Methods for making silicone hydrogel lenses from water-based lens formulations
First Claim
1. A method for making a silicone hydrogel contact lens, wherein the method comprises:
- a. introducing into a mold a water-based lens-forming composition comprising(i) a polysiloxane-containing vinylic monomer or macromer,(ii) a hydrophilic vinylic monomer,(iii) a polysiloxane-containing surfactant which is liquid at room temperature and free of actinically-polymerizable groups, wherein the polysiloxane-containing surfactant is a copolymer comprising from about 10% to about 40% by weight of one or more polysiloxane segments and from about 90% to about 60% by weight of hydrophilic units and/or segments, wherein the polysiloxane-containing surfactant is present in an amount sufficient to dissolve the polysiloxane-containing vinylic monomer or macromer in water to form a substantially clear solution, and(iv) a solvent at least about 70% by volume of which is water;
b. curing the composition to produce the lens; and
c. removing the lens from the mold.
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Abstract
Described herein are methods for producing silicone hydrogel lenses. The methods involve introducing into a mold a water-based lens-forming composition, curing the lens-forming composition in a mold to form the lens, and removing the lens from the mold. The lens-forming composition comprises (i) a polysiloxane-containing vinylic monomer or macromer, (ii) at least one hydrophilic vinylic monomer, (iii) a surfactant, and, and (iv) water. The surfactant is polysiloxane-containing surfactant that is free of actinically-polymerizable groups and is a copolymer having from about 10% to about 40% by weight of one or more polysiloxane segments and from about 90% to about 60% by weight hydrophilic units and/or segments. The methods permit the use of water as a solvent and reduce the need for organic solvents. Additionally, the lenses produced by the methods can have improved properties such oxygen permeability.
87 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for making a silicone hydrogel contact lens, wherein the method comprises:
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a. introducing into a mold a water-based lens-forming composition comprising (i) a polysiloxane-containing vinylic monomer or macromer, (ii) a hydrophilic vinylic monomer, (iii) a polysiloxane-containing surfactant which is liquid at room temperature and free of actinically-polymerizable groups, wherein the polysiloxane-containing surfactant is a copolymer comprising from about 10% to about 40% by weight of one or more polysiloxane segments and from about 90% to about 60% by weight of hydrophilic units and/or segments, wherein the polysiloxane-containing surfactant is present in an amount sufficient to dissolve the polysiloxane-containing vinylic monomer or macromer in water to form a substantially clear solution, and (iv) a solvent at least about 70% by volume of which is water; b. curing the composition to produce the lens; and c. removing the lens from the mold. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification