Abstract: A method and composition useful in fabricating radiation-absorbing contact lenses, especially ultraviolet (UV) and visible (tint) light-absorbing lenses. The radiation-absorber is incorporated into a contact lens in the presence of a buffer which maintains the pH near neutral. Subsequently, the radiation-absorber is chemically affixed to the lens by raising the pH to a highly basic level.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for inhibiting the uptake of proteins and reducing the formation of lysozyme deposits on the outer surface and inner bulk matrix of hydrophilic contact lenses. The method comprises contacting a contact lens with a positively charged chemical which imparts a tint to the lens.

Abstract: A composition including a neutralizing system and a sequestering agent is described which prevents the accumulation of inorganic deposits on contact lenses, particularly when used regularly in a conventional hydrogen peroxide disinfection regimen. The neutralizing system includes at least one reducing agent, a reductase, or both. The sequestering agent preferably is gluconic acid, a polymetaphosphate or their salts. Sodium hexametaphosphate is the most preferred sequestering agent; catalase is the most preferred agent for use as the neutralizing system.

Abstract: A contact lens colorant formulation containing a surfactant is applied to a dry hydrophilic contact lens by means of a silicon rubber printing pad to provide a cosmetically acceptable, solid, unblemished covering. This process allows for a solid covering to be placed onto the lens in a single printing step using standard transfer printing devices.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the heat treatment of ophthalmic lenses, especially contact lenses, which comprises an approximately cylindrical housing of closed design having an inlet opening and an outlet opening, transport device for transporting the ophthalmic lenses located inside molds along an open transport path, which is arranged inside the housing and connects the inlet and the outlet opening, and heating device arranged inside the housing, the open transport path inside the housing is of an essentially spiral shape, and the heating device are arranged essentially above and below the transport path.

Abstract: A color matching and lens dyeing apparatus and method in which a color is chosen, the color is converted to a numerical value on the basis of its transmissivity at different wavelengths of light and the transmissivity is converted into a lens dyeing prescription. The numerically determined information on the desired color is processed by a computer to obtain the proper compound ratios, dye baths and dyeing times. A set of standard dye baths are prepared and lenses are dyed therein. The dyed lenses are measured for transmissivity at different wavelengths and the transmissivity data is stored in a computer. To prepare a dying prescription, a target set of transmissivity characteristivity is selected and the transmissivity data of the standard dye baths is combined to obtain a dyeing prescription to obtain a dyed lens having the same transmissivity characteristics as the target.

Abstract: An ultraviolet radiation absorbing agent for bonding to an ocular lens. The agent has the formulaA--NH--Bwherein A is an ultraviolet absorbing compound and B is a specific reactive group or a moiety containing reactive group.

Abstract: An improved method is disclosed of imparting a tint or color to a soft, hydrogel contact lens by uniformly dispersing a dye throughout the lens. The dye is composed of a water-soluble compound essentially free of ethylenic unsaturation. A homogeneous solution of the dye in a hydrophilic monomer is prepared, the solution is subjected to polymerization conditions to yield a hydrophilic polymer from which the lens is formed, and the dye dispersed within the polymer is bonded to the polymer by contact with aqueous base prior to final hydration.The finished lens does not require soaking in an aqueous solution of the dye to impart the desired tint or color to the lens. Additionally, the dye uniformly dispersed throughout the lens according to the improved method does not leach out of the lens or migrate within the lens.

Abstract: Novel colored contact lens and methods for preparation thereof are described. Binding of a color coat to the lenses is accomplished by use of compounds containing the functional groups --CH.sub.2 --O--R.sup.1, wherein R.sup.1 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 to C.sub.16 alkyl, and said --CH.sub.2 --O--R.sup.1 groups are attached to a carbon atom that is part of an aromatic ring, or are attached to a nitrogen or oxygen atom.

Abstract: A method of tinting an unhydrated contact lens involves the steps of providing an unhydrated contact lens; providing a dyestuff solution; providing a printing block comprising a hydrophilic polymer material containing a dye complexing agent capable of noncovalently bonding the dyestuff; placing the dyestuff solution onto the printing block; contacting the unhydrated contact lens and the printing block for a time sufficient to allow the dyestuff solution to diffuse to the lens; and removing the lens from the printing block.

