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Some Optical Considerations of Synthetic Hydrogel Polymers for Contact Lens Usage

  • Nabil F. El-Nashar

    Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis › Doctor of Philosophy

    Abstract

    The accurate measurement of hydrogel contact lenses presents
    a number of problems. The inherent flexibility of the material and its similarity to saline, in terms of
    refractive index, make measurements unpredictable and difficult.

    The aim of the experimental work was to develop an accurate
    method for measuring the radii of curvature, thickness and
    refractive index of hydrogel contact lenses. The construction
    of novel apparatus allowed interference patterns to be
    generated using a Linnik micro-interferometer. The generated
    patterns were analysed and the radii of curvature of a series
    of Bausch and Lomb SOFLENSES were calculated to an accuracy
    of 10-3 mm. The experimental results showed a good agreement
    with the theoretical results published by the manufacturer.
    The micro-interferometer was also employed to determine the
    refractive index of a range of hydrogel materials.

    The spherical aberration of SOFLENSES in air and in situ on
    the human eye was investigated using a commercially available
    photoelectric keratoscope, the "PEK" system 2000. The results
    present a comprehensive view of the changes in the lens
    parameters when applied to the cornea.

    Date of AwardSept 1979
    Original languageEnglish
    Awarding Institution
    • Aston University

    Keywords

    • optical considerations
    • synthetic hydrogel polymers
    • contact lens usage

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