Method and composition for incorporating radiation-absorbing agents into polymers

US6162844A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Novartis AG · CH

Inventors

• John Martin Lally · Lilburn, US
• Deborah J. Mulcahy · Suwanee, US
• Achim Müller · Aschaffenburg, DE
• Beat Muller · Marly, CH
• Bernhard Seiferling · Goldbach, DE
• Friedrich Stockinger · Hölstein, CH

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 22, 1999
• Grant date: Dec 19, 2000
• Expiry date: Dec 22, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S525/937
• WIPO field: Macromolecular chemistry, polymers
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method of incorporating radiation-absorbing agents (i.e., dyes) into polymeric materials. A preferred method involves crosslinking or polymerizing a polymerizable or crosslinkable material in the presence of a polymeric dye. A preferred product is a tinted contact lens comprising poly(vinyl alcohol). The methods offer advantages in reduced fabrication cycles, reduced extractables, elimination of post-polymerization activation steps, elimination of post-polymerization extraction steps and reduced scrap and costs associated with lens handling.