Blue light blocking contact lenses and preparation method therefor

Abstract

To provide: two types of blue light blocking contact lenses formed by curing different compositions; and a preparation method for the contact lenses.SOLUTION: The first composition includes a blue light blocking component formed by mixing or reacting a first hydrophilic monomer and a yellow dye; a first colored dye component formed by mixing or reacting a second hydrophilic monomer and a first colored dye; at least one third hydrophilic monomer; a crosslinker; and an initiator. The first colored dye includes a green dye, a cyan dye, a blue dye, an orange dye, a red dye, a black dye, or combinations thereof. The second composition includes a blue light blocking component, at least one hydrophilic monomer, a crosslinker, and an initiator, where the blue light blocking component is formed by mixing or reacting glycerol monomethacrylate and a yellow dye.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to ophthalmic products and methods of making the same, and more particularly to blue light blocking contact lenses and methods of making the same. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the vigorous development of 3C products, many smart devices, such as mobile phone screens, flat panel displays, computer screens, light-emitting diode lamps (LED lamps), etc., have been widely applied to people's lives. However, the backlight light sources of these smart devices contain blue light, and direct viewing of blue light for a long time can cause damage to the retina.

[0003] Blue light with a wavelength of 380 to 500 nanometers has a short wavelength and high energy, and is more likely to damage the eyes than light with other wavelengths, especially the retina. The retina must constantly undergo photochemical reactions to generate vision, consuming oxygen gas during the reaction process. When stimulated by blue light, many radicals are generated, which can easily damage the cells. In addition, the cell membranes of retinal photoreceptor cells contain many fatty acids, and when stimulated by blue light, further radicals are generated, which can easily lead to retinal cell damage or death. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Currently, most anti-blue light lenses on the market are yellow and, although they have anti-blue light functionality, are unsightly. When consumers wear anti-blue light lenses, they can cause jaundice in the limbus (the area where the cornea and sclera meet, or the cornea-scleral limbus), discouraging them from wearing them. Given this, there is an urgent need to develop anti-blue light lenses that can block blue light while also having aesthetic appeal, in order to increase their commercial value. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present disclosure provides a blue-light blocking contact lens formed by curing a composition, the composition comprising: a blue-light blocking component formed by mixing or reacting a first hydrophilic monomer with a yellow dye; a first colored dye component formed by mixing or reacting a second hydrophilic monomer with a first colored dye comprising a green dye, a cyan dye, a blue dye, an orange dye, a red dye, a black dye, or a combination thereof; at least one third hydrophilic monomer; a crosslinker; and an initiator.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first hydrophilic monomer, the second hydrophilic monomer, and the third hydrophilic monomer are independently selected from the group consisting of N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), glycerol monomethacrylate (GMMA), methacrylic acid, acrylic acid, N,N-dimethyl acrylamide (DMA), N,N-diethyl acrylamide, N-vinyl-N-methyl acetamide, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine, and 2-hydroxybutyl methacrylate.

[0007] In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a second colored dye component comprising a fourth hydrophilic monomer mixed with or reacted with a second colored dye comprising a green dye, a cyan dye, a blue dye, an orange dye, a red dye, a black dye, or a combination thereof.

[0008] In some embodiments, the fourth hydrophilic monomer is selected from the group consisting of N-vinylpyrrolidone, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, glycerol methacrylate, glycerin monomethacrylate, methacrylic acid, acrylic acid, N,N-dimethylacrylamide, N,N-diethylacrylamide, N-vinyl-N-methylacetamide, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine, and 2-hydroxybutyl methacrylate.

[0009] In some embodiments, the yellow dye is between 0.01 wt% and 2 wt% and the first colored dye is between 0.01 wt% and 2 wt% of the composition, based on 100 wt% of the composition.

[0010] In some embodiments, the yellow dye is between 0.01 parts by weight and 2 parts by weight, and the first colored dye is greater than 0 parts by weight and less than or equal to 2 parts by weight.

[0011] In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the yellow dye to the first hydrophilic monomer is 1:0.1 to 1:10.

[0012] In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the first colored dye to the second hydrophilic monomer is 1:0.1 to 1:10.

[0013] In some embodiments, the yellow dye is selected from the group consisting of Reactive Yellow 15, Reactive Yellow 86, and Reactive Yellow 83.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first colored dye comprises an ethylenically-based polymerizable group, a sulfonic group, a sulfonyl group, a sulfonate group, an amide group, or a combination thereof.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first colored dye is selected from the group consisting of Reactive Blue 4, Reactive Blue 19, Reactive Blue 21, Reactive Blue 69, Reactive Blue 163, Reactive Blue 246, Reactive Blue 247, Reactive Red 11, Reactive Red 180, Reactive Black 5, Reactive Orange 78, and Pigment Green 7.

