Dimensionally stable shaped eye bandages

Abstract

A dimensionally stable, shaped eye bandage for medicament delivery comprises polymerized random graft copolymers containing (in the dry state) from 67.2% to 79.3% HEMA; from 14.25% to 35% PVP; from 0.1% to 4.04% EDMA; from 0.1% to 2.5% MA; from 0.1% to 5.0% water; from 0 to 4 ppm HQ inhibitor; and from 50 to 250 ppm MEHQ inhibitor. The eye bandage composition contains from 45% to 65% water after hydration. An improved method for shaping, polymerizing, and cutting and hydrating the eye bandage composition is provided. The polymerization is conducted using only a low temperature initiator, by de-gassing prior to polymerization to remove substantially all oxygen, and by conducting the initial polymerization reaction at from 23.degree. C to 30.degree. C for 16 to 30 hours, during which the heat of the reaction is continuously absorbed to control the reaction exotherm. A closed, rod-shaped casting mold, lined with a polyester film material, is used and the polymeric rod obtained may be cut, machined and polished to obtain the shaped eye bandage. Thereafter, hydration is conducted in a buffered, 0.85% to 0.9% saline solution, at a pH of 7.0 to 7.1.