Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of moldings, in particular contact lenses, in which a water-soluble crosslinkable polymer is crosslinked in solution, and to moldings, in particular contact lenses, obtainable by this process.

Abstract: The present invention describes a polymer and a precursor thereof; a prepolymer made essentially from a macromer that is cross-linked, for example, via its free hydroxy groups with a polyisocyanate, the macromer being made essentially from a polysiloxane and a polyol component; processes for the production of such prepolymers and polymers; the use of such polymers, for example, as artificial corneas, as molded articles, especially as contact lens material; also the use of a prepolymer or polymer for coating surfaces, especially functionalized polymer surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the production of mouldings, in particular contact lenses, in which a soluble prepolymer comprising units containing a crosslinkable group and at least one unit containing a modifier is crosslinked in solution, and to mouldings, in particular contact lenses, obtainable by this process. The present invention likewise relates to novel prepolymers which can be employed in the novel process, in particular derivatives of a polyvinyl alcohol having a molecular weight of at least about 2000 which comprises from about 0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of porous polymers, wherein a polymerizable component comprising at least one free radically polymerizable unsaturated monomer of formula Q—X—A  (1), wherein the variables are defined as described in the claims, is polymerized in the presence of a specific solvent mixture, and the resulting porous polymer, after removal of the solvent, is subjected to an aftertreatment in an acidic or basic medium. The polymers obtainable according to the invention are useful, for example, as substrates for the attachment and growth of mammalian cells and tissue and in particular as materials for the manufacture of biomedical devices and prostheses, including implanted devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymers comprising one or more perfluoroalkylpolyether units and one or more different charged units, to a process for producing such polymers in non-porous or particularly in porous form and to mouldings composed thereof. The novel polymers have an improved wettability and cell growth ability and are thus useful, for example, for the manufacture of biomedical devices, in particular opthalmic devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to ophthalmic mouldings, especially contact lenses, obtainable by cross-linking a prepolymer that corresponds essentially to formula (1) wherein the variables are as defined in the claims, in the absence or presence of an additional vinyl comonomer.

Abstract: The invention provides a molded ophthalmic lens having at least first and second optical components, wherein the first optical component is cast molded to encapsulate the second optical component such that the first optical component provides an optical function and the second optical component provides an additional optical function. The invention additionally provides a process for producing a molded composite ophthalmic lens.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating or preventing ocular neovascularization. The method administers an effective amount of a staurosporine derivative to treat or prevent retinal or choroidal neovascularization. In each case, the effect on the pathologic blood vessels is dramatic and profound with complete or near-complete inhibition, but there is no identifiable toxic effect on mature retinal vessels.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of disinfecting and cleaning medical articles are disclosed. Disinfecting contact lenses by generating of peracetic acid in situ, while simultaneously cleaning with a proteolytic enzyme, is a preferred embodiment. Tablets for simple consumer use including disinfecting and cleaning means, and delayed release neutralizing means, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to &agr;-aminoacetophenones functionalized with organic diisocyanates, which can be used as reactive photoinitiators; to oligomers and polymers to which such functionalized &agr;-aminoacetophenones are bonded; to &agr;-aminoacetophenones having unsaturated polymerizable side-chain; to dimeric and trimeric photoinitiators; to the use of such photoinitiators; to materials coated with such photoinitiators; and to the use of the functionalized &agr;-aminoacetophenones for modifying surfaces.

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 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: 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.