Syntex (u.s.a.) Inc.

Corneal Sciences, Inc.

William L Mancini

Donald R Korb

Miguel F Refojo

This invention concerns a minus prescription hydrogel contact lens that permits oxygen diffusion to the cornea in sufficient quantity to avoid the effects of oxygen deprivation; avoids the physiological complications arising from damage to the bulbar conjunctivia due to compression of the limbal capillaries; and avoids corneal scleral or wetting deficiencies. These advantages are accomplished through a combination of lens design and hydrogel properties.

Contact lens

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.

Hydrogels and articles made therefrom

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.

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Framingham, MA, United States of America

William L Mancini