Inorganic/organic polymers for contact lenses by the sol-gel process

Abstract

The use of organoalkoxysilanes as network forming materials allows the introduction of organic groups into an inorganic network by the sol-gel process. This possibility, in addition to the inorganic network modification, opens a wide variability of material synthesis. Facing the desire for high performance materials for contact lenses, an attempt is made to meet the requirements of contact lens materials, as oxygen permeability and wetting. The paper shows the basic principles which can be carried out in order to taylor material for specific properties.