Silicone-containing polymers, oxygen permeable hydrophilic contact lenses and methods for making these lenses and treating patients with visual impairment

摘要

The present invention relates to novel copolymers and contact lenses made from these copolymers comprising preformed silicone- containing acrylic star polymers, graft copolymers and macromonomers, preparation of these contact lenses and a therapeutic method for treating patients with visual impairment.PPDescribed is a composition comprising at least about 10% by weight of a preformed silicone-containing acrylic copolymer and no more than about 90% by weight of a matrix formed from the random polymerization of a mixture of monomers. The mixture of monomers comprises at least one hydrophilic monomer and optionally, monomers selected from the group consisting of silicone acrylates, esters of alpha, beta-unsaturated acids and crosslinking monomers. The preformed silicone-containing acrylic copolymer is preferably copolymerized throughout the matrix. The final compositions are hydrated to a final water content of at least about 10% by weight.