Polymeric composition exhibiting nanogradient of refractive index
Ionized radiation-absorbed, dose sensitive, highly flexible polymeric compositions are provided that exhibits multidirectional changes in refractive index. Also provided are methods of producing a precision multi-directional nanogradient of refractive index in a polymeric composition.
1. An intraocular lens (IOL), comprising:
an optic body made from a three-dimensional polymeric matrix comprising a copolymer system comprising at least one non-ionic acrylic monomer,
wherein the three-dimensional polymeric matrix has a non-uniform cross-link density, wherein the non-uniform crosslink density of the matrix is adapted to create an anti-reflection surface layer in the optic body when the optic body is exposed to aqueous humor in an eye,
wherein the anti-reflection surface layer comprises a region of the matrix that is 50 nm to 100 microns thick,
wherein the anti-reflection surface layer is at least partially disposed around a central aperture formed in the optic body,
wherein said anti-reflection surface layer has been formed by irradiating the three-dimensional polymeric matrix with ionizing energy in a pattern configured to create said non-uniform cross-link density within the matrix.
2. The lens of claim 1 , wherein the three-dimensional polymeric matrix that has a non-uniform cross-link density includes a first region with fewer cross links than a second region.
3. The lens of claim 2 , wherein the first region and the second region are within a gradient of cross-link density.
4. The lens of claim 2 , wherein the first region is in a first layer with a first cross-link density, and the second region is in a second layer with a second cross-link density.
5. The lens of claim 2 , wherein the anti-reflection surface layer comprises the first layer.
6. The lens of claim 1 , wherein the entire optic body does not have a gradient cross-link density.
7. The lens of claim 1 , wherein the copolymer system further comprises at least one ionic monomer.
8. The lens of claim 7 , wherein the weight ratio of a first one of the at least one non-ionic acrylic monomer to a first one of the at least one ionic monomer is 10:1 to 10,000:1, such as 50:1 to 200:1, such as 75:1 to 175:1, such as 75:1, 100:1, 125:1, 150:1, or 175:1.
9. The lens of claim 7 , wherein the at least one ionic monomer comprises hydroxyethylmethacrylate.
10. The lens of claim 1 , wherein the copolymer system further comprises a collagen material.
11. The lens of claim 1 , wherein the optic body is an optic body of a phakic IOL.
12. The lens of claim 1 , further comprising a hydrating solution to which the optic body is exposed, wherein the non-uniform cross-link density causes the three-dimensional polymeric matrix to swell in a non-uniform manner when hydrated in the solution, thereby creating a non-uniform refractive index within the optic body.
13. The lens of claim 12 , wherein the hydrating solution is a balanced salt solution.
14. The lens of claim 12 , wherein the hydrating solution includes constituent parts such that when the lens is exposed to aqueous humor in an eye, the amount of swelling in the three-dimensional polymeric matrix will not substantially change.
15. The lens of claim 12 , wherein the hydrating solution includes at least one of magnesium ions or calcium ions.
16. The lens of claim 12 , wherein the non-uniform refractive index includes first and second discrete layers having first and second refractive indices, respectively.
17. The lens of claim 12 , wherein the non-uniform cross-link density includes a gradient cross-link density.