Applications of Raman spectroscopy to ophthalmology: Spectroscopic characterization of disposable soft contact lenses

Abstract

Disposable soft contact lenses based on HEMA–MAA hydrogels are examined using Raman and ATR/FTIR vibrational spectroscopies and thermal analysis. The main factors dealing with physical, chemical, and biological biocompatibility are evaluated in relation to those of long-wear soft contact lenses with the aim of individuating the most biocompatible lens. The Raman spectra of HEMA–MAA lenses show that some biocompatibility factors are affected by environmental conditions and, in particular, by changes in pH and ionic strength values. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biospectroscopy 4: 413–419, 1998