Hydrogel Contact Lens Composition for UV and Violet Light Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contact lenses, such as TOTAL30®, provide limited protection against high-energy visible light (HEVL), particularly violet light, which can cause cellular damage, and there is a need for a contact lens with enhanced HEVL-filtering capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A UV/HEVL-filtering contact lens is developed using a bulk hydrogel material comprising hydrophilic vinylic monomers, vinylic crosslinkers, UV-absorbing and UV/HEVL-absorbing vinylic monomers, and covalently attached Cu(II)-porphyrin derivatives, achieving specific transmission and absorption profiles to enhance HEVL filtration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If existing contact lenses (e.g., TOTAL30®) are used to filter UV light, then UV protection is achieved, but HEVL filtration capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The contact lens incorporates a composite formulation containing multiple UV-absorbing vinylic monomers (e.g., benzotriazole-containing monomers), UV/HEVL-absorbing vinylic monomers (e.g., benzophenone-containing monomers), and Cu(II)-porphyrin derivatives. This composite material approach enables simultaneous UV and HEVL filtration with enhanced effectiveness compared to single-component systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the concentration ratios of different absorbing components in the hydrogel matrix. By adjusting the amounts of UV-absorbing monomers (0.1-5 wt%), UV/HEVL-absorbing monomers (0.1-5 wt%), and Cu(II)-porphyrin derivatives (0.01-1 wt%), the contact lens achieves specific transmission targets: UVA %T <10%, UVB %T <1%, HEVL %T ≤60%, and 420nm %T ≤40% while maintaining 450-500nm %T ≥80%.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If HEVL-filtering components are added to contact lenses, then violet light protection is improved, but color perception and visual function may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The contact lens formulation creates localized functional zones within the hydrogel matrix. Different regions contain specific combinations of UV-absorbing monomers, UV/HEVL-absorbing monomers, and Cu(II)-porphyrin derivatives that work synergistically to filter violet light while preserving overall optical clarity and natural color perception.
Solution Approach 2:
Cu(II)-porphyrin derivatives serve as intermediary components that absorb HEVL at 395-435nm (Soret peak) while allowing transmission at 450-500nm. These derivatives act as optical mediators that selectively block harmful violet light wavelengths while maintaining visibility and color perception in the blue-green spectrum.
3Reliability
If multiple absorbing components are incorporated into the hydrogel, then UV/HEVL filtration performance is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the filtration function into distinct molecular components: UV-absorbing vinylic monomers (absorbing 280-380nm), UV/HEVL-absorbing vinylic monomers (absorbing 280-450nm), and Cu(II)-porphyrin derivatives (absorbing 395-435nm). Each component targets specific wavelength ranges, allowing the complex filtration spectrum to be achieved through modular, specialized molecules rather than a single complex substance.
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 contact lens offers improved protection against UV and violet light, mimicking the natural crystalline lens's filtration performance while maintaining minimal color perception and visual function disruption.
Implementation Method 1
derivatives of at least one Cu(II)-porphyrin, wherein the derivatives are covalently attached to the bulk hydrogel material and have an absorption peak in a region from 395 nm to 435 nm (i.e., a Soret peak or band) in visible absorption spectrum
Implementation Method 2
repeating units of at least one UV-absorbing vinylic monomer that absorbs UV lights between 280 nm and 380 nm
Implementation Method 3
at least one UV/HEVL-absorbing vinylic monomer that absorbs UV lights between 280 nm and 380 nm and HEVL between 380 nm and 450 nm
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is UV/HEVL-absorbing contact lens of the invention comprises a bulk hydrogel material that comprises repeating units of at least one UV-absorbing vinylic monomer, repeating units of at least one UV/HEVL-absorbing vinylic monomer, and derivatives of a reactive Cu(II)-porphyrin present in selected amounts and at a selected ratio. A UV/HEVL-filtering contact lens of the invention not only can provide Class I UV protection against UVA and UVB rays (i.e., filtering more than 90% of UVA and 99% of UVB rays) but also can mimics the natural crystalline lens of a human eye in providing HEVL protection.