HYDROGEL PROCESSING

HYDROGEL PROCESSING Disclosed are methods and apparatus for hydrating ophthalmic lenses and leaching excess materials from the ophthalmic lenses. The methods include the steps of exposing contact lenses with a hydration solution comprising about 30 to 70 percent isopropyl alcohol and water. In some embodiments, the hydration solution is maintained at an elevated temperature. Exposure to a first hydration solution causes the ophthalmic lenses to swell to a size larger than their functional size, and exposure to a second ophthalmic solution causes the lenses to shrink back to a functional size.