves. Approximately 4,000 tools had to be kept to accommodate surfacing and polishing of all prescription … Continued
Back before digital lens design and what we now call freeform surfacing, optical labs had nothing to do with lens design manufacturing. Conventional surfacing was a primitive process of grinding simple sphero-cylinder curves on the ocular (backside) surface of a lens. Laboratories only created single-vision prescriptions. Any change in magnification, multifocal or asphericity was required … Continued
Digital lens manufacturing and design has forever changed the optical industry. From the physical way we fabricate lenses to the innovative technology that goes into design development, digital lenses are a giant leap forward. However, optical professionals are often slow to embrace change and new technology. The optician’s mantra, “if you liked what you’ve been … Continued
Today’s contact lens practice is built on a foundation of strong clinical expertise and personalized care. Practitioners who stay informed on current trends and emerging innovations are better equipped to help patients succeed in both vision correction and eye health. Ongoing professional education is key. As new lens materials, smart technologies, and digital care tools … Continued
Infrared and night vision contact lenses are a groundbreaking innovation still in development. These lenses are designed to detect infrared light and convert it into visible information, offering the potential for night vision in low-light environments. According to Ma et al. (2025), early success has been shown using bioengineered photoreceptors embedded within contact lenses. These … Continued
3D printing technology is opening the door to a new era of personalized contact lenses. With this approach, lenses can be tailored to fit the exact curvature and anatomy of a patient’s eye, offering precise control over lens shape, optical zones, and thickness. According to Alam et al. (2021), 3D-printed lenses have the potential to … Continued
Traditional eye drop treatments face challenges like poor absorption and low patient compliance. Much of the medication is lost due to tear drainage, and frequent dosing is often inconvenient or inconsistently followed. Drug-eluting contact lenses are being developed to solve this problem. These lenses are embedded with nanoparticles or feature multilayer designs that control the … Continued
Smart contact lenses are an exciting innovation in ocular technology. These lenses integrate sensors, microelectronics, and wireless systems to monitor health data directly from the eye, transforming contact lenses into real-time diagnostic tools. One major application is glucose monitoring for diabetic patients. These lenses analyze tear composition and send data wirelessly to external devices, providing … Continued
Soft contact lenses have come a long way from simply correcting refractive errors. Today’s advancements are expanding the functionality of soft contact lenses, transforming them into smart medical devices and tools that enhance lifestyles. Recent innovations include biosensing lenses that monitor health markers, drug-eluting lenses that release medications over time, and 3D-printed lenses customized for … Continued
Digital screen fatigue is one of the most frequent complaints among contact lens wearers. Symptoms like dryness, blurred vision, and headaches are often caused by reduced blinking and extended focus during screen use. Until the symptoms become persistent, many patients fail to recognize the connection between their screen time and discomfort. Practitioners can help by … Continued
Contact lenses are not just about vision. They are also about style and lifestyle. Cosmetic lenses can enhance or completely change the color or pattern of the iris, making them popular for daily use, performances, special occasions, or photos. These lenses are available with or without vision correction, appealing to a wide audience. It’s essential … Continued