Covalently Bound 2-Amino Benzophenone UV Absorbers for Ophthalmic Lenses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UV light absorbers for ophthalmic lenses may migrate, phase separate, or leach out, leading to toxicological issues and reduced UV blocking activity, especially in implantable lenses, and lack effectiveness in blocking light between 400-450 nm.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating UV absorbers of a specific formula (I) covalently bound to the polymeric network of ophthalmic device materials, combined with acrylic or silicone-containing monomers and a cross-linking agent, to ensure stability and block UV and blue light in the 400-450 nm range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If UV absorbers are physically entrapped in the lens material, then the lens material can be manufactured more easily, but the UV absorbers may migrate, phase separate, or leach out causing toxicological issues and loss of UV blocking activity
Solution Approach 1:
The UV absorber is covalently bound to the polymeric network of the lens material, merging the UV absorber molecule with the polymer structure. This chemical bonding prevents migration, phase separation, and leaching while maintaining the UV blocking function, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and reliability.
2Device complexity
If conventional UV absorbers are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but they cannot block light in the 400-450 nm blue light range effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure of the UV absorber by introducing specific substituents (R, Y1, Y2, Y3) that extend the absorption spectrum into the blue light range (400-450 nm). This structural parameter change enables dual functionality (UV and blue light blocking) while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If additional functional groups are added to the UV absorber to improve solubility and reactivity, then the UV absorber can be better incorporated into the lens material, but the UV absorbing properties may be influenced negatively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specific functional groups at particular positions (R, Y1, Y2, Y3) on the UV absorber molecule, allowing localized modification to improve solubility and reactivity without compromising the core UV absorption capability. The strategic placement of these groups ensures both incorporation efficiency and optical performance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides stable UV and blue light blocking capabilities in ophthalmic devices, preventing migration and leaching, and ensuring optical clarity and safety for implantable lenses.
Implementation Method 1
UV absorbers that block not only UV light but also at least some light in the 400 - 450 nm range
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Ophthalmic device materials comprising 2-amino benzophenone UV-absorbing compounds are disclosed. The ophthalmic device materials are particularly useful in intraocular lenses.