[0016] The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a blue-light-blocking contact lens according to any one of the above-described embodiments, including the steps of mixing a first hydrophilic monomer and a yellow dye to form a first mixture, heating the first mixture to 25°C to 80°C for 0.5 to 24 hours to form a blue-light-blocking component, mixing a second hydrophilic monomer and a first colored dye to form a second mixture, heating the second mixture to 25°C to 80°C for 0.5 to 24 hours to form a first colored dye component, and curing the blue-light-blocking component, the first colored dye component, at least one third hydrophilic monomer, a crosslinker, and an initiator.

[0017] In some embodiments, the method further comprises adding an alkaline substance and an inhibitor to the first mixture before heating the first mixture to 25°C to 80°C.

[0018] In some embodiments, the method further comprises adding an alkaline substance and an inhibitor to the second mixture before heating the second mixture to 25°C to 80°C.

[0019] The present disclosure provides a blue-light blocking contact lens formed by curing a composition, the composition including a blue-light blocking component comprising glycerol monomethacrylate (GMMA) and a yellow dye mixed or reacted together, at least one hydrophilic monomer, a crosslinker, and an initiator.

[0020] In some embodiments, the yellow dye is present in an amount of 0.01 wt% to 2 wt% of the composition by weight.

[0021] In some embodiments, the yellow dye is selected from the group consisting of Reactive Yellow 15, Reactive Yellow 86, and Reactive Yellow 83.

[0022] In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the yellow dye to glycerin monomethacrylate is 1:0.1 to 1:10.

[0023] The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a blue-light-blocking contact lens according to any one of the above-described embodiments, including the steps of mixing glycerin monomethacrylate and a yellow dye to form a mixed solution, heating the mixed solution to 25°C to 80°C for 0.5 hours to 24 hours to form a blue-light-blocking component, and curing the blue-light-blocking component, at least one hydrophilic monomer, a crosslinking agent, and an initiator.

[0024] In some embodiments, the method further comprises adding an alkaline substance and an inhibitor to the mixture before heating the mixture to between 25°C and 80°C. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] 1 is a contact lens obtained by a manufacturing method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a transmittance spectrogram of a contact lens according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a transmittance spectrogram of a contact lens according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a transmittance spectrogram of a contact lens according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 is a transmittance spectrogram of a contact lens according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is a transmittance spectrogram of a contact lens according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 is a transmittance spectrogram of a contact lens according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The following describes embodiments of the "blue light blocking contact lenses" of the present disclosure through specific examples, and those skilled in the art can understand the advantages and effects of the present disclosure from the contents disclosed in the present disclosure. The present disclosure may be implemented or applied through other different specific examples, and various modifications and changes may be made to the details of the present disclosure based on different perspectives and applications without departing from the concept of the present disclosure. The following embodiments further describe the technical contents related to the present disclosure in detail, but the disclosed contents are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Where a term appears in the singular, the plural of that term is included.

[0028] Unless otherwise indicated, all percentages recited herein are percentages by weight. When a series of upper and lower ranges are provided, all combinations of the recited ranges are included, as if each combination were specifically recited. In this specification, ranges expressed as "a certain value to another value" are used as a general expression to avoid listing every single value within the range in the specification. Thus, the recitation of a particular numerical range encompasses any value within that range and any smaller numerical range defined by that value, as if the range between that value and the smaller numerical range were specifically recited in the specification.

[0029] Although the methods disclosed herein are described below using a series of operations or steps, the order in which these operations or steps are presented should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. For example, some operations or steps may be performed in a different order and / or simultaneously with other steps. Also, not all illustrated operations, steps, and / or features must be performed to implement embodiments of the disclosure. Also, each operation or step described herein may include multiple substeps or actions.

[0030] Research on blue light has shown that high-energy blue light between 460 and 500 nanometers contributes to memory and cognitive function and is comfortable, making blue light beneficial. However, blue light between 380 and 460 nanometers is harmful because it can easily damage the human eye. The present disclosure provides blue-light-blocking contact lenses with excellent anti-blue light properties. In some embodiments, the contact lenses of the present disclosure block 5% to 30% of harmful blue light with wavelengths between 380 and 460 nanometers. The contact lenses of the present disclosure are colored contact lenses, such as red, orange, yellow, green, blue, or gray, and these colored contact lenses have both anti-blue light properties and excellent aesthetics. The present disclosure also provides a method for producing blue-light-blocking contact lenses, which involves first pretreating a dye with a hydrophilic monomer before curing the contact lens-forming composition, i.e., by mixing or reacting the two, thereby improving the solubility of the dye in the contact lens-forming composition and improving the color rendering and blue light blocking rate of the contact lens. In other words, adding the pretreated dye to the composition effectively improves the compatibility of the recipe, improving the vividness and uniformity of the lens color, and improving the lens's blue light blocking rate, resulting in a variety of contact lenses. Furthermore, the contact lenses of the present disclosure may be hydrogel contact lenses or silicone hydrogel contact lenses. Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described below.

[0031] The present disclosure provides a blue-light-blocking contact lens formed by curing a composition. The composition includes a blue-light-blocking component formed by mixing or reacting a first hydrophilic monomer with a yellow dye, a first colored dye component formed by mixing or reacting a second hydrophilic monomer with a first colored dye, at least one third hydrophilic monomer, a crosslinker, and an initiator. The blue-light-blocking component is formed by pre-treating the yellow dye with the first hydrophilic monomer. Meanwhile, the first colored dye component is formed by pre-treating a first colored dye, including a green dye, a cyan dye, a blue dye, an orange dye, a red dye, a black dye, or a combination thereof, with the second hydrophilic monomer. Pre-treating both the yellow dye and the first colored dye significantly improves their solubility in the composition and their compatibility with other components, resulting in a contact lens with excellent color rendering and blue light blocking. In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more blue light blocking components, the multiple blue light blocking components comprising different pre-treated yellow dyes.

[0032] A composition for making contact lenses may contain one or more different color dye components, such as two, three, or four. In some embodiments, the composition includes a first color dye component and a second color dye component, the second color dye component being mixed or reacted with a fourth hydrophilic monomer and a second color dye, the second color dye including a green dye, a cyan dye, a blue dye, an orange dye, a red dye, a black dye, or a combination thereof. The colors of the first color dye component and the second color dye component may be the same or different. By mixing multiple color dye components, contact lenses of different colors can be produced. For example, a composition may include a blue-light blocking component (containing a pre-treated yellow dye) and two color dye components (containing pre-treated blue and red dyes) that can be used to form purple contact lenses. In some other embodiments, the composition further comprises a third color dye component, the color of which may be the same as or different from the first color dye component and / or the second color dye component, and embodiments of the third color dye component may refer to embodiments of the second color dye component and will not be described again.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first hydrophilic monomer, the second hydrophilic monomer, the third hydrophilic monomer, and the fourth hydrophilic monomer are independently selected from the group consisting of N-vinylpyrrolidone, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, glycerol methacrylate, glycerin monomethacrylate, methacrylic acid, acrylic acid, N,N-dimethylacrylamide, N,N-diethylacrylamide, N-vinyl-N-methylacetamide, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine, and 2-hydroxybutyl methacrylate.

[0034] In some embodiments, the yellow dye is present in an amount of 0.01 wt% to 2 wt% and the first colored dye is present in an amount of 0.01 wt% to 2 wt% of the 100 wt% composition. For example, the yellow dye may be present in an amount of 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, or 2 wt%. For example, the first colored dye may be present in an amount of 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, or 2 wt%. In some embodiments, the yellow dye is present in an amount of 0.01 wt% to 2 wt% and the sum of the first colored dye and the second colored dye is present in an amount of 0.01 wt% to 2 wt% of the 100 wt% composition. For example, the sum may be present in an amount of 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, or 2 wt%. When the weight percentage is within the above range, the contact lens can have good color rendering and good blue light blocking rate, and still provide the wearer with a good visual experience.

[0035] In some embodiments, the yellow dye is present in an amount of 0.01 to 2 parts by weight, and the first colored dye is present in an amount of more than 0 to 2 parts by weight. The yellow dye is present in an amount of, for example, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, or 2 parts by weight. The first colored dye is present in an amount of, for example, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, or 2 parts by weight. When the weight parts are within the above ranges, the contact lens can have excellent color rendering and blue light blocking rate while still providing the wearer with a good visual experience. In some embodiments, the first hydrophilic monomer, the second hydrophilic monomer, and the third hydrophilic monomer are present in an amount of 30 to 99 parts by weight. In other embodiments, the first hydrophilic monomer, the second hydrophilic monomer, the third hydrophilic monomer, and the fourth hydrophilic monomer are present in an amount of 30 to 99 parts by weight.

[0036] In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the yellow dye to the first hydrophilic monomer is 1:0.1 to 1:10, which allows for optimal compatibility between the two. The weight ratio may be, for example, 1:0.1, 1:0.5, 1:1, 1:2, 1:5, or 1:10. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the first colored dye to the second hydrophilic monomer is 1:0.1 to 1:10, which allows for optimal compatibility between the two. The weight ratio may be, for example, 1:0.1, 1:0.5, 1:1, 1:2, 1:5, or 1:10. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the second colored dye to the fourth hydrophilic monomer is 1:0.1 to 1:10, which allows for optimal compatibility between the two. The weight ratio may be, for example, 1:0.1, 1:0.5, 1:1, 1:2, 1:5, or 1:10. When the weight parts are within the above ranges, the yellow dye, the first colored dye, and the second colored dye have excellent solubility and compatibility in the composition, and the contact lens can have excellent color rendering properties.

[0037] In some embodiments, the yellow dye is selected from the group consisting of Reactive Yellow 15, Reactive Yellow 86, and Reactive Yellow 83.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first colored dye and the second colored dye independently have an ethylenically polymerizable group, a sulfonic acid group, a sulfonyl group, a sulfonate group, an amide group, or a combination thereof. For example, the first colored dye and the second colored dye independently are selected from the group consisting of Reactive Blue 4, Reactive Blue 19, Reactive Blue 21, Reactive Blue 69, Reactive Blue 163, Reactive Blue 246, Reactive Blue 247, Reactive Red 11, Reactive Red 180, Reactive Black, Reactive Orange 78, and Pigment Green.

[0039] In some embodiments, the crosslinking agent is selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, diethylene glycol dimethacrylate, triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate, allyl methacrylate, ethylene glycol diallyl ether, triethylene glycol diallyl ether, tetraethylene glycol diallyl tetravinylethylene glycol diene, 1,3,5-triallyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione, and 1,1,1-trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate.

[0040] In some embodiments, the initiator is selected from the group consisting of a phosphine oxide-based initiator and a titanium metallocene-based initiator. For example, the phosphine oxide-based initiator is selected from the group consisting of phenylbis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide, bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phenyl phosphine oxide, and bis(2,6-dimethoxylbenzoyl)(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)phosphine oxide. For example, metallocene-type titanium compound initiators include dicyclopentadienyl bis[2,4-difluoro-3-(1-pyrrolyl)phenyl]titanium.

[0041] In some embodiments, the composition for producing blue-light-blocking contact lenses further comprises an ultraviolet light-blocking monomer. For example, the ultraviolet light-blocking monomer is selected from the group consisting of benzophenone-containing monomers and benzotriazole-containing monomers. Benzophenone monomers include, for example, 4-methacryloxy-2-hydroxybenzophenone, 4-(2-acryloxyethoxy)-2-hydroxybenzophenone, or combinations thereof.

[0042] The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a blue-light-blocking contact lens according to any one of the above-described embodiments, including: mixing a first hydrophilic monomer and a yellow dye to form a first mixture; heating the first mixture to 25°C to 80°C for 0.5 to 24 hours to form a blue-light-blocking component; mixing a second hydrophilic monomer and a first colored dye to form a second mixture; heating the second mixture to 25°C to 80°C for 0.5 to 24 hours to form the first colored dye component; and curing the composition containing the blue-light-blocking component, the first colored dye component, at least one third hydrophilic monomer, a crosslinker, and an initiator to form a contact lens. If the heating temperature is higher than 80°C, excessive by-products may be generated, reducing the dye binding rate and potentially reducing the blue-light-blocking rate of the lens. In some embodiments, the heating temperature of the first or second mixture is 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, or 80°C. In some embodiments, the heating time of the first or second mixture is 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 24 hours. In some embodiments, the contact lens is a hydrogel contact lens or a silicone hydrogel contact lens. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a silicon-containing monomer. In some embodiments, the curing operation involves injecting the composition into the intermediate layer of a plastic male and female mold, polymerizing and curing the composition with ultraviolet light to form a solid lens. The solid lens is then hydrated and expanded, placed in a contact lens packaging solution, and sealed and sterilized at high temperature to produce a blue-light-blocking contact lens.

[0043] In some embodiments, the method further includes adding an alkaline substance and an inhibitor to the first mixture before heating the first mixture, so that the heating operation is heating the first mixture containing the first hydrophilic monomer, the yellow dye, the alkaline substance, and the inhibitor. Thus, after heating, the first hydrophilic monomer and the yellow dye combine to form the blue light blocking component. Through this operation, the yellow dye is pre-treated by a "synthetic method," improving the solubility of the blue light blocking component in the composition and improving the color rendering and blue light blocking rate of the contact lens. In some embodiments, the pH value of the first mixture is 10 to 14. The pH value may be, for example, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14. In some embodiments, the inhibitor includes hydroquinone monomethyl ether (Mequinol; MeHQ). In some embodiments, the alkaline substance includes sodium hydroxide (NaOH). In some embodiments, the first mixture does not contain water. Under the same experimental conditions, when the dye is reacted in an anhydrous environment, the blue light blocking rate of the lens is increased, whereas when the dye is reacted in a hydrated environment, the blue light blocking rate of the lens is decreased.

[0044] The following is a reaction flow for pretreating Reactive Yellow 15 with the hydrophilic monomer glycerin monomethacrylate (GMMA) to form a blue-light blocking component in an alkaline environment. First, Reactive Yellow 15 is reacted with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and an inhibitor (MeHQ) to form Reactive Yellow 15 with a vinyl group, which then reacts with GMMA to form a blue-light blocking component. Compared to unpretreated Reactive Yellow 15, Reactive Yellow 15 pretreated with GMMA has better solubility and compatibility in contact lens-forming compositions, improving its color rendering and blue-light blocking rate. The following reaction flow is applicable to dyes with an ethylenically-based polymerizable group, sulfonic group, sulfonyl group, sulfonate group, amide group, or a combination thereof. [ka]

[0045] In some embodiments, the first mixture does not contain any alkaline substances or inhibitors, such as sodium hydroxide or MeHQ, so that the first hydrophilic monomer and the yellow dye do not form bonds in the heated mixture, resulting in a blue-light blocking component. The above procedure pre-treats the yellow dye using a "mixing method," improving the solubility of the subsequent blue-light blocking component in the composition and improving the color rendering properties of the contact lens. It should be noted that if the untreated yellow dye, hydrophilic monomer, crosslinker, and initiator are directly mixed when formulating a contact lens composition, the yellow dye will suffer from insufficient compatibility, resulting in poor color rendering properties and poor anti-blue light effects. In some embodiments, the first mixture does not contain water.

