SURFACE ALKALINE-HYDROLYSIS OF P-HYDROXYETHYL METHACRYLATE GELS

The surface modification of glycol methacrylate intraocular lenses by selective alkaline hydrolysis was studied in order to find the conditi ons for improvement in biocompatibility and simultaneous preservation of good optical properties of these gels. It was found that the thickn ess of the modified layer can be influenced by the reaction temperatur e, NaOH concentration and reaction time. Using at least 30% NaOH, shor t reaction times and temperatures of at least 90 degrees C, lenses wit h good optical properties and with carboxylic groups in the surface la yer were prepared. The method may be useful for obtaining hydrophilic medical materials with improved properties and increased biocompatibil ity.