Abstract: The present invention relates to a process comprising the steps of reacting a reactive mixture comprising at least one silicone-containing component, at least one hydrophilic component, and at least one diluent to form an ophthalmic device having an advancing contact angle of less than about 80°; and contacting the ophthalmic device with an aqueous extraction solution at an elevated extraction temperature, wherein said at least one diluent has a boiling point at least about 10° higher than said extraction temperature.

Abstract: A polymer composite composition wherein at least one of the constituents is a silicone ionomer and the other constituent is polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process comprising the steps of reacting a reactive mixture comprising at least one silicone-containing component, at least one hydrophilic component, and at least one diluent to form an ophthalmic device having an advancing contact angle of less than about 80°; and contacting the ophthalmic device with an aqueous extraction solution at an elevated extraction temperature, wherein said at least one diluent has a boiling point at least about 10° higher than said extraction temperature.

Abstract: A composition including an actinic radiation or thermally curable polyorganosiloxane ionomer having one or more reactive groups, for example, vinyl, acrylate, epoxy groups.

Abstract: Silicone hydrogel contact lenses having ophthalmically acceptable surface wettabilities are obtained from pre-extracted polymerized silicone hydrogel contact lens products having relatively large amounts of removable or extractable materials. The silicone hydrogel contact lenses can be obtained from non-polar resin based contact lens molds and without surface treatments or an interpenetrating polymeric network of a polymeric wetting agent. Related lens products, polymerizable compositions, and methods are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ionic silicone hydrogel polymers displaying improved thermal stability. More specifically, the present invention relates to a polymer formed from reactive components comprising at least one silicone component and at least one ionic component comprising at least one anionic group. The polymers of the present invention display good thermal stability and desirable protein uptake.

Abstract: Disclosed are low-tack, hydrophobic, high refractive index, acrylic materials. These materials, especially useful as intraocular lens materials, contain one or more aryl acrylic hydrophobic monomers as principal device-forming monomers, a tack-reducing macromer additive and a glistening-reducing additive. In addition to their use as intraocular lens materials, the present materials are also suitable for use in other implantable ophthalmic devices.

Abstract: The invention provides silicone hydrogel contact lenses that exhibit reduced back surface debris and reduced incidence of superior epithelial arcurate lesions.

Abstract: High refractive index copolymers with reduced glistenings are disclosed. The copolymers, which are particularly suitable for use as ophthalmic device materials, comprise a high molecular weight, reactive, linear polyethylene glycol component.

Abstract: This invention includes a wettable biomedical device containing a high molecular weight hydrophilic polymer and a hydroxyl-functionalized silicone-containing monomer.

Abstract: Dimensionally stable silicone hydrogel contact lenses are described. The lenses are derived from a polymerizable composition including a first siloxane monomer represented by formula (1): wherein m of formula (1) represents one integer from 3 to 10, n of formula (1) represents one integer from 1 to 10, R1 of formula (1) is an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and each R2 of formula (1) is independently either a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; the lenses also include units derived from a second siloxane monomer represented by formula (2): wherein R1 of formula (2) is selected from either hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R2 of formula (2) is selected from either of hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; m of formula (2) represents an integer of from 0 to 10; n of formula (2) represents an integer of from 4 to 100; a and b represent integers of 1 or more; a+b is equal to 20-500; b/(a+b) is equal to 0.01-0.

Abstract: Polymerisable material which comprises a polymerisable group, a siloxane group-containing component and a zwitterionic group is described. The polymerisable material may be used to produce polymers and articles, in particular contact lenses.

Abstract: Embodiments of silicone hydrogels, ophthalmic lenses made therefrom, and methods of making the same are described. Fully hydrated silicone hydrogels have relatively high water content and oxygen permeability, along with relatively low modulus of elasticity. Embodiments of the silicone hydrogels in substantially dehydrated condition are adapted to lathe cutting at or above room temperature. Variations of the silicone hydrogels include silicon-containing monomers in an amount greater than 25% by weight, a hydrophilic substituted N-vinyl acetamide monomer in an amount greater than 30% by weight, and a hydrophilic non-acetamide monomer in an amount resulting in a hydrophilic substituted N-vinyl acetamide monomer to hydrophilic non-acetamide monomer weight to weight ratio of greater than 2.1 to 1.

Abstract: The instant invention pertains to a method and a fluid composition for producing contact lenses with improved lens quality and with increased product yield. The method of the invention involves adding a phospholipid into a fluid composition including a lens-forming material in an amount sufficient to reduce an averaged mold separation force by at least about 40% in comparison with that without the phospholipids.

