Self-Regulating Contact Lenses with the Patterning of a Photochromic Layer Based on Wettability Contrast

Contact lenses that change between the transparent state and the colored state in response to the UV light, to play a supplementary role in the light adaptation of the human visual system, are demonstrated. The capability of light regulation is realized by the conformally coated photochromic layer that comprises the blend of spiropyran dyes and the biocompatible polymer matrix to embed them. The wettability contrast on the surface of contact lenses, which is produced from the transfer printing of siloxane oligomers, allows for selective patterning of the photochromic layer on the iris part. By designing the ratio of blended dyes, the light regulation across the wide visible range is achieved. Proposed self-regulating contact lenses exhibit high durability and reliability while working in wet conditions, showing their possibilities in practical application.