Abstract: An annular mask contact lens designed to operate with the normal functioning of the human pupil. An annular mask forms a small pinhole-like aperture on the contact lens enabling continual focus correction. The outer diameter of the annular mask allows the wearer to transmit more light energy through the pupil as brightness levels decrease. The contact lens may be structured with two separate and distinct optical corrections, both at the small aperture region and in the region beyond the annular mask. Functional imaging is thus achieved for both bright and dim lighting, and over a wide range of viewing distances. Cosmetic and peripheral vision enhancement is also provided by the contact lens constructed according to the invention.

Abstract: A contact lens is disclosed which has a first optical zone (2) adapted to compensate for spherical aberration and at least one additional zone (3) which is configured to provide improved peripheral vision. Generally, the first optical zone is shaped to provide an aspheric surface and the additional zone or zones is shaped to provide a refractive power not greater than the first zone, the difference in the refractive powers of the zones being no more than about 0.75 diopter.

Abstract: An annular mask contact lens designed to operate with the normal functioning of the human pupil. An annular mask forms a small pinhole-like aperture on the contact lens enabling continual focus correction. The outer diameter of the annular mask allows the wearer to transmit more light energy through the pupil as brightness levels decrease. The contact lens may be structured with two separate and distinct optical corrections, both at the small aperture region and in the region beyond the annular mask. Functional imaging is thus achieved for both bright and dim lighting, and over a wide range of viewing distances. Cosmetic and peripheral vision enhancement is also provided by the contact lens constructed according to the invention.

Abstract: A multifocal contact lens has diffractive power arising from a series of concentric zones each providing an asymmetric retardation of light across the zone width to direct light predominantly into a required order and sign of diffraction. At least some of the concentric zones are shaped so that the step height varies so that it is different in one region (A) of the lens from that in another region (B), whereby the intensity of light associated with an image observed by diffraction at one order in that region (A) of the lens is greater than the light intensity associated with the same image when observed at the same order through another region (B) of the lens.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for extracting leachable materials from a hydratable polymer by incorporation of an adsorbent into the solution employed to effect extraction. Suitable adsorbents are characterized as having a higher affinity for the leachable materials than either the hydratable polymer or the solvent employed in the solution. Also disclosed are sealed packages comprising an aqueous solution, an adsorbent and a hydratable polymer in the form of an ophthalmic device.

Abstract: Disclosed are optically clear xerogel polymer compositions containing an interpenetrant.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for tinting hydrogel materials, such as contact lenses, by dissolving a leuco sulfate ester of a vat dye in an compatible monomer solution, adding an oxidizing initiator to the monomer solution, and oxidizing and polymerizing the monomer solution and dye in the same solution. In one aspect, the oxidation and polymerization are conducted simultaneously whereas in another embodiment, the oxidation of the soluble leuco sulfate ester of a vat dye to the insoluble vat dye and polymerization are conducted sequentially in the same reaction medium.

Abstract: An interpenetrating network copolymer, method of producing same, and method of producing optical lens blanks and finished lenses therefrom. The method broadly involves the preparation of first and second mixtures of polymerizable vinyl monomers and interrupting the polymerization of the first mixture at a relative viscosity of from about 1.05 to about 10 by admixing the partially polymerized first mixture with the second mixture to create a casting solution and thereafter, when desired, polymerizing molded casting solution in heat to create a solid lens material.

Abstract: An interpenetrating network copolymer, method of producing same, and method of producing optical lens blanks and finished lenses therefrom. The method broadly involves the preparation of first and second mixtures of polymerizable vinyl monomers and interrupting the polymerization of the first mixture at a relative viscosity of from about 1.05 to about 10 by admixing the partially polymerized first mixture with the second mixture to create a casting solution and thereafter, when desired, polymerizing molded casting solution in heat to create a solid lens material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polymeric article at least a portion of which is manufactured from a hydrogel material having a hydration level of from between about 45% and 56% by weight, which hydrogel is formed from a xerogel which is a copolymer system that can be solvolyzed and hydrated and during which undergoes a linear expansion of from about -7% to about +7%. The polymeric article is comprised of a copolymer system comprising dichloroacetate ester of glyceryl acrylate, methacrylate and ethacrylate and one or more compatible ethylenically unsaturated monomers without such solvolyzable groups.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for extracting leachable materials from a hydratable polymer by incorporation of an adsorbent into the solution employed to effect extraction. Suitable adsorbents are characterized as having a higher affinity for the leachable materials than either the hydratable polymer or the solvent employed in the solution. Also disclosed are sealed packages comprising an aqueous solution, an adsorbent and a hydratable polymer in the form of an ophthalmic device.

Abstract: Disclosed are optically clear xerogel polymer compositions containing an interpenetrant.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a contact lens form a mold which has a first section formed from a first material and a second section formed from a second material. The methods permit the facile preparation of contact lenses having two or more differing materials, for example, a composite lens, a bifocal lens, a trifocal lens and the like.