NOVEL SILICONE-CONTAINING POLYMERS AND OXYGEN PERMEABLE HYDROPHILIC CONTACT LENSES THEREFROM

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 macro-monomers, preparation of these contact lenses and a therapeutic method for treating patients with visual impairment. Described 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.