Ultrathin coating of plasma polymer of methane applied on the surface of silicone contact lenses.

Silicone rubber has great advantages as a contact lens material because of its very high oxygen permeability, softness, and excellent mechanical strength and durability. Practical application is hampered by inherent characteristics of elastomers, i.e., high tackiness and highly hydrophobic surface properties. By applying a thin layer, e.g., 5 nm, of plasma polymer of methane, it was found that all these disadvantages can be eliminated without sacrificing high oxygen permeation rate, e.g., less than 15% reduction. Optimization of operational parameters to achieve this task has been investigated. It was also found that under optimum conditions the coating withstood severe and repeated flexing of the contact lens.