[0046] In some embodiments, the method further includes adding an alkaline substance and an inhibitor to the second mixture before heating the second mixture to 25°C to 80°C, so that the heating operation is heating the second mixture containing the second hydrophilic monomer, the first colored dye, the alkaline substance, and the inhibitor. Thus, after heating, the second hydrophilic monomer and the first colored dye combine to form the first colored dye component. Through this operation, the first colored dye is pre-treated by a "synthetic method," improving the solubility of the first colored dye component in the composition and improving the color rendering properties of the contact lens. In some embodiments, the pH value of the second mixture is 10 to 14. The pH value may be, for example, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14. In some embodiments, the inhibitor includes hydroquinone monomethyl ether. In some embodiments, the alkaline substance includes sodium hydroxide. In some embodiments, the second mixture does not contain water. Under the same experimental conditions, when the dye is reacted in an anhydrous environment, the blue light blocking rate of the lens is increased, whereas when the dye is reacted in a hydrated environment, the blue light blocking rate of the lens is decreased.

[0047] In some embodiments, the second mixture does not contain any alkaline substances or inhibitors, such as sodium hydroxide or MeHQ. Therefore, after heating, the second hydrophilic monomer and the first colored dye component do not form bonds, and the resulting mixture is the first colored dye component. The above procedure pre-treats the first colored dye using a "mixing method," improving the solubility of the subsequent first colored dye component in the composition and improving the color rendering properties of the contact lens. It should be noted that if the untreated first colored dye, hydrophilic monomer, crosslinker, and initiator are directly mixed when formulating a contact lens composition, the first colored dye will suffer from insufficient compatibility, resulting in poor color rendering properties of the contact lens. In some embodiments, the second mixture does not contain water.

[0048] In some embodiments, the method further includes mixing a fourth hydrophilic monomer and a second color dye to form a third mixture, and heating the third mixture to 25°C to 80°C for 0.5 to 24 hours to form a second color dye component. After adding the second color dye component to the composition, a curing operation is performed. If the heating temperature is higher than 80°C, excessive by-products may be generated, reducing the dye binding rate and reducing the blue light blocking rate of the lens. In some embodiments, the method further includes adding an alkaline substance and an inhibitor to the third mixture before heating the third mixture to 25°C to 80°C. In some embodiments, the alkaline substance and the inhibitor are not added to the third mixture. For embodiments of the third mixture, reference may be made to embodiments of the second mixture, and a repeated description will not be provided.

[0049] In some embodiments, the silicon-containing monomer is 3-[tris(trimethylsiloxy)silyl]propyl methacrylate (TRIS), (3-methacryloxy-2-hydroxypropoxy)propylbis(trimethylsiloxy)methylsilane (SiGMA), 3-methacryloxypropyltris(trimethylsiloxy)silane, 3-acryloxypropyltris(trimethylsiloxy)silane, 3-acryloxypropyltris(trimethylsiloxy)silane, 3-acrylamidepropyltris(trimethylsiloxy)silane, 3-acrylamido ... propyltris(trimethylsiloxy)silane, 3-methacrylamide propyltris(trimethylsiloxy)silane, 3-vinylacrylamide propyltris(trimethylsiloxy)silane, α-acrylamidopropyl-ω-butylpolydimethylsiloxane, or combinations thereof.

[0050] The present disclosure provides blue-light-blocking contact lenses formed by curing a composition. The composition includes a blue-light-blocking component, at least one hydrophilic monomer, a crosslinker, and an initiator. The blue-light-blocking component is a mixture or reaction product of glycerin monomethacrylate (GMMA) and a yellow dye. In some embodiments, the contact lens is a hydrogel contact lens or a silicone hydrogel contact lens. In some embodiments, the composition further includes a silicon-containing monomer.

[0051] In some embodiments, the yellow dye is selected from the group consisting of Reactive Yellow 15, Reactive Yellow 86, and Reactive Yellow 83. In some embodiments, the yellow dye is present in an amount of 0.01 wt% to 2 wt% of the composition (100 wt%). The yellow dye may be present in an amount of, for example, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, or 2 wt%. When the weight percentage is within the above range, the contact lens can have excellent color rendering and excellent blue light blocking, while still providing the wearer with a good visual experience.

[0052] In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the yellow dye to glycerin monomethacrylate is 1:0.1 to 1:10. The weight ratio may be, for example, 1:0.1, 1:0.5, 1:1, 1:2, 1:5, or 1:10. When the weight ratio is within the above range, the yellow dye has excellent solubility and compatibility in the composition, and the contact lens can have excellent color rendering and blue light blocking rate.

