Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composite particle comprising a dye, an amphiphilic block copolymer and a free radical scavenger, and the use thereof in the preparation of ophthalmic lenses and/or thin-film coating such as sol-gel coating on ophthalmic lenses. The present disclosure also relates to methods of optical filtration using the composite particles of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Composite particles comprising a hydrophobic dye and an amphiphilic block copolymer encapsulating the dye are disclosed. The dye exhibits absorbance peaks at one or more points in the ultraviolet, visible, or infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The particles are thus useful in optical applications, such as the preparation of contact lenses that screen out harmful radiation. In select embodiments, the dye is Zinc (II) 5, 10, 15, 20-(tetraphenyl) porphyrin and the copolymer is an acrylate or PEO copolymer that has been crosslinked.