Abstract: This invention relates to polymers and hydrogels of polymers formed from a hydrophilic monomer of the group of dihydroxyalkyl acrylates and methacrylates, a substantially water insoluble monomer from the group of alkyl acrylates and methacrylates and preferably a minor amount of a water insoluble epoxidized alkyl acrylate or methacrylate. The hydrogels are preferably used for the formation of contact lenses, but may also be used for drug and pesticides delivery devices: dialysis, ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis membranes; implants in surgery and dentistry, and the like.

Abstract: This invention relates to copolymers and hydrogels formed by copolymerization of a hydrophilic monomer from the group of dihydroxyalkyl acrylates and methacrylates and a substantially water insoluble monomer from the group of alkyl acrylates and methacrylates. The preferred copolymer of the invention is formed from methyl methacrylate and glyceryl methacrylate (2,3-dihydroxypropyl methacrylate). The hydrogels of the invention have unique physical and physiological properties which are particularly useful for the formation of contact lenses, particularly contact lenses having a relatively thin cross-section, though they may also be used for other purposes such as drug and pesticides delivery devices, dialysis, ultrafiltratiaon and reverse osmosis membranes, implants in surgery and dentistry and the like.