Abstract: The invention pertains to an electrophoretic technique for fabricating a progressively graded concentration of dye in a hydrophilic polymeric matrix or gel. A charged dye or dye precursor is caused to migrate under the influence of an electrical potential through the gel matrix. An area is formed in the hydrogel matrix which is progressively graded in optical density as a function of the distance from the point of application to the hydrogel matrix. The insertion of the dye through the hydrogel matrix of a contact lens it may be used to form a contact lens with an optically graded central spot.

Abstract: A contact lens is featured for use by light sensitive wearers. The lens comprises a centrally shaded portion whose shade is optically graded from a relatively darker center to a relatively light or transparent periphery. The diameter of the shade is greater than a fully contracted pupil, as when the eye is exposed to bright sunlight, but less than a fully dilated pupil, as when the eye is exposed to very dim light.