Ophthalmic and Lens
Precision-Engineered Monomers and Polymers for Unmatched Clarity
Advanced Materials for Precision Optics
Polysciences provides high-performance monomers and polymers designed for ophthalmic and specialty lens applications. These materials are engineered for superior optical clarity, biocompatibility, and flexibility, ensuring they meet the unique needs of modern lenses.
Key Feature: Refractive Index (RI)
The refractive index (RI) is a fundamental property that influences lens performance by determining how light passes through a material.
- Definition: RI measures the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to its speed in the material.
- Impact on Lenses:
- Low RI (e.g, <1.50): Used in hydrophilic materials for soft and hydrogel lenses.
- High RI (e.g, >1.50): Enables thinner lenses with enhanced light focusing.
This property plays a critical role in balancing optical clarity, lens thickness, and performance across a range of applications. Polysciences’ expertise ensures materials with tailored RI values to meet specific industry needs.
Low Refractive Index Materials
Materials with a low refractive index (RI < 1.50) are designed to meet the specific needs of soft and hydrogel lenses.
- Hydrophilicity: Achieved through polar functional groups, which improve the material's affinity for water.
- Hydrophobicity: Enhanced by fluorinated structures, offering increased durability and resistance.
A key example is 2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate, a low RI monomer that provides an excellent balance of optical clarity and hydrophilicity, making it a critical choice for lens applications.
Low Refractive Index Product Examples
Low refractive index materials (RI < 1.50) enhance hydrophilicity with polar functional groups or hydrophobicity with fluorination. Monomers like 2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate provide an ideal balance of optical clarity and hydrophilicity for lens applications.
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High Refractive Index Materials
Materials with a high refractive index (RI > 1.50) bend light more effectively, enabling thinner, high-performance lenses. Polarizable groups like aromatic rings, bromine, or sulfur atoms enhance their optical properties.
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UV Absorbing Monomers
UV absorbing monomers, with aromatic or aliphatic backbones, protect materials by capturing light in the UV spectrum. They shield polymer systems from degradation and can also act as sensitizers to enhance photochemical reactions.
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Advanced Materials for Intraocular Lenses
Intraocular lenses (IOLs) replace the eye's natural lens after cataract surgery or for vision correction. These lenses rely on high-performance polymers for clarity, durability, and biocompatibility.
- Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA): Rigid and optically precise, with a moderate refractive index (~1.49).
- Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA): Hydrophilic and flexible for improved post-surgical integration.
- UV Blocking Additives: Protect retinal tissue from harmful UV light using compounds like 4-Methacryloxy-2-hydroxybenzophenone.
These materials ensure IOLs deliver lasting performance and patient safety, advancing modern vision correction.
Custom Solutions for Specialized Needs
When off-the-shelf options aren’t enough, our expertise in custom monomers and polymers offers tailored solutions. From contact lenses to intraocular lenses and advanced coatings, we design materials to meet your specific needs and regulatory standards.
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Product Number
Product Description
Chemical Structure
RI Value
Custom Solutions for Specialized Needs
When off-the-shelf options aren’t enough, our expertise in custom monomers and polymers offers tailored solutions. From contact lenses to intraocular lenses and advanced coatings, we design materials to meet your specific needs and regulatory standards.
Click the item code to view the product
| Item Code | Item Description | RI Value |
|---|---|---|
| 04675 | 2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate, Ophthalmic Grade, ≥ 99.5% | 1.453 |
| 01718 | 2,2,2-Trifluoroethyl acrylate, ≥ 98.0% | 1.350 |
| 19226 | 1H,1H,2H,2H-Heptadecafluorodecyl methacrylate, ≥ 94% | 1.343 |
| 26296 | Benzyl acrylate, ≥ 99% | 1.514 |
| 17969 | N-Benzylmethacrylamide, ≥ 95% | 1.597 |
| 02911 | 2-Phenylethyl methacrylate, ≥ 99% | 1.508 |
| 02034 | 4-Methacryloxy-2-hydroxybenzophenone, ≥ 99% | 1.514 |
| 02644 | Phenyl methacrylate, ≥ 97% | 1.508 |
| 02834 | 2-Phenylethyl acrylate, ≥ 99% | 1.512 |
| Various Products | Poly(methyl methacrylate) | 1.49 |
| 09689 | Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) | 1.512 |
Bulk and Custom Packaging
Need larger quantities or specialized packaging? We offer bulk solutions tailored to your requirements.
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