Abstract: The invention provides a class of actinically-crosslinkable silicone-containing prepolymers which comprise (1) ethylenically-unsaturated groups and (2) UV-absorbing polymeric units, latent UV-absorbing polymeric units, and/or dual photo-functional polymeric units. The prepolymer of the invention can be used to prepare silicone hydrogel contact lenses capable of absorbing UV/visible radiation. The present invention is also related to silicone hydrogel contact lenses made from a prepolymer of the invention and methods for making the contact lenses in a cost-effective way and with high consistency and high fidelity to the original lens design.

Abstract: This invention includes a wettable biomedical device containing a high molecular weight hydrophilic polymer and a hydroxyl-functionalized silicone-containing monomer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymeric compositions useful in the manufacture of biocompatible medical devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to certain monoethylenically unsaturated polymerizable group containing polycarbosiloxane monomers capable of polymerization to form polymeric compositions having desirable physical characteristics useful in the manufacture of ophthalmic devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a silicone (meth)acrylamide monomer, and this silicone (meth)acrylamide monomer is particularly suitable for use in contact lenses, intraocular lenses, artificial cornea, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to: to a silicone polymer formed from reactive components containing (i) at least one silicone component and (ii) 2-hydroxyethyl acrylamide; a silicone hydrogel containing such silicone polymer; a biomedical device (e.g., a contact lens) containing such polymer; and a biomedical device formed from such hydrogel.

Abstract: A new high refractive index, oxygen permeable contact lens material and method for making the same. The material comprises an alkyl acrylate, a fluoro acrylate, a silicone acrylate, a polymerizable vinyl monomer having a substituted aromatic ring and/or heterocyclic ring structure, a multifunctional acrylate, and a polymerizable vinyl monomer having a heterocyclic ring structure.

Abstract: The invention provide a new class of silicone-containing prepolymers containing ethylenically unsaturated groups and latent UV-activated free radical generating moieties. This class of silicone-containing prepolymer is capable of being actinically crosslinked in the presence of one or more hydrophilic vinylic monomers to form a silicone hydrogel material with a hydrophilic surface without post curing surface treatment. The present invention is also related to silicone hydrogel contact lenses made from this class of silicone-containing prepolymers and a vinylic monomer having a latent UV-activated free radical generating moiety.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel crosslinkable copolymers which are obtainable by (a) copolymerizing at least two different hydrophilic monomers selected from the group consisting of N,N-dimethyl acrylamide (DMA), 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA), glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP), acrylic acid (AA) and a C1-C4-alkoxy polyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate having a weight average molecular weight of from 200 to 1500, and at least one crosslinker comprising two or more ethylenically unsaturated double bonds in the presence of a chain transfer agent having a functional group; and (b) reacting one or more functional groups of the resulting copolymer with an organic compound having an ethylenically unsaturated group.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to silicon-based prepolymers. The disclosed prepolymers exhibit satisfactory solubility in aqueous solutions or hydrophilic solutions and can overcome undesirable shrinkage, expansion, and related problems possessed by conventional silicone monomers and related conventional polymerization techniques by producing hydrogels from a crosslinkable prepolymer. Also disclosed are polymers and molded articles produced from the disclosed prepolymers, which attain a satisfactory oxygen permeability. Also disclosed are methods for producing the disclosed prepolymers. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention provides silicone hydrogel contact lenses that exhibit reduced back surface debris and reduced incidence of superior epithelial arcurate lesions.

Abstract: An ophthalmic device is disclosed that is a polymerization product of a monomeric mixture comprising (a) a major amount of a non-silicone-containing hydrophilic monomer; (b) a hydrophobic monomer; and (c) a crosslinking agent, wherein the ophthalmic device has an equilibrium water content of at least about 70 weight percent and further wherein the ophthalmic device has an evaporative dehydration barrier layer on the surface thereof. A method for the mitigation of evaporative corneal dehydration employing the high water content ophthalmic device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of silicone hydrogels, ophthalmic lenses made therefrom, and methods of making the same are described. Fully hydrated silicone hydrogels have relatively high water content and oxygen permeability, along with relatively low modulus of elasticity. Embodiments of the silicone hydrogels in substantially dehydrated condition are adapted to lathe cutting at or above room temperature. Variations of the silicone hydrogels include silicon-containing monomers in an amount greater than 25% by weight, a hydrophilic substituted N-vinyl acetamide monomer in an amount greater than 30% by weight, and a hydrophilic non-acetamide monomer in an amount resulting in a hydrophilic substituted N-vinyl acetamide monomer to hydrophilic non-acetamide monomer weight to weight ratio of greater than 2.1 to 1.

