A method for producing an optical component (1) having a processed pattern (15b) formed thereon and includes: a resist pattern forming step (S2) of forming a resist pattern (21) containing a water-soluble polymer (21) on a lens substrate (11); a water-insoluble layer forming step (S3) of forming a water-insoluble layer (15) on the lens substrate (11) on which the resist pattern (21) is formed; and a removing step (S4) of removing the water-insoluble layer (15) formed on the resist pattern (21) by removing the resist pattern (21) with an water-based solvent to form a processed pattern (15b).