US4379893A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Surface-treated soft contact lenses
Assignee: Biospecific Technologies Inc
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Filing: 1981-08-26
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Granted: 1983-04-12
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Expires: 2001-08-26
Abstract
Abstract A hydrophilic polymer shaped article adapted for use as a soft contact lens is treated to provide at least on the surfaces thereof a modified, less hydrophilic polymeric structure inhibiting penetration by proteins and other substances in the eye environment, whereby development of clouding and discoloration of the lens material during use is significantly retarded.
Inventors
- 👤 Mary A. O'Malley
- 👤 Nancy J. Drake
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 05:24
CPC Classifications
C; C08; C08J; C08J7/00; C08J7/12; B; B29; B29C; B29C71/00; B29C71/0009; C08F; C08F8/00; C08F8/14; C08J2333/00; C08J2333/04; C08J2333/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
149 words
A process for producing a soft contact lens resistant to the diffusion and accumulation therein of substances which promote its clouding and discoloration in use, which process comprises employing a hydrophilic polymer lens shape which is selected from the group consisting of hydroxyethyl methacrylate-N-vinyl pyrrolidone copolymers, hydroxyethyl methacrylate-N-vinyl pyrrolidone-methyl methacrylate terpolymers, and polymerized mixtures of hydroxyethyl methacrylate, amyl methacrylate, vinyl acetate and vinyl propionate, and treating said hydrophilic polymer lens shape with a modifying compound which is a lower alkyl ester of an alkylene dicarboxylic acid having the structural formula: ##STR2## wherein R can be CH 3 or C 2 H 5 ; and m is an integer of 1-6, inclusive, the treatment being conducted for a sufficient period of time to structurally modify a portion of polymer molecules in the outer surfaces of said hydrophilic polymer lens shape by incorporating therein the modifying compound through its functional groups.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
149 words
A process for producing a soft contact lens resistant to the diffusion and accumulation therein of substances which promote its clouding and discoloration in use, which process comprises employing a hydrophilic polymer lens shape which is selected from the group consisting of hydroxyethyl methacrylate-N-vinyl pyrrolidone copolymers, hydroxyethyl methacrylate-N-vinyl pyrrolidone-methyl methacrylate terpolymers, and polymerized mixtures of hydroxyethyl methacrylate, amyl methacrylate, vinyl acetate and vinyl propionate, and treating said hydrophilic polymer lens shape with a modifying compound which is a lower alkyl ester of an alkylene dicarboxylic acid having the structural formula: ##STR2## wherein R can be CH 3 or C 2 H 5 ; and m is an integer of 1-6, inclusive, the treatment being conducted for a sufficient period of time to structurally modify a portion of polymer molecules in the outer surfaces of said hydrophilic polymer lens shape by incorporating therein the modifying compound through its functional groups.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the modifying compound is dimethyl succinate.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the modifying compound is diethyl succinate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the modifying compound is diethyl malonate.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the modifying compound is diethyl suberate.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the hydrophilic polymer lens shape has been at least partially hydrated prior to treatment.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The process of claim 1 which is conducted at a temperature ranging from room temperature to 100° C. for a time period ranging from 1 hour to about 24 hours.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The process of claim 1 which is conducted at a temperature of 40°-80° C. for a time period of 2-12 hours.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The process of claim 1 in which the treated lens is subsequently maintained in saline solution for a time period of at least 10 hours.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
A soft contact lens prepared according to the process of claim 1 which is resistant to the diffusion and accumulation therein of substances causing its clouding and discoloration in use.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-04-11 | 1986-10-11 | 1987-04-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-04-11 | 1990-10-11 | 1991-04-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-04-11 | 1994-10-11 | 1995-04-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |