Alcon Inc.
METHOD FOR MAKING PHOTOCHROMIC CONTACT LENSES

Abstract:

Described herein is a cost-effective and time-efficient method for producing photochromic contact lenses, in particular, preferably photochromic silicone hydrogel contact lenses, from a polymerizable composition comprising an unique selection and combination of main polymerizable components, a photochromic compound and a visible-light photoinitiator, based on the Lightstream Technology.TM.. This invention also provides photochromic contact lenses or more preferably photochromic silicone hydrogel contact lenses made according to a method of the invention. A photochromic contact lens of the invention is capable of undergoing a reversible color change upon exposure to UV-irradiation or high-energy-violet light (HEVL) (with wavelengths from 380 nm to 440 nm).