Synthesis and properties of acrylic copolymers for ocular implants

There is a need for flexible polymers with higher refractive index and extended UV absorbing properties for improved intraocular lenses (IOLs). This research was devoted to the synthesis of new acrylic copolymers for foldable IOLs and to studies concerning IOL polymer properties. New polymers were synthesized from phenylated acrylates copolymerized with N-vinyl carbazole derivatives using bulk free radical addition methods. The copolymers had low Tg values, high refractive index, and were flexible. The N-vinyl carbazole derivatives were characterized by NMR and copolymers were characterized by DSC, UV-Vis, and refractometry. New phenothiazine based UV absorbers with high extinction coefficients were also synthesized for incorporation into ocular materials. Patent disclosures on UV absorbers and high refractive index polymers were prepared.; A so called "glistening" phenomenon that occurs in all foldable intraocular lenses currently in clinical use is poorly understood and was studied. Research on this microvoid forming behavior included studies and development of methods to inhibit glistening in low Tg acrylic based copolymers. Glistenings were characterized using SEM and optical microscopy. A novel technique for inhibiting glistening was found and a patent disclosure was prepared.