Hydrophilic polymers contact lens material

Recent experiments indicate that polymers that contain a balance of hydrophobic (nonpolar) and hydrophilic (polar) chemical groups show minimal protein adsorption and cell adhesion (6). With the intent of rationally designing a contact lens material that would minimize protein adsorption, the adsorption of lysozyme, albumin, and immunoglobulin G (IgG) to a series of hydrophobic and hydrophilic polymers and copolymers was measured. The polymers ranged from 100% poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) to 100% poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA). Adsorption varied significantly for each protein, as did the elutability of the proteins from the surfaces. 

In addition, many of the known hydrophilic monomers have been used to prepare synthetic hydrogel polymers and copolymers of a wide range of compositions, mostly for contact lens uses. In such materials, water insol-... 

Hydroxyethyl methyl Methacrylate n A monomer that polymerizes to a hydrophilic polymer that is rigid when dry but when saturated with water becomes a soft, clear material (Hydron ). Applications include masonry coatings, soft contact lens, and other biomedical devices. 

The first soft contact lenses were also constructed with a polymeric material containing a single monomeric unit. The added pliability of the soft lens was derived from the more hydrophilic nature of the monomer, enhancing the ability of the polymer to absorb water and provide greater comfort to the lens wearer. This monomer is a derivative of MMA known as hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). A number of hydrophilic monomers are used in soft lenses today these materials are referred to as hydrogels because of their ability to absorb significant amounts of water yet remain insoluble. 

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