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Recommended Procedures

Hydroblock™ is a patented formulation that offers manufacturers of GP lenses a blocking system that will provide the rigid, hard surface needed for the precise cutting of contact lenses while being totally water soluble.  Because it is a unique system, labs will need review their procedures to make sure that they are optimizing the use of Hydroblock™.

To start, because Hydroblock™ is a unique system based on water soluble compounds it cannot be dissolved in solvents like naphtha.  You need to get rid of all cleaners that are not water based.  You’ll also need to let your customers know to get rid of solvent based cleaners.  If there are any Hydroblock™ residues left on the lenses solvent based cleaners will not remove it.  Please contact your lens supplier to find out which cleaners are compatible with their products. 

To apply: 

Hydroblock™ should be handled very much like other blocking compounds.  Misupco has blends available for both manual “spin blocking” or automated static blockers.  In either case, the key to using Hydroblock™ is the temperature of the melted wax.  The optimal temperature range for all of the applications is between 135-150° F (54-64°C).  If Hydroblock™ is applied at temperature under 135°F (54°C) there will be a chance that it will harden before the lens is properly seated on the arbor.  Over 150°F (64°C) Hydroblock™ can become “runny” and there may not be enough compound left on the arbor to properly seat the lens.  These temperature are about the same as used for the old waxes.  We recommend using a thermometer to monitor the wax temperature.   As long as the pot temperature is OK there should be no issues in blocking lenses.  Hydroblock™ provides a very firm bond with the lenses, and we have not heard of any problems with the buttons coming off the arbors.

To Deblock:

Deblocking Hydroblock™ is best done in an ultrasonic bath using very cold water.  It really isn’t different than deblocking the old style waxes except for the water temperature.  We recommend a water temperature of 40° F or 4°C.  At this temperature lenses will deblock in 5-10 seconds.  An added benefit is that it is not necessary to use a razorblade to “pop” the lenses prior to the water bath. Labs that want to continue this practice will find that lenses will deblock very quickly using this technique.  It helps to use a little detergent in the ultrasonic bathwater.  Again, please check with your lens supplier on products that are compatible with their lenses. 

Lens Cleanup

Once the lens is deblocked, any residue can be cleaned using a wet soapy cotton swab and  warm soapy water, lightly swabbing the base curve  of the lens.  After the lens is clean, generously rinse with clean water to avoid any potential for residues on the lenses.  Do not use any solvent based cleaners, as this will only spread around any residues that might remain.

Helpful Hints

Since Hydroblock™ is water soluble, you will gradually see a buildup of dissolved Hydroblock™ in the ultrasonic bathwater.  It’s probably a good idea to change your ultrasonic water once or twice a day. 

Since Hydroblock™ is water soluble, any Hydroblock™ spilled on tabletops or dripped on the floor is easily cleaned up using warm soapy water. 

We have heard of an alternate deblocking method that does not involve an ultrasonic bath.  One labs uses a razorblade to “pop” the lens off the arbor.  They tell me it usually takes 2 or 3 “bubbles” to break the lenses free.  Once it is off, the lenses are cleaned in warm soapy water.  If the lens has to be “pried” off the arbor it might become warped or break.  If you try to “pop” of the lens and find there is a problem the ultrasonic method should be used.

Misupco is always interested in hearing from customers and learning more about how Hydroblock™ is working for you.  Please feel free to e-mail me at mikef@misupco.com or call at 651-353-8632.

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