| abstract |
Contact lenses which exhibit improved wetability are provided. In one aspect, the surface of the contact lenses may be modified using a hydrophilic layer which imparts improved wetability to the contact lens. The contact lens may be exposed to a first plasma so as to generate free radicals on the contact lens surface. An organic compound may be further reacted with the free radicals on the surface to form an organic coating. The contact lens may be exposed to a under conditions selected to oxidize the organic coating and form the hydrophilic layer. Surface modified contact lenses may exhibit contact angles with respect to water less than about 50° using a broad range of organic compounds, including alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, esters, organosilicon, organophosphorous, organotitanium, organotin, organogermanium, and organoboron compounds. The improved wetability is also substantially maintained when the lens is subject to wear. |