[0053] The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a blue-light-blocking contact lens according to any one of the aforementioned embodiments, including: mixing glycerin monomethacrylate and a yellow dye to form a mixture; heating the mixture to 25°C to 80°C for 0.5 to 24 hours to form a blue-light-blocking component; and curing the composition containing the blue-light-blocking component, at least one hydrophilic monomer, a crosslinker, and an initiator to form a contact lens. In some embodiments, the mixture is heated to 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, or 80°C. In some embodiments, the mixture is heated for 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 24 hours. For the curing procedure, please refer to the aforementioned embodiments and a detailed description will not be provided.

[0054] In some embodiments, the method further includes adding an alkaline substance and an inhibitor to the mixture before heating the mixture to 25°C to 80°C. In some embodiments, the pH value of the mixture is 10 to 14. The pH value may be, for example, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14. In some embodiments, the inhibitor includes hydroquinone monomethyl ether. In some embodiments, the alkaline substance includes sodium hydroxide. In some embodiments, the mixture does not contain an alkaline substance or an inhibitor. In some embodiments, the mixture does not contain water. Under experimental conditions with the same amount of dye added, when the reaction is performed in an anhydrous environment, the blue light blocking efficiency of the lens can be increased. On the other hand, when the reaction is performed in a water-containing environment, the blue light blocking efficiency of the lens can be decreased. In some embodiments, the contact lens is a hydrogel contact lens or a silicone hydrogel contact lens. The advantages of the embodiment of treating the yellow dye with GMMA described above are not repeated here, and reference should be made to the embodiment relating to the first mixture described above.

[0055] The features of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to experimental examples. The following experimental examples will be described, but the materials used, their amounts and proportions, processing details, processing flow, etc. may be appropriately changed as long as they do not go beyond the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited by the experimental examples described below.

[0056] Experimental example: contact lens manufacturing

[0057] The manufacturing process for contact lenses involves the following steps: A blue-light blocking contact lens hydrogel or silicone hydrogel composition is injected into the middle layer of a plastic male and female mold, and the composition is polymerized and cured using ultraviolet light to form a solid lens. After the solid lens is removed, it is allowed to hydrate and expand. It is then placed in a contact lens packaging solution, sealed, and sterilized at high temperature (125°C for 30 minutes), completing the production of a variety of blue-light blocking contact lenses.

[0058] The hydrogel composition for blue-light-blocking contact lenses includes one or more hydrophilic monomers, a blue-light-blocking component, a crosslinker, and an initiator. The silicone hydrogel composition for blue-light-blocking contact lenses includes one or more hydrophilic monomers, a blue-light-blocking monomer, a crosslinker, an initiator, and a silicon-containing monomer. The hydrophilic monomer includes GMMA, HEMA, or a combination thereof. The crosslinker includes ethylene glycol dimethacrylate. The initiator includes bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)-phenylphosphine oxide. The hydrogel or silicone hydrogel composition may further include one color component or two color components. The blue-light-blocking component includes a yellow dye pre-processed by a "synthetic" or "mixing" method. The color component includes a green, blue, orange, red, or black dye pre-processed by a "synthetic" or "mixing" method. The "synthesis method" involves heating a mixture containing the hydrophilic monomer glycerin monomethacrylate (GMMA), a dye, an alkaline substance sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and an inhibitor, MeHQ, at 25°C to 80°C for at least 12 hours. The "mixing method" involves heating a mixture containing the hydrophilic monomer glycerin monomethacrylate (GMMA) and a dye at 25°C to 80°C for at least 12 hours. In the "synthesis method," the weight ratio of the dye to GMMA is 1:10, the amount of MeHQ is approximately 0.07 wt%, and the amount of sodium hydroxide is approximately 1 wt%.

[0059] See Tables 1 and 2 below, which list the components and blending ratios of each composition in Examples 1 to 25, as well as the lenses produced, their colors, and their blue light blocking rates. When the dye was pretreated using the "mixing method," it is marked M1, and when the dye was pretreated using the "synthetic method," it is marked M2. See Figure 1, which illustrates contact lenses obtained using various embodiments of the present disclosure. See Figures 2 to 7 for transmittance spectrograms corresponding to each lens in Figure 1. Figure 1 includes a dark red lens R1, a reddish-brown lens R2, an orange-red lens O1, an orange lens O2, an orange-yellow lens O3, an amber lens Y1, a dark yellow lens Y2, a yellow lens Y3, a yellow-green lens G1, a green lens G2, a light green lens G3, a blue lens B1, a gray-blue lens B2, an indigo lens P1, a purple lens P2, and a gray lens G. The lenses in Figure 1 correspond to the lenses of Examples 8 to 23 in Tables 1 and 2, respectively. Figures 2 to 7 show the light absorption curves r1, r2, o1, o2, o3, y1, y2, y3, g1, g2, g3, b1, b2, p1, p2, and g corresponding to the above lenses, respectively, as well as the light absorption curve BLANK for a blank lens containing no dye. As can be seen from Figure 1, the present disclosure enables the production of a wide variety of contact lenses in a variety of colors, all of which are vibrant and combine blue light protection with aesthetic appeal. The light transmittance of the contact lenses was measured using a UV / VIS spectrophotometer and calculated using a computer program to obtain the average blue light transmittance (T%) between 380 nanometers and 460 nanometers, i.e., the average harmful blue light transmittance. The blue light blocking rate (T%) in Tables 1 and 2 was then calculated by subtracting the average blue light transmittance (T%) from 100%. In other words, blue light blocking rate (%) = 100% - blue light transmittance (T%). [Table 1] [Table 2]

[0060] As shown in Tables 1 and 2, the harmful blue light blocking rates of the blue light blocking contact lenses of Examples 1 to 25 ranged from 5.57% to 26.27%. Therefore, the blue light blocking contact lenses of the present disclosure can substantially achieve harmful blue light blocking rates of 5% to 30%. While hydrogel contact lenses can be manufactured according to Examples 1 to 24, silicone hydrogel contact lenses can be manufactured according to Example 25. In Example 25, the addition of approximately 0.100 wt% of the dye Reactive Yellow 15 and pretreatment using a synthetic method resulted in a lens with a blue light blocking rate of 26.27%. As can be seen from the above, the pretreatment method of the present disclosure can achieve a more favorable blue light blocking effect in silicone hydrogel compositions.

[0061] The blocking rate of harmful blue light is mainly affected by the concentration and pretreatment of the yellow dye, and is less affected by other non-yellow dyes. Table 3 below lists examples made using only Reactive Yellow 15. [Table 3]

[0062] Comparing Example 2 and Example 7, the lenses in both examples had a yellow appearance and contained approximately 0.150 wt% Reactive Yellow 15. Example 2 pretreated Reactive Yellow 15 using the blending method M1, resulting in a blue light blocking rate of 13.05%. Example 7 pretreated Reactive Yellow 15 using the synthetic method M2, significantly improving the blue light blocking rate to 25.29%, 12.24% higher than Example 2. In other words, the blue light blocking rate of the lens in Example 7 was approximately twice that of the lens in Example 2. As can be seen from the above, when the proportion of yellow dye is the same, pretreatment with the dye using the synthetic method significantly improved the lens's ability to block harmful blue light.

[0063] Comparing Example 2 and Example 8, Example 8 added only 0.085 wt% Reactive Yellow 15 and pretreated using synthetic method M2, resulting in a lens with a blue light blocking rate of 14.66%. In Example 2, however, added 0.150 wt% Reactive Yellow 15 and pretreated using blending method M1, resulting in a lens with a blue light blocking rate of 13.05%. As can be seen, pretreating the dye using a synthetic method can still result in a lens with excellent blue light blocking rates, even when a small amount of dye is added. Comparing Example 8 and Example 2, the amount added in Example 8 can be reduced by 0.065 wt%, and the product produced in Example 8 reduces the amount of dye leaching during hydration by washing, thereby reducing wastewater production. Comparing Example 6 and Example 7, if the lens needs to achieve a blue light blocking rate of 25%, Example 6 requires the use of 0.301 wt% Reactive Yellow 15, while Example 7 uses only 0.150 wt% Reactive Yellow 15, allowing for a reduction of 0.151 wt%. As can be seen from the above, pre-treating the dye through a synthetic method can significantly improve the lens's ability to block harmful blue light.

[0064] In summary, the present disclosure provides blue-light blocking contact lenses and methods for manufacturing the same. The "synthesis method" or "mixing method" involves pretreating dyes of various colors with hydrophilic monomers, then mixing them with other materials for contact lens manufacturing (e.g., other hydrophilic monomers, crosslinking agents, initiators, or silicon-containing monomers), and then curing the dyes to form lenses. This allows for the production of contact lenses with excellent color rendering and vibrant colors, while also providing excellent anti-blue light effects. Compared with the "mixing method," the "synthesis method" can more effectively improve the solubility and compatibility of dyes in the composition and further reduce process wastewater. Furthermore, the method of the present disclosure can improve the feasibility of manufacturing a variety of lenses by using a combination of multiple dyes.

[0065] Although the present disclosure has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments, other embodiments are possible, and therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein.

