| abstract |
A ophthalmic lens comprising a polymer composition composed of the reaction product of a hydrophilic monomer and an acyclic monomer is disclosed. The preferred hydrophilic monomer is hydroxyethyl methacrylamide (HMA), and the preferred acyclic monomer is hydroxyoctyl methacrylate (HOMA). The monomeric components can be polymerized in a polystyrene mold to make contact lenses, and when swollen with water, are suitable for use as soft hydrogel contact lenses. The preferred compositions also include a zwitterionic monomer, such as a sulfobetaine, and a crosslinking agent, such as ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA). Hydrogel contact lenses made from these polymers exhibit high water content and mechanical strength, and are compatible with polystyrene molds. |