| abstract |
Silicone hydrogel contact lenses having a high water content are described. The lenses are derived from a polymerizable composition including a first siloxane monomer represented by formula (1): n n n n n n n n n n wherein m of formula (1) represents one integer from 3 to 10, n of formula (1) represents one integer from 1 to 10, R 1 of formula (1) is an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and each R 2 of formula (1) is independently either a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; the lenses also include units derived from a second siloxane monomer having a number average molecular weight of at least 7,000 daltons, and at least one vinyl-containing cross-linking agent. The lenses have average equilibrium water contents from about 30% wt/wt to about 70% wt/wt when fully hydrated. Batches of silicone hydrogel contact lenses and methods of making silicone hydrogel contact lenses are also described. |