[0066] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the structure of the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. In view of the foregoing, it is intended that the present disclosure covers modifications and variations of the present disclosure provided they fall within the scope of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] B1 blue lens B2 Gray-Blue Lens G Gray Lens G1 Yellow-Green Lens G2 Green Lens G3 Light Green Lens O1 Orange-red lens O2 Orange Lenses O3 Orange-yellow lens P1 Indigo Lens P2 purple lens R1 dark red lens R2 Reddish Brown Lens Y1 Amber Lens Y2 dark yellow lens Y3 Yellow Lens BLANK, b1, b2, g, g1, g2, g3, o1, o2, o3, p1, p2, r1, r2, y1, y2, y3 curve

Claims

1. 1. A blue light blocking contact lens formed by curing a composition comprising: a blue light blocking component comprising a first hydrophilic monomer and a yellow dye mixed or reacted therewith; a first colored dye component obtained by mixing or reacting a second hydrophilic monomer with a first colored dye, including a green dye, a cyan dye, a blue dye, an orange dye, a red dye, a black dye, or a combination thereof; at least one third hydrophilic monomer; and a cross-linking agent; an initiator; blue light blocking contact lenses, including

2. 2. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein the first hydrophilic monomer, the second hydrophilic monomer, and the third hydrophilic monomer are independently selected from the group consisting of N-vinylpyrrolidone, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, glycerol methacrylate, glycerin monomethacrylate, methacrylic acid, acrylic acid, N,N-dimethylacrylamide, N,N-diethylacrylamide, N-vinyl-N-methylacetamide, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine, and 2-hydroxybutyl methacrylate.

3. 10. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises a second colored dye component comprising a fourth hydrophilic monomer mixed with or reacted with a second colored dye comprising a green dye, a cyan dye, a blue dye, an orange dye, a red dye, a black dye, or a combination thereof.

4. 4. The contact lens of claim 3, wherein the fourth hydrophilic monomer is selected from the group consisting of N-vinylpyrrolidone, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, glycerol methacrylate, glycerin monomethacrylate, methacrylic acid, acrylic acid, N,N-dimethylacrylamide, N,N-diethylacrylamide, N-vinyl-N-methylacetamide, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine, and 2-hydroxybutyl methacrylate.

5. 2. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein the yellow dye is present in an amount of 0.01 wt % to 2 wt % and the first colored dye is present in an amount of 0.01 wt % to 2 wt % of the composition.

6. 2. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein the yellow dye is present in an amount of 0.01 to 2 parts by weight, and the first colored dye is present in an amount of more than 0 parts by weight and not more than 2 parts by weight.

7. 2. The contact lens according to claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the yellow dye to the first hydrophilic monomer is 1:0.1 to 1:

10.

8. 2. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the first colored dye to the second hydrophilic monomer is 1:0.1 to 1:

10.

9. 2. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein the yellow dye is selected from the group consisting of Reactive Yellow 15, Reactive Yellow 86, and Reactive Yellow 83.

10. 2. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein the first colored dye has an ethylenically polymerizable group, a sulfonic acid group, a sulfonyl group, a sulfonate salt group, an amide group, or a combination thereof.

11. 2. The contact lens of claim 1, wherein the first colored dye is selected from the group consisting of Reactive Blue 4, Reactive Blue 19, Reactive Blue 21, Reactive Blue 69, Reactive Blue 163, Reactive Blue 246, Reactive Blue 247, Reactive Red 11, Reactive Red 180, Reactive Black, Reactive Orange 78, and Pigment Green.

12. 10. A method for manufacturing the blue light blocking contact lens of claim 1, comprising: mixing the first hydrophilic monomer and the yellow dye to form a first mixture; heating the first mixture to 25°C to 80°C for 0.5 hours to 24 hours to form the blue light blocking component; mixing the second hydrophilic monomer and the first colored dye to form a second mixture; heating the second mixture to 25°C to 80°C for 0.5 hours to 24 hours to form the first colored dye component; curing the blue light blocking component, the first colored dye component, at least one third hydrophilic monomer, a crosslinker, and an initiator; 10. The method for manufacturing the blue light blocking contact lens of claim 1, comprising:

13. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising adding an alkaline substance and an inhibitor to the first mixture before heating the first mixture to 25°C to 80°C.

14. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising adding an alkaline substance and an inhibitor to the second mixture before heating the second mixture to 25°C to 80°C.

15. 1. A blue light blocking contact lens formed by curing a composition comprising: a blue light blocking component comprising glycerin monomethacrylate and a yellow dye mixed or reacted therewith; at least one hydrophilic monomer; a cross-linking agent; an initiator; blue light blocking contact lenses, including

16. 16. The contact lens of claim 15, wherein the yellow dye is present in an amount of 0.01 wt % to 2 wt % of the composition.

17. 16. The contact lens of claim 15, wherein the yellow dye is selected from the group consisting of Reactive Yellow 15, Reactive Yellow 86, and Reactive Yellow 83.

18. 16. The contact lens according to claim 15, wherein the weight ratio of the yellow dye to the glycerin monomethacrylate is 1:0.1 to 1:

10.

19. 16. A method for manufacturing a blue light blocking contact lens according to claim 15, comprising: mixing the glycerin monomethacrylate and the yellow dye to form a mixture; heating the mixture to 25°C to 80°C for 0.5 hours to 24 hours to form the blue light blocking component; curing the blue light blocking component, at least one hydrophilic monomer, crosslinker, and initiator; 16. The method for manufacturing the blue light blocking contact lens of claim 15, comprising:

20. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising adding an alkaline substance and an inhibitor to the mixture before heating the mixture to 25°C to 80°C.

Images