Polymeric composition exhibiting nanogradient of refractive index

Abstract

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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of inducing a non-uniform cross-link density in a polymeric material, comprising:
 providing a previously cross-linked, three-dimensional polymeric matrix comprising a plurality of cross-linked bonds; and   irradiating the previously cross-linked, three-dimensional polymeric matrix with ionizing energy to break at least some of the plurality of cross-linked bonds and thereby create a non-uniform cross-link density within the three-dimensional polymeric matrix.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising, at a time subsequent to the irradiating step, positioning the three-dimensional polymeric matrix in a hydrating solution, which causes a non-uniform swelling of the matrix, which thereby creates a non-uniform refractive index in the three-dimensional polymeric matrix. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the non-uniform refractive index in the three-dimensional polymeric matrix creates a surface anti-reflective layer from 50 nm to 100 microns thick. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the non-uniform refractive index in the three-dimensional polymeric matrix adapts the matrix, when in an eye, to focus light from a wide range of distances without moving or changing shape, optionally with a vergence of 0 to 3 D, optionally 0 to 2.5 D, optionally 0 to 2 D, optionally 0 to 1.5 D. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising, at a time subsequent to positioning the three-dimensional polymeric matrix in a hydrating solution, implanting the three-dimensional polymeric matrix in an eye. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein implanting the three-dimensional polymeric matrix in the eye does not cause a substantial change in the swelling in the three-dimensional polymeric matrix. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein positioning the three-dimensional polymeric matrix in a hydrating solution comprises implanting the three-dimensional polymeric matrix in an eye, and wherein the hydrating solution comprises aqueous humor in the eye. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein positioning the three-dimensional polymeric matrix in a hydrating solution comprises positioning the three-dimensional polymeric matrix in a balanced salt solution. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the irradiating step comprises irradiating the previously cross-linked, three-dimensional polymeric matrix with electron beams. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the irradiating step comprises maintaining the three-dimensional polymeric matrix in a stationary position and moving an ionizing energy source in at least one direction. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the irradiating step comprises maintaining an ionizing energy source in a stationary position moving the three-dimensional polymeric matrix in at least one direction. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the irradiating step creates a non-uniform cross-link density in substantially the entire three-dimensional polymeric matrix. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the irradiating step creates a first region of the matrix with a first cross-link density that is less than a second cross-link density of a second region the matrix. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the first region is a surface layer of the matrix. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the irradiating step occurs at a time subsequent to a haptic having been formed integrally with the three-dimensional polymeric matrix. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the irradiated three-dimensional polymeric matrix is dimensionally stable through steam sterilization as part of a “wet pack” and is hydrolytically stable during long term use. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the three-dimensional polymeric matrix comprises at least one non-ionic acrylic monomer and at least one ionic monomer. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the at least one non-ionic acrylic monomer is hydroxyethylmethacrylate and wherein the at least one ionic monomer is an acrylic monomer. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein three-dimensional polymeric matrix comprises a collagen material. 
     
     
         20 . A method of forming an intraocular lens with an optic that has a non-uniform refractive index, comprising:
 providing a previously cross-linked optic that comprises a three-dimensional polymeric matrix with a plurality of cross-linked bonds;   irradiating the previously cross-linked optic with ionizing energy to break at least some of the plurality of cross-linked bonds and thereby create a non-uniform cross-link density within the three-dimensional polymeric matrix; and   at a time subsequent to the irradiating step, positioning the optic in a hydrating solution, which causes a non-uniform swelling of the three-dimensional polymeric matrix, which thereby creates a non-uniform refractive index in the optic.