Silikonhydrogel

Silicone hydrogel, or Silikonhydrogel in German usage, is a class of soft contact lens material that combines silicone-containing components with traditional hydrogel networks to achieve higher oxygen permeability than conventional hydrogels. These polymers integrate silicone monomers with hydrophilic monomers, producing materials with high oxygen transmissibility (Dk). The silicone portion provides a major pathway for oxygen, supporting corneal oxygenation during wear. To maintain comfort and wettability, many formulations include hydrophilic segments or surface treatments, as silicone-rich materials tend to be relatively hydrophobic and prone to surface deposits.

Applications and benefits: Silicone hydrogels are widely used in soft contact lenses for daily wear and extended wear. They enable higher oxygen delivery to the cornea, reducing risks associated with corneal hypoxia, and are available with a range of water contents and lubricity features. The higher oxygen permeability typically allows longer wear times compared with traditional hydrogel lenses, though wear schedules still depend on the specific product and clinician guidance.

Considerations and care: The balance between oxygen permeability and wettability varies by formulation; some lenses rely on surface coatings or specific monomer blends to improve wetting. Proper cleaning, disinfection, and adherence to wear schedules prescribed by eye care professionals are important to manage deposits and maintain eye health. Users may experience differences in comfort or hydration across different silicone hydrogel products.

History: Silicone hydrogel materials were introduced in the late 1990s and have since become the predominant soft contact lens material, with multiple brands and formulations developed by major manufacturers.