Characterization of Biocompatible Hydrogel Lenses Using Methacrylic Acid with Neodymium Oxide Nanoparticles

Abstract

We prepared hydrogel contact lenses containing nanoparticles of neodymium oxide and methacrylic acid (MA) to investigate their effect on the physical and chemical properties of the lens. Neodymium oxide nanoparticles improved the tensile strength without affecting wettability. The tensile strength, wettability, and light transmittance were all increased when MA was added in a specific ratio. To confirm the safety of the newly used nanoparticles, test on absorbance, eluate, and pH change were conducted and it was found that the safety level was satisfactory. In conclusion, it was confirmed that durable contact lenses can be manufactured with neodymium oxide nanoparticles, and most of the basic elements of the lens such as transparency, strength, and wettability could be improved using MA, which is a hydrophilic material. It is believed that the study will be helpful as part of basic research to use new materials.

Contact lens as an emerging platform for ophthalmic drug delivery: A systematic review

“…Lee et al. [41] added neodymium oxide nanoparticles to a hydrogel lens to improve its tensile strength. Methacrylic acid was used to ensure that the other properties of the lens were optimized and met the standards for contact lenses.…”

Recent Advances in Hydrogels for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Dry Eye Disease

“…It is well-established that hydrogel contact lenses have a good biocompatibility, physical and mechanical properties, good water vapor, and suitable gas (such as O 2 and CO 2 ) transmittance [ 112 , 113 ]. Moreover, hydrogel contact lenses are very convenient in terms of their application and removal from the eyes, as they do not adhere to the wound and can sense minute changes in external stimuli [ 114 , 115 , 116 ].…”