Abstract: Silicone hydrogel contact lenses having ophthalmically acceptable surface wettabilities are obtained from pre-extracted polymerized silicone hydrogel contact lens products having relatively large amounts of removable or extractable materials. The silicone hydrogel contact lenses can be obtained from non-polar resin based contact lens molds and without surface treatments or an interpenetrating polymeric network of a polymeric wetting agent. Related lens products, polymerizable compositions, and methods are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides cellulose hydrogels having one or more of the following properties: high water content, high transparency, high permeability, high biocompatibility, high tensile strength and an optimal thickness. The present invention further provides a process for preparing a cellulose hydrogel comprising: (i) contacting cellulose with a solvent to activate the cellulose; (ii) optionally removing the solvent from the activated cellulose; (iii) substantially dissolving the activated cellulose to form a solution; (iv) allowing the solution to gel; and optionally (v) drying the gel and rehydrating the gel. The cellulose hydrogel can have many uses, including uses as contact lenses.

Abstract: Silicone hydrogel contact lenses are provided which have reduced modulus and contact angle properties, and which have acceptable wettabilities for use in daily wear and extended or continuous wear applications.

Abstract: The invention provide a new lens curing method for making hydrogel contact lenses. The new lens curing method is based on actinically-induced step-growth polymerization. The invention also provides hydrogel contact lenses prepared from the method of the invention and fluid compositions for making hydrogel contact lenses based on the new lens curing method. In addition, the invention provide prepolymers capable of undergoing actinically-induced step-growth polymerization to form hydrogel contact lenses.

Abstract: A contact lens formed of a composition comprising the reaction product of: A) at least 10 weight percent, based on the total composition weight excluding solvent, of at least one silicone-containing monomer of the formula I: where n is from 1 to 3, m is from 9 to 15, each a independently is C1-4 alkyl, and each b independently is C1-4 alkyl; B) at least 10 weight percent, based on the total composition weight excluding solvent, of 3-methacryloxypropyl tris(trimethylsiloxy)silane; C) N-vinyl pyrrolidone; and D) at least one other non-ionic hydrophilic monomer wherein the combined amount of A) and B) is at least 20 weight percent based on the total composition weight excluding solvent, and wherein the N-vinyl pyrrolidone (NVP) is present in such an amount that the reaction product comprises polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) homopolymer.

Abstract: Azo compounds that block visible light are disclosed. These light absorbers are particularly suitable for use in intraocular lens materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyurethane prepared from a mixture comprising: (a) at least one polyethylene glycol; (b) at least one di-isocyanate; (c) at least one polydialkyl siloxane diol; and (d) at least one diol of formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 25; wherein the polyethylene glycol, di-isocyanate, polydialkyl siloxane diol and diol are reacted under substantially anhydrous conditions. Further aspects of the invention relate to a process for preparing a polyurethane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ionic silicone hydrogel polymers displaying improved lysozyme uptake, low contact angle and reduced water soluble polymeric ammonium salt uptake.

Abstract: Novel polymers for biomedical use, especially rigid gas permeable contact lenses that are based on bulky side-chain siloxane cross linkers. The siloxanes, either alone, or as copolymers with bulky and non-bulky mono-functional polymerizable siloxanes, fluoro monomers, such as hexafluoroisopropyl methacrylate, and hydrophilic monomers, result in transparent, high oxygen permeable polymers possessing excellent lathing and milling characteristics.

Abstract: The invention provide a new class of silicone-containing prepolymers containing dangling hydrophilic polymer chains. This class of silicone-containing prepolymer is capable of being actinically crosslinked to form a silicone hydrogel material with a hydrophilic surface without post curing surface treatment. The present invention is also related to silicone hydrogel contact lenses made from this class of silicone-containing prepolymers and to methods for making the silicone hydrogel contact lenses.

Abstract: Ophthalmically compatible contact lenses include lens bodies configured for placement on a cornea of an animal or human eye. The lens bodies are made of a hydrophilic silicon-containing polymeric material. The lens bodies have oxygen permeabilities, water content, surface wettabilities, flexibilities, and/or designs to be worn by a lens wearer even during sleep. The present lenses can be worn on a daily basis, including overnight, or can be worn for several days, such as about thirty days, without requiring removal or cleaning.

Abstract: The present invention relates to silicone hydrogels formed from mixtures comprising one or more hydrophilic high molecular weight polymers, one or more hydroxyl-functionalized silicone containing monomers, one or more crosslinkers and a compatabilizing diluent, but without a substantial amount of a reactive hydrophilic monomer or macromer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to wettable silicone hydrogels comprising the reaction product of at least one siloxane containing component and at least one reactive, hydrophilic polymeric internal wetting agent. The present invention further relates to silicone hydrogel contact lenses comprising at least one oxygen permeable component, and an amount of reactive, hydrophilic polymeric internal wetting agent sufficient to impart wettability to said device.