Abstract: A method for tinting a water-absorptive contact lens to have a mark tinted thereon, which comprises superimposing on a water-absorptive contact lens in the dry state a screen provided with a tinting pattern corresponding to the mark to be tinted on the contact lens, applying to the contact lens through the tinting pattern of the screen a dye solution containing a vat dye and an alkaline reducing agent, followed by insolubilizing the vat dye.

Abstract: A hydrophilic contact lens is disclsoed incorporating melanin that protects the eye from harmful radiation and superoxide.

Abstract: A hydrophilic polymer, e.g., provided as a contact lens, is tinted by a method which incorporates a reactive dye into the polymer during formation of the latter. Following physical entrainment of the reactive dye in the polymer, the polymer is contacted with an aqueous solution of a base which catalyzes the reaction of the dye with the polymer. In this way, the dye becomes permanently covalently bound to the polymer.

Abstract: A hydrophilic contact lens is disclosed incorporating melanin that protects the eye from harmful radiation and superoxide.

Abstract: A method of coloring a polycarbonate extruded or molded product for optical members, which is colored by a liquid coloring process for obtaining a colored polycarbonate extruded or molded product for optical members by extrusion or injection molding. The process involves mixing a polycarbonate resin for optical members and a liquid coloring agent dispersion obtained by dispersing a coloring agent in a dispersing agent. The dispersing agent includes a specific saturated fatty acid ester or silicon oil. After mixing the polycarbonate resin and liquid coloring agent dispersion, the resulting mixture is melted and thereafter extruded or molded to form a product for optical members.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a medium incorporating melanin for radiation protection.

Abstract: An ultraviolet radiation absorbing contact lens and method ofl making the same, comprising a copolymeric hydrogel material to which is covalently bonded at least one halotriazine reactive ultraviolet radiation absorbing agent of the formula: ##STR1## where X=Cl or F;E,A=an ultraviolet radiation absorbing component; andE.sup.1 =an aqueous soluble moiety.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a medium incorporating melanin for radiation protection.

Abstract: Melanin is used as the absorbing pigment for radiation protective eyeware. Thus, a melanin-plastic copolymer was formed by adding a catalyst (benzoyl peroxide) to the liquid monomer, diethylene glycol bis allyl carbonate (CR-39), which contained dissolved catechol (a melanin precursor); the solution was heated for one day at 50 degrees celsius and an additional two days at 65 degrees celsius and yielded an optically transparent solid plastic with amber color and with an optical absorption spectrum very close to that associated with melanin.

Abstract: A polycarbonate resin of a copolymer of diethyleneglycol bis(allyl carbonate) with one of glycidyl acrylate and glycidyl methacrylate, its homopolymer and its copolymer, and further occasionally a copolymerizable compound can be easily modified with active amine at its surface, and the surface-modified copolymer of diethylene glycol bis(allyl carbonate) with glycidyl acrylate or methacrylate can be easily dyed with acid dye in a sharp color tone and can be used in an optical instrument demanded to have a high vividness of color.

Abstract: An improvement in a process for preparing a contact lens tinted over at least a portion of its surface, having the steps of forming a tinting solution having a reactive dyestuff and applying the tinting solution to a polymeric hydrogel contact lens material, wherein the improvement comprises adding an effective amount of an ammonium or phosphonium quaternary salt to the tinting solution before the applying step.

Abstract: Treatment of contact lenses by an effective amount of bendazac, 5-hydroxybendazac or a salt thereof with a physiologically acceptable base.

Abstract: Shaped organic polymer hydrogels, especially contact lenses, are provided with opaque or translucent coloring so as to be capable of masking effectively any underlying color, e.g. the natural color of the eye. The hydrogel may be rendered opaque by precipitation in situ of a white or yellow water-insoluble, inorganic or organic material e.g. barium sulphate or an optical brightener and then colored with a suitable dyestuff.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of making a soft contact lens that will change the appearance of a dark brown eye to a light blue or green. The lens is made by dying the iris area of the convex (front lens surface) the desired transparent color. A white, light reflecting compound is precipitated in the iris area of the concave lens surface. The lens is placed on the cornea of a dark colored eye and the light colored concave (back lens surface) is viewed through the transparent dyed colored convex surface providing an apparent new color to the eye.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for making colored hydrophilic contact lenses. A contact lens constructed of hydrophilic polymer that is substantially devoid of the functional groups --COOH, --OH, --NH--R, wherein R is hydrogen or C.sub.1 to C.sub.8 alkyl, --NCO and epoxy is provided. At least a portion of the surface of the lens is coated with a color coat comprising at least one pigment, binding polymer having functional groups selected from at least one of --COOH, --OH, and --NH--R, wherein R is hydrogen or C.sub.1 to C.sub.8 alkyl, and an additional compound having at least two groups per molecule of --NCO. The coated lens is subjected to conditions which cause the color coat to adhere to the lens.

Abstract: An ultraviolet radiation absorbing agent for bonding to an ocular lens, wherein the agent has the formula: ##STR1## wherein A and B are ultraviolet radiation absorbing components which are either identical to or are dissimilar to each other.

Abstract: An improvement in a process for preparing a contact lens tinted over at least a portion of its surface, having the steps of forming a tinting solution having a reactive dyestuff and applying the tinting solution to a polymeric hydrogel contact lens material, wherein the improvement comprises adding an effective amount of an ammonium quaternary salt to the tinting solution before the applying step.

Abstract: An ultraviolet radiation absorbing contact lens and method of making the same, comprising a copolymeric hydrogel material to which is covalently bonded at least one halotriazine reactive ultraviolet radiation absorbing agent of the formula: ##STR1## where X=Cl or F;A=an ultraviolet radiation absorbing component; andB=an aqueous soluble moiety.

Abstract: In opaquing and tinting a contact lens, an opaquing medium is deposited on the lens anterior surface as discrete randomly sized, randomly positioned droplets from a fine mist spray of the medium so that the ultimately formed opaque covering on the lens will correspond in appearance with the random droplet pattern. Mist spray apparatus also is provided.

Abstract: An eyeglass lens tinting machine which utilizes a microprocessor-controlled stepping motor to carefully control the vertical oscillations of a support structure including a vertical shaft which mounts a horizontal boom which in turn supports an eyeglass lens holder. The lens holder is moved directly up and down (with substantially no horizontal components of movement) by the mechanism. The base which mounts the vertically sliding shaft which supports the boom also mounts the stepping motor and printed circuit board with the microprocessor controller on it. The tinting machine has two basic modes of operation, the solid tint mode in which the lens is lowered beneath the surface of dye in a dye vat and reciprocated completely immersed for a pre-set period of time to create an even, uniform tint.

Abstract: The invention is a method of making a cosmetic contact lens that changes the apparent color of the eye. This is accomplished by dying the iris area of the convex lens surface the desired transparent color. The convex surface is expanded by a swelling agent. The swelling agent increases the pore size allowing the precipitating solution to move deeper into the convex lens surface below the dyed surface layer. The precipitating solution is reacted to form an insoluble light reflecting layer. When the lens is placed on the eye, the opaque light reflecting layer is viewed through the transparent dyed surface layer changing the apparent color of the eye.

Abstract: Treatment of contact lenses by an effective amount of bendazac, 5-hydroxybendazac or a salt thereof with a physiologically acceptable base.

Abstract: Hydrophilic contact lenses comprised of a copolymer of an hydroxyl group-containing monomer and N-vinylpyrrolidone are tinted by impregnating the lens with an aqueous solution of a dichlorotriazine reactive dye and fixing the dye in the lens by contacting the lens with an aqueous alkaline solution.

Abstract: Described is a method for imparting a photochromic response to a synthetic plastic article, e.g., an optical lens such as a sunglass lens prepared from an allyl diglycol carbonate monomer. The method described comprises depositing a thin uniform substantially dry film of a photochromic-bearing polymeric resin onto at least one planar surface of the synthetic plastic material, heating the plastic article and resin film substantially uniformly at temperatures near to but below the melting temperature of the photochromic substance for a time sufficient to transfer a photochromic amount of the photochromic material into the subsurface region of the plastic article, and thereafter removing the photochromic-lean resin film from the planar surface(s) of the plastic article.

Abstract: A system for tinting contact lenses includes a transfer-pad printer adapted to pick up a pattern from an inked printing block and transfer the pattern to a soaked contact lens. A plurality of lens mounts, each adapted to fixedly hold a soaked lens in a defined position on a convexly curved top surface of the lens mount, are provided with reference means on their respective top surfaces to facilitate accurate placing of a soaked lens in the defined position on each lens mount prior to the pattern transfer from the transfer pad to the lens. The radius of curvature of the convexly curved top surface of each lens mount is slightly smaller than the radius of curvature of the base curve of a soaked lens placed on the lens mount to facilitate shrinking-on of the back surface of the soaked lens onto the top surface of the lens mount.

Abstract: An ultraviolet screening agent can be incorporated into a preformed silicone rubber intraocular lens by bringing it into contact with a solution which contains the agent in a higher concentration than the lens material.

Abstract: The ultraviolet screening of a silicone rubber intraocular lens can be enhanced by the addition of an optical brightener. The optical brightener also serves to reduce any apparent yellow tint that may occur. The optical brightener is incorporated into the preformed silicone lens by immersing it in a solution containing the optical brightener and an ultraviolet screening agent.

Abstract: The invention is a method of making a colored cosmetic lens that will change the color of a dark colored eye to a light color. This is achieved by masking the area which are not to be colored, the pupil and periphery beyond the iris. A solution containing a contact lens dye, an expanding or swelling agent and a precipitating agent is prepared. The water soluble precipitating agent is capable of forming an insoluble precipitant when properly reacted. The lens and mask fixture are immersed in the three part solution allowing the solution to swell and enter the surface of the lens iris area. The dye and precipitating agent enter the expanded lens iris area. The lens and mask fixture are transferred from the first three part solution to the second reaction precipitating solution. A colored insoluble precipitant is formed in the lens iris area. The lens is removed from the mask fixture and washed to remove all unreacted materials.

Abstract: The invention is a method of making a cosmetic contact lens that changes the apparent color of the eye. This is accomplished by the following steps. The convex lens surface is expanded and distorted by a swelling agent. The swelling agent increases the pore size allowing the precipitating solution to move deeper into the convex lens surface. The precipitating solution is reacted to form an insoluble light reflecting iris pattern layer. The iris area of the convex lens surface is dyed the desired transparent color. When the lens is placed on the eye, the opaque light reflecting layer is viewed through the transparent dyed surface layer changing the apparent color of the eye.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for making colored hydrophilic contact lenses. A contact lens constructed of hydrophilic polymer that is substantially devoid of the functional groups --COOH, --OH, --NH--R, wherein R is hydrogen or C.sub.1 to C.sub.8 alkyl, --NCO and epoxy is provided. At least a portion of the surface of the lens is coated with a color coat comprising at least one pigment, binding polymer having functional groups selected from at least one of --COOH, --OH, and --NH--R, wherein R is hydrogen or C.sub.1 to C.sub.8 alkyl, and an additional compound having at least two groups per molecule of --NCO. The coated lens is subjected to conditions which cause the color coat to adhere to the lens.

Abstract: A method for tinting contact lenses which comprises the following steps: providing contact lenses, at least one transfer-pad printer, including a suitable ink of the desired tint, and at least one printing block carrying an iris pattern, attaching the contact lenses to lens mounts, aligning the mounted lens with the pad of the transfer-pad printer, inking the printing block, causing the pad to pick up the iris pattern from the inked block, and causing the pad to make contact with the mounted lens, thereby transferring the iris pattern as picked up from the block to the mounted contact lens. A system for tinting contact lenses is also provided.

Abstract: Polycarbonate articles, especially eyeglass and optical lenses, are dyed in a dye solvent having a boiling point of at least 350.degree. F. in which a dye is dissolved. The article to be dyed is retained in the solution maintained at 200.degree. F. or more until sufficient dye has penetrated the polycarbonate, then removed, rinsed and dried. The dyeing operation does not unduly detract from impact resistance and the dyed product exhibits excellent ultraviolet light stability.

Abstract: A method for partially dyeing a plastic lens and plastic lens dyed by the method are herein disclosed, the method comprising forming a film of a nondyeable coating agent on the whole surface of the lens, cutting and removing at least part of the film and then immersing the plastic lens in a dyeing liquid to selectively dye the part of the lens from which the film is cut and removed, the method making it possible to provide a dyed lens having a clear boundary between the dyed and nondyed parts.

Abstract: Presented is a method and apparatus for custom tinting soft contact lenses in the dispensing office prior to dispensing such lenses to the wearer, or even after they have been dispensed and worn for a time. In the past, contact lenses have been tinted by mass production means by a very limited number of manufacturers. In one aspect, this invention presents a device that can be used by a dispensing optician, optometrist or ophthalmologist to custom tint soft contact lenses to the specification of the wearer while the wearer waits for the lenses to be tinted. In terms of structure, the apparatus comprises a hand-held device into which a soft contact lens may be deposited and sealed and subjected to the chemical reaction of an appropriate dye to tint the contact lens to the requisite color.

Abstract: An inspection device for visually ascertaining the desired alignment of a contact lens in a tinting fixture comprises a base and a platform having a flat surface and mounted to the base for rotation relative thereto. The device also includes an arrangement for mounting the fixture for rotation in unison with the platform and for aligning the fixture relative to the platform flat surface in such a way as to maintain the contact lens in an alignment wherein substantially the entire peripheral edge thereof is located in a plane substantially parallel to the platform flat surface, if the contact lens is in the proper desired alignment in the tinting fixture, and such that the tinting fixture is centered relative to the center of rotation of the platform.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for tinting hydrophilic contact lenses wherein a base having at least one post whose remote end is shaped for receiving and positioning a hydrophilic contact lens, and at least one cap which when placed in communication with the post and the lens masks one or more predetermined areas of the lens, is assembled with a lens positioned on the end of a post which is then capped. The assembly is immersed in a dye bath and then removed therefrom when the lens has attained the desired color, after which the assembly is placed in a fixing solution such that the lens is tinted permanently and fluid transport and oxygen permeability are unaffected.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing colored contact lenses and the lens manufactured by the process. A transparent contact lens having a central pupil section and a surrounding iris section has a colorant applied in a pattern to the entire iris section such that at least about ten percent of surface of the iris section is covered by colorant. The produced lens is capable of coloring the iris of the wearer, yet permits visualization of the structure of the iris. A fundamental color change, e.g. from brown to blue, is possible, yet the colored iris has a natural appearance.

Abstract: A tinted soft contact lens such as a hydrated hydrogel lens having a variegated iris pattern is prepared by forming an iris pattern on the lens with a viscous paste which can contain an unoxidized vat dye. The lens is treated with a developer solution to obtain a tinted lens having an iris pattern which can be clear or different in color or in hue from the surrounding iris area.

Abstract: A method of dyeing an optical article in which the article is immersed in a dyeing solution which is heated and subjected to ultrasonic energy. The article is immersed for a time span commensurate with the desired tint or hue after which the article is cleaned and dried. As a result, eyeglass lenses made of a plastic material, or mineral glass, can be produced at a reproducible quality of dye and color gradient.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an electrophoretic technique for fabricating a progressively graded concentration of dye in a hydrophilic polymeric matrix or gel. A charged dye or dye precursor is caused to migrate under the influence of an electrical potential through the gel matrix. An area is formed in the hydrogel matrix which is progressively graded in optical density as a function of the distance from the point of application to the hydrogel matrix. The insertion of the dye through the hydrogel matrix of a contact lens it may be used to form a contact lens with an optically graded central spot.