During the polishing process, what is used?

• A. Soft pad & mild abrasive slurry.
• B. Hard felt wheel with heavy grit.
• C. Bristle brush with water.
• D. Diamond slurry on a plate.

Answer: (A)

Polishing aims to create a smooth, scratch-free optical surface by removing only a fine amount of material with gentle, conforming contact. A soft pad with a mild abrasive slurry provides even distribution of abrasive and allows the pad to contour to the surface, producing a uniform, refined finish without introducing gouges or scratches.

Using a hard felt wheel with heavy grit would remove material too aggressively and risks leaving deep scratches or waviness, which is not desirable in the final polish. A bristle brush with water is mainly a cleaning action and does not abrade the surface to improve smoothness. Diamond slurry on a plate is a more aggressive, specialized method used for certain high-precision or hard-material polishing scenarios, not the typical finishing approach for ophthalmic lenses.

So the soft pad with a mild abrasive slurry best achieves the delicate, uniform polish needed.