Patent ID: 7857848

Claim:
A method for making an infinite refractive index gradient (IRIG) ophthalmic device having an edge and a center and a refractive index which decreases or increases infinitesimally forming a continuum of refractive index values from ophthalmic device edge to center, the method comprising the steps of: providing an at least partially polymerized polymer rod having a first refractive index, the rod being formable into an ophthalmic device; suspending the rod in an ophthalmic device monomer having a second refractive index when polymerized, the monomer permeating into the rod from the exterior to the interior to provide a gradient; reacting the monomer with the polymer of the rod to create a rod-like structure with an infinite refractive index gradient; and forming the rod-like structure into an IRIG ophthalmic device.