Signet Armorlite, Inc.

Nalco Chemical Company

Philip D Dalsin

Thomas J Engardio

Dae Ki Kang

Jean S Lee

Bhupati R Bhattacharyya

Unsaturated polyester resin-based ophthalmic lens compositions that are modified for unexpected improvement in speed of manufacture while maintaining uniform, low optical distortion and/or improved tint speed by the addition to the polyester composition of at least one photoinitiator, preferably having at least some activity at a wavelength above about 380 nm so that a UV-absorbing compound can be included in the polyester lens composition, and the polyester resin composition is photocured to gelation in about 7 minutes or less, e.g., using a light intensity of at least about 300 microwatts/cm.sup.2, more preferably at least about 500 microwatts/cm.sup.2, most preferably at least about 1,000 microwatts/cm.sup.2.

Production of photopolymerized polyester high index ophthalmic lenses

Unsaturated polyester resin-based compositions that are modified for unexpected improvement in uniform, low optical distortion and/or improved tint speed by the addition of one or more additives selected from an allylic ester and/or an acrylic monomer, together with an exotherm depressant, making the modified polyester resin-based composition commercially viable for casting ophthalmic lenses. The additive(s) and exotherm depressant are useful to modify the polyester for sufficient enhancement of optical distortion and/or tint speed such that any unsaturated polyester resin, capable of producing a clear, low color casting, will be improved sufficiently to provide a composition having the required properties for an ophthalmic lens.

Polyester resin-based high index ophthalmic lenses having improved

High molecular weight DADMAC polymers are produced by polymerizing an inverse latex of DADMAC with 0.5 to 3 weight percent acrylamide. The polymerization uses a low HLB emulsifier and a free radical initiator.

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Carlsbad, CA, United States of America

Philip D Dalsin