Copolymerizable Methine Anthraquinone Compounds for Ophthalmic Lenses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current artificial lens materials face challenges in replicating the UV and visible light absorption profile of the human lens, leading to discomfort due to unfiltered light stimulation and requiring multiple compounds, which increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
Development of polymerizable yellow compounds containing methine and anthraquinone chromophores with ethylenically unsaturated groups that can be covalently bonded to polymers, mimicking the aged human lens's light absorption properties and reducing the need for multiple compounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple compounds are used to achieve careful matching with human lens absorption profile, then the absorption matching precision is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines UV absorption and yellow coloration functions into a single copolymerizable compound containing both anthraquinone chromophore (for UV absorption) and methine chromophore (for yellow coloration). This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate compounds while achieving the desired absorption profile that matches aged human lens characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The single compound performs multiple functions simultaneously: it absorbs UV radiation through the anthraquinone group, provides yellow coloration through the methine group, and can be covalently bonded to lens materials via polymerizable groups. This multi-functionality replaces what previously required multiple separate additives.
2Measurement precision
If yellow colorants are used to match aged human lens absorption, then the absorption profile matching is improved, but the reliability decreases due to leaching
Solution Approach 1:
The yellow colorant is incorporated into the lens material during the polymerization process itself, before the lens is implanted. The copolymerizable compound forms covalent bonds with the lens matrix during curing, ensuring permanent attachment and preventing subsequent leaching that would occur with post-implantation additions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite material system where the yellow colorant and UV absorber are chemically integrated into the polymer matrix through covalent bonding. This composite structure ensures the colorants remain permanently embedded in the lens material, eliminating leaching issues associated with physical mixtures or surface coatings.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional UV absorbers and yellow colorants are used separately, then the manufacturing process complexity increases, but the absorption effectiveness is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges UV absorption capability and yellow coloration into a single molecular structure containing both anthraquinone and methine chromophores. This eliminates the need to separately formulate, mix, and process multiple colorant compounds, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining comprehensive light absorption effectiveness.
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 a stable, economical, and efficient means to absorb UV and violet-blue light, minimizing light transmission and discomfort, while maintaining transparency and reducing the risk of compound leaching.
Implementation Method 1
capable of undergoing free radical polymerization without destroying the moiety
Implementation Method 2
block ultraviolet light and/or violet-blue light transmission through ophthalmic lenses
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to polymerizable ultraviolet light absorbers and yellow colorants and their use in ophthalmic lenses. In particular, this invention relates to polymerizable ultraviolet light absorbing methine compounds and yellow compounds of the methine and anthraquinone classes that block ultraviolet light and/or violet-blue light transmission through ophthalmic lenses.