Omafilcon A

The Proclear contact lens polymer surface is a synthetic biomaterial primarily composed of Omafilcon A, a hydrogel copolymer of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) (FDA, 2022). It is characterized by its use of Phosphorylcholine (PC) Technology, which incorporates zwitterionic molecules that mimic the polar head groups of phospholipids found in human cell membranes (CooperVision, 2024). This biomimetic design enables the surface to attract and bind water molecules, forming a stable hydration layer that enhances biocompatibility and reduces the adsorption of proteins and lipids from the tear film (NIH, 1999). Although not a biological therapeutic target, the polymer surface is clinically significant for its role in managing dry eye symptoms and improving comfort for contact lens wearers (CooperVision, 2024). The material's interaction with ophthalmic drugs and preservatives in lens care solutions, such as polyhexamethylene biguanide, is a key consideration in ocular health and drug delivery research (NIH, 2006). By maintaining high water content and resisting dehydration, the Proclear surface helps mitigate contact lens-induced dryness and associated ocular surface irritation (NIH, 1999).

Other names

ProclearPhosphorylcholine-containing polymerMPC-HEMA copolymer2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine-co-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate

The polymer surface interacts with drugs and preservatives primarily through passive diffusion and adsorption into the hydrogel matrix, influenced by the zwitterionic phosphorylcholine groups.