Abstract: Disclosed are ophthalmic device materials having improved light transmission characteristics. The materials contain a combination of certain UV absorbers and blue-light absorbing chromophores.

Abstract: The invention provide a new class of silicone-containing prepolymers containing dangling polysiloxane-containing polymer chains. This class of silicone-containing prepolymer is capable of being actinically crosslinked to form a silicone hydrogel material with a relatively high oxygen permeability, a reduced elastic modulus, and a relatively high ion permeability. The present invention is also related to silicone hydrogel contact lenses made from this class of silicone-containing prepolymers and to methods for making the silicone hydrogel contact lenses.

Abstract: Benzotriazole UV/Visible light-absorbing monomers are disclosed. The UV/Vis absorbers are particularly suitable for use in intraocular lens materials.

Abstract: Hydrogel contact lenses that are derived from a polymerizable composition including at least one hydrophilic monomer and at least one phosphine-containing component are described. The hydrogel of the contact lenses can be a silicone hydrogel or a non-silicone hydrogel. Use of polymerizable compositions comprising a phosphine-containing component can be cured under both inert and air atmospheres, and can be used to form hydrogel contact lenses having improved shape retention properties, having improved resistance to discoloration. Batches of hydrogel contact lenses and methods of making hydrogel contact lenses are also described.

Abstract: Silicone hydrogel contact lenses that have good dimensional stability, are ophthalmically-acceptable, and can be manufactured without the use of alcohol solvents are formed from the reaction product of a polymerizable composition comprising at least one mono-functional acrylate-containing siloxane monomer having a molecular weight of less than 2,000; at least one bi-functional acrylate-containing siloxane monomer having a molecular weight of at least 3,000; and at least one hydrophilic vinyl-containing monomer, wherein the polymerizable composition has a molar ratio of total amount of mono-functional acrylate-containing siloxane monomer to total amount of bi-functional acrylate-containing siloxane monomer of at least 30:1, respectively.

Abstract: Silicone hydrogel contact lenses that are derived from a polymerizable composition including at least one siloxane monomer and at least one hydrophilic monomer are described. These silicone hydrogel contact lenses have, when fully hydrated, has an equilibrium freezable water content of at least 25% wt/wt as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Batches of silicone hydrogel contact lenses and methods of making silicone hydrogel contact lenses are also described.

Abstract: Silicone hydrogel contact lenses having ophthalmically acceptable levels of energy loss are described. The lenses are derived from a polymerizable composition including a first siloxane monomer represented by formula (1): wherein m of formula (1) represents one integer from 3 to 10, n of formula (1) represents one integer from 1 to 10, R1 of formula (1) is an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and each R2 of formula (1) is independently either a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; the lenses also include units derived from a second siloxane monomer which is a dual-end methacrylate end-capped polydimethylsiloxane having a number average molecular weight of at least 7,000 daltons. Batches of silicone hydrogel contact lenses and methods of making silicone hydrogel contact lenses are also described.

Abstract: Novel crosslink agents are described that provide for the copolymerization of at least one hydrophilic monomer with at least one lens monomer typically used to prepare materials for ophthalmic lenses. The new crosslink agents have a relatively high selectivity for the hydrophilic monomer and limited reactivity with the crosslink agent used to polymerize the lens monomer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a silicone hydrogel comprising a reaction product of a monomer mixture for forming the silicone hydrogel and water, wherein the water is present in an amount not less than 50 wt % based on the total weight of the silicone hydrogel. The monomer mixture comprises at least one silicon-containing monomer and at least one ionic monomer, wherein the ionic monomer is present in an amount not less than 0.7 wt % based on the total dry weight of the silicone hydrogel. The present invention also provides ocular articles made from the silicone hydrogel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a silicone hydrogel having a high water content. The method comprises the following steps: (a) polymerizing a monomer mixture to form the silicone hydrogel, wherein the monomer mixture comprises at least one silicon-containing monomer and at least one ionic monomer; and (b) placing the silicone hydrogel in an alkaline solution for at least 20 minutes, wherein the alkaline solution has a pH not less than 7.5 and the ionic monomer is present in an amount not less than 0.7 wt % based on the total dry weight of the silicone hydrogel.

Abstract: Novel polymers for biomedical use, especially rigid gas permeable contact lenses that are based on bulky side-chain siloxane cross linkers. The siloxanes, either alone, or as copolymers with bulky and non-bulky mono-functional polymerizable siloxanes, fluoro monomers, such as hexafluoroisopropyl methacrylate, and hydrophilic monomers, result in transparent, high oxygen permeable polymers possessing excellent lathing and milling characteristics.