Collamer

Collamer is a trademarked soft contact lens material developed by CooperVision. It is a collagen-containing hydrogel polymer designed to improve biocompatibility and comfort for lens wearers. In Collamer lenses, purified collagen is integrated into the polymer matrix during manufacturing rather than applied as a surface coating, which is intended to promote favorable interaction with the ocular surface and tear film.

Composition and properties: Collamer combines a hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)–based polymer with collagen and other proprietary additives. The embedded collagen is meant to enhance biocompatibility and comfort, while the polymer provides the primary structural and optical properties of the lens. Collamer lenses are not silicone hydrogel; their performance hinges on the balance of the collagen-containing polymer and the lens design to achieve adequate oxygen transmission and surface wettability for comfortable wear.

Usage and considerations: Collamer-based lenses are prescribed like other soft contact lenses and require fitting by eye-care professionals, along with appropriate cleaning and storage regimens. As with all contact lenses, wearers should follow guidelines to minimize risks of infection, irritation, or adverse reactions. The collagen component is derived from purified biological material as part of the lens fabrication process, and manufacturers emphasize biocompatibility within the intended use parameters.

Overview: Collamer represents an approach to contact lens materials that prioritizes biocompatibility and comfort by integrating collagen into a hydrogel polymer. It is one option within the broader field of soft contact lens materials, alongside other hydrogel and silicone hydrogel technologies. See also contact lens materials, hydrogel, collagen.