title: Identification of rigid gas permeable contact lens materials by means of ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry.
abstract: Identification of the material used in an unknown rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lens is not easily achieved by either manufacturer or contact lens practitioner. It is proposed that the spectral transmittance characteristics in the ultraviolet and visible regions can characterize a material sufficiently to identify it. The characteristics of some materials are discussed and a short double blind trial of the identification system reported. Ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometers are widely available and can be relatively inexpensive. The method is proposed as being a practical reality.
authors.affiliation: School of Optometry, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Dain
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Pye
mesh_terms: D003261:Contