Patent ID: 8702816

Claim:
A method for producing a reversibly dyed hydrogel or silicon hydrogel substrate, comprising: immersing a hydrogel or silicon hydrogel substrate in a saline solution, wherein the hydrogel or silicon hydrogel substrate has a non-dyed appearance, wherein the hydrogel or silicon hydrogel substrate is a soft contact lens; adding a dye to the saline solution to produce a combination solution; allowing the hydrogel or silicon hydrogel substrate to remain in the combination solution for an amount of time at a temperature from about 60° F. to about 82° F., wherein the dye does not print color into any part of the soft contact lens matrix; and removing the hydrogel or silicon hydrogel substrate from the combination solution to produce a reversibly dyed hydrogel or silicon hydrogel substrate, wherein the reversibly dyed hydrogel or silicon hydrogel substrate returns to its non-dyed appearance over time and the dye is removable by soaking in a saline solution.