Abstract: A novel process for producing mouldings, especially contact lenses, is described, comprising the following steps: a) introducing into a mould a prepolymer containing photo crosslinkable groups that is liquid at room temperature or is readily meltable and is substantially free of solvents; b) initiating the photo cross-linking for a period of <20 minutes; c) opening the mould, so that the moulding can be removed for the mould. In accordance with the process according to the invention, it is possible especially to produce contact lenses having valuable properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coated particles wherein the polymer chains of the coating are obtainable by after-glow plasma induced polymerization of a monomer under special plasma conditions. The invention further relates to a method for the production of articles coated with a polymer having these features.

Abstract: The invention relates to moulded ophthalmic articles, especially contact lenses, which are obtainable by cross-linking a prepolymer which is the copolymerization product of (a) at least one polyalkylene glycol of the formula (1): HO--(CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --O).sub.n --(CHY.sub.1 --CHY.sub.2 --O).sub.m --(CHY.sub.3 --CHY.sub.4 --O).sub.p --H or (1'): HO--[(CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --O--)].sub.q --H, (b) at least one polyhydroxy compound selected from the group consisting of (I) a linear or branched aliphatic polyhydroxy compound of the formula (2): R.sub.1 --(OH--).sub.x or a polyether polyol or polyester polyol derived therefrom, and (ii) a cycloaliphatic polyol selected from the group polyhydroxy-C.sub.5 -C.sub.8 -cycloalkane and unsubstituted mono- or disaccharide, (c) at least one di- or polyisocyanate of the formula (3): R.sub.2 --(NCO).sub.

Abstract: A method of incorporating radiation-absorbing agents (i.e., dyes) into polymeric materials. A preferred method involves crosslinking or polymerizing a polymerizable or crosslinkable material in the presence of a polymeric dye. A preferred product is a tinted contact lens comprising poly(vinyl alcohol). The methods offer advantages in reduced fabrication cycles, reduced extractables, elimination of post-polymerization activation steps, elimination of post-polymerization extraction steps and reduced scrap and costs associated with lens handling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to porous polymers comprising a perfluoropolyether unit, to a process for producing such porous polymers, in particular to a process for polymerising or copolymerising monomers incorporating perfluoropolyethers to form porous polymers, to articles made of or comprising porous polymers comprising a perfluoropolyether unit, such as membranes or ophthalmic devices, and to the use of porous polymers comprising perfluoropolyether units as articles, such as membranes or ophthalmic devices. The perfluoropolyether units are preferably of the formula (PFPE):--OCH.sub.2 CF.sub.2 O(CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 O).sub.x (CF.sub.2 O).sub.y CF.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O-- wherein the CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 O and CF.sub.2 O units may be randomly distributed or distributed as blocks throughout the chain and wherein x and y may be the same or different such that the molecular weight of the perfluorinated polyether is in the range of from 242 to 4,000.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of storage-stable hydrogel mouldings, the storage stability of which can be established by controlled hydrolysis. At the same time as the sotrage stability is established, the hydrogel is sterilised in its final packaging, and the salt concentration of the aqueous phase is adjusted preferably to a physiological range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of tinted ophthalmic moldings comprising the steps of(a) providing a water soluble polymer precursor having crosslinkable or polymerizable groups;(b) providing a pigment dispersion comprising an inorganic or organic pigment and a dispersing agent;(c) mixing the metal phthalocyanine dye or pigment with the polymer precursor to form a tinted prepolymerization mixture,(d) dispensing the tinted prepolymerization mixture into a mold,(e) applying radiation to the tinted prepolymerization mixture in the mold, thereby crosslinking or polymerizing the polymer precursor and entrapping the dye or pigment within the polymeric network of the resultant ophthalmic molding, and(f) opening the mold so that the ophthalmic molding can be removed from the mold.According to the process, tinted ophthalmic moldings, particularly full-body tinted soft contact lenses having improved properties, are prepared with an improved efficiency.

Abstract: A method of incorporating dyes into polymeric materials. The method involved contacting a functionalized dye with a high molecular weight crosslinkable polymer precursor, dispensing the solution into a mold and applying radiation, thereby forming a molded article having dye covalently bonded to the polymer backbone. A preferred product is a visibility tinted disposable contact lens comprising poly(vinyl alcohol). Various embodiments of the innovative method offer advantages in reduced fabrication cycles, reduced extractables, elimination of post-polymerization activation steps, elimination of post-polymerization extraction steps and reduced scrap and costs associated with lens handling.

Abstract: The invention provides an ophthalmic lens, which uses a volume HOE to provide an optical power. The ophthalmic lens is produced by a highly flexible production process such that a variety of different ametropic conditions can be accommodated.

Abstract: The invention provides an active multifocal optical lens. The optical lens has a first optical element that provides a first optical power and a second optical element that provides a second optical power. The second optical element is a volume holographic optical element, which has been programmed to focus incoming light.

Abstract: In one form, the disclosure describes a lathe apparatus and method for manufacturing a product with a non-axisymmetric shape from a workpiece, such as a toric contact lens, comprises a spindle for rotating the workpiece about an axis of rotation, a cutting tool, a two-axis bed for supporting the cutting tool and for moving the cutting tool along a predetermined path adjacent the workpiece as the spindle rotates the workpiece, and a mechanism for oscillating the cutting tool along an oscillation axis as the two-axis bed moves the cutting tool along the predetermined path, wherein the oscillation axis is oriented at a non-zero angle with respect to the axis of rotation. Preferably, the non-zero angle is about 45.degree.. In a second form, a lathe apparatus comprises a rotary bed for arcuately moving a cutting tool adjacent a workpiece and a mechanism for translationally reciprocating the cutting tool as the cutting tool is arcuately moved adjacent the workpiece.

Abstract: Efficient and consistent processes for manufacturing moldings, especially ophthalmic lenses such as contact lenses. The processes comprises a series of improvements, including improvements in the areas of conditions for dispensing liquid prepolymer into lens molds, male and female mold mating, reusable molds, mold cleaning, lens separation from molds (demolding), lens handling, and in-line inspection. Cyclic series of processing steps are also disclosed. Additionally, an improved molding tool is disclosed, with the molding tool including a male mold housing and a female mold housing, each of which have disposed therein a plurality of mold halves.

Abstract: The present invention describes an ophthalmic composition comprising diclofenac potassium, the use of said composition as a medicament for treating inflammatory conditions of the eye, for treating glaucoma or for treating ear inflammatory and/or painful conditions (otitis); as well as the use of diclofenac potassium in the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for treating any inflammatory condition of the eye, for treating glaucoma or for treating ear inflammatory and/or painful conditions (otitis).

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for producing mouldings, especially contact lenses, which comprises the following steps: a) preparing a substantially aqueous solution of a water-soluble prepolymer that contains crosslinkable groups; b) converting the resulting solution into the solid state; c) introducing the resulting solid-state solution into a mould; d) converting the solid-state solution into the liquid state in the mould; e) where applicable closing the mould; f) initiating the crosslinking; g) where applicable opening the mould, so that the moulding can be removed from the mould.

Abstract: The present invention describes a novel coating process that comprises the use of a functional photoinitiator, or a macroinitiator derived therefrom, in a cascade of process steps, wherein, on the one hand, a functional photoinitiator or a macroinitiator derived therefrom is covalently bonded to a carrier and, on the other hand, an oligomer or polymer forming a new surface layer is covalently bonded to the functional photoinitiator, or to the carrier modified by a functional photoinitiator, via functional groups that are co-reactive with isocyanate groups. The invention relates also to novel intermediates that are carriers to which functional photoinitiators that contain free isocyanate groups are bonded.

Abstract: A pH controlled protein removal system and method in the substantial absence of (a) enzyme and (b) a surfactantly effective amount of a surfactant is disclosed. The method comprises contacting a [polymeric] substrate with a cleaning composition therefor, which compostion is substantially free of (a) enzyme and (b) surfactantly effective amount of a surfactant, for a period of time at an alkaline pH and removing said substrate from said composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to crosslinked polymers, which are polymerisation products of a polymerisable mixture that comprises the following components:a) a macromer of formula C ##STR1## wherein Macro is an m-valent radical of a macromer from which the number m of groups Rx.sub.x --H has been removed,each R.sub.x, independently of the others, is a bond, --O--, --NR.sub.N -- or --S-- wherein R.sub.N is hydrogen or lower alkyl,PI* is a bivalent radical of a photoinitiator,R.sub.aa is the moiety of a photoinitiator that forms the less reactive free radical on cleavage of the photoinitiator, andm is an integer from 1 to 100,b) a copolymerisable vinyl monomer andc) a copolymerisable crosslinker.The polymers are suitable especially for the production of mouldings, such as for contact lenses.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for producing a porous polymer comprising the steps of: (1) dispersing a porogen in a continuous monomer component phase wherein said continuous monomer component phase comprises at least one monomer having at least one perfluoropolyether unit and wherein said porogen is an optionally substituted poly(alkylene)glycol; (2) thereafter polymerising the continuous monomer phase; and (3) removing the porogen from the porous polymer.

Abstract: The invention provides a compound of formula (I) wherein A, B, X, Y and R are as defined in the description, and a process for preparing them. The compounds of formula (I) arc useful as pharmaceuticals for the treatment of glaucoma and myopia.

Abstract: A container is provided for storing a contact lens in a liquid, the contact lens having a base surface defining a base curve equivalent radius and a front surface. The container includes a base portion and a bowl portion formed integral with the base portion for containing the liquid and the contact lens. The bowl portion includes a lens seating section having an inner surface defined by a radius sized from slightly larger than to equal to the base curve equivalent radius so that the front surface of the contact lens removably adheres to the inner surface. The base curve equivalent radius may be from about 85% to about 100% of the inner surface radius, and the inner surface radius may be about 9.0 mm.