Abstract: Biomedical devices such as silicone hydrogels formed from a polymerization product of a mixture comprising (a) a siloxane-containing homopolymer which has only one thio carbonyl thio fragment of a reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agent; and (b) one or more biomedical device-forming comonomers are disclosed.

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: An apparatus for releasing a molded lens from a deformable mold includes a shear ring for temporarily retaining an annular portion of the deformable mold outside a periphery of the lens and a plunger for deforming an annular section of the deformable mold within the periphery of the lens. The apparatus can be employed to release a non-hydrated hydrogel lens from a deformable mold section.

Abstract: This application is directed toward an improved method of synthesizing cationic siloxane prepolymers as well as a specific cationic siloxane prepolymer having improved compatibility with monofunctional siloxanyl methacrylate monomers and medical devices containing the cationic siloxane prepolymer.

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: A silicone hydrogel comprising monomeric units of one or more amino monomers, wherein the amino monomers are of formula IA, IB, IIA or IIB and monomeric units of one or more silicone monomers wherein R1, R2 and R3 are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl or CH2OH; R4 is a C1-C10 alkyl optionally substituted with hydroxyl or carboxylic acid; E is a polymerizable group; X is an anion suitable for quaternary nitrogen; and n is 0, 1, 2, or 3 and m is an integer from 1 to 8.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for releasing a lens moulded in a cavity between posterior (21) and anterior mould (22) sections and adhered thereto. A post (30) is configured to support a flange (20) of the posterior section whilst the anterior section remains spaced from the post. Posterior section is compressed between a pin (40) applied to, an outer concave surface (29a) of the posterior section and the post, thereby initially releasing peripheral regions of the posterior section and subsequently the remaining portions thereof. Upon separation, the anterior section together with the lens (10) drops onto the post so that its outer convex surface (29a) rests on the post. A collar unit (50) with gas channels (53) presses against a flange (200) of the anterior section whilst blowing jets of gas towards an interface between a “monomer” ring (11) formed around the lens. In this manner, initially the “monomer” ring and then peripheral regions of the lens are separated from the anterior section.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward surface treatment of a device. The surface treatment comprises the attachment of interactive segmented block copolymers to the surface of the substrate by means of interactive functionalities of the segmented block copolymer reacting with complementary surface functionalities in monomeric units along the polymer substrate. The present invention is also directed to a surface modified medical device, examples of which include contact lenses, intraocular lenses, vascular stents, phakic intraocular lenses, aphakic intraocular lenses, corneal implants, catheters, implants, and the like, comprising a surface made by such a method.

Abstract: Provided are surface modified contact lenses formed from one or more fumaric-or itaconic-containing prepolymers having polymerizable functionality that is complimentary to polymerizable hydrophilic polymers.

Abstract: Provided are surface modified contact lenses formed from one or more fumaric- or itaconic-containing prepolymers having reactive functionality that is complimentary to surface modifying polymers.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasing a molded lens from a deformable mold includes a shear ring for temporarily retaining an annular portion of the deformable mold outside a periphery of the lens and a plunger for deforming an annular section of the deformable mold within the periphery of the lens. The apparatus can be employed to release a non-hydrated hydrogel lens from a deformable mold section.

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 polycarbosiloxane monomers capable of polymerization to form polymeric compositions having desirable physical characteristics useful in the manufacture of ophthalmic devices.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward surface treatment of a device. The surface treatment comprises the attachment of reactive segmented block copolymers to the surface of the substrate by means of reactive functionalities of the terminal functionalized surfactant material reacting with complementary surface reactive functionalities in monomeric units along the polymer substrate. The present invention is also directed to a surface modified medical device, examples of which include contact lenses, intraocular lenses, vascular stents, phakic intraocular lenses, aphakic intraocular lenses, corneal implants, catheters, implants, and the like, comprising a surface made by such a method.

Abstract: Provided are surface modified contact lenses formed from one or more fumaric- or itaconic-containing prepolymers having polymerizable functionality that is complimentary to polymerizable hydrophilic polymers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for injection molding an ophthalmic lens mold section having an optical surface and a non-optical surface opposite the optical surface. The apparatus includes a non-optical tool assembly for forming the non-optical surface of the ophthalmic lens mold section. An optical tool assembly is in opposed relation to the non-optical tool assembly and together therewith forms a mold cavity for forming the ophthalmic lens mold section. In the preferred embodiment, the optical tool assembly includes a rotatably mounted core member and an optical insert removably secured the core member. The optical insert has an optical molding surface for forming an optical surface of the ophthalmic lens mold section opposite the non-optical surface thereof. A locking mechanism having, in a preferred embodiment, a locking pin selectively movable between a first position wherein the pin allows rotation of the core member and a second position wherein the pin prevents the core member from rotation.

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 polycarbosiloxane monomers capable of polymerization to form polymeric compositions having desirable physical characteristics useful in the manufacture of ophthalmic devices.

Abstract: Packaging systems for storing ophthalmic devices such as contact lenses and to methods for packaging such ophthalmic devices with solutions to improve the comfort of the lenses during wear are disclosed. A packaging system includes an ophthalmic device stored in an aqueous packaging solution comprising a substantially water-soluble silicone-containing surfactant. Such solutions are retained on the surface of an unused lens for extended periods of time, resulting in surface modification that persists in the eye, which may provide significant improvement in the wetting properties of fresh contact lenses used for the first time and, moreover, even several hours after lens insertion, preventing dryness and improving lubricity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for heat sealing a lidstock (9) to a container (1) for a blister package, the container having a top surface comprising a substantially flat sealing flange (3) surrounding a blister (2) and a lip (4) having at least one raised surface (6), the method comprising the steps of a) locating the lidstock on the top surface; b) providing a first seal between the lidstock and the at least one raised surface of the lip with a first heat sealing tool (11); c) providing a second hermetic seal between the lidstock and the sealing flange surrounding the blister with a second heat sealing tool. The invention also relates to a package for storing a hydrophilic contact lens comprising a lip having at least one raised surface and a removable lidstock sealed to a sealing flange and to the at least one raised surface. Also disclosed is an apparatus for heat sealing the lidstock to the container.

Abstract: Disclosed in embodiments herein is a method of synthesizing device forming monomers using N-(Vinyloxycarbonyloxy)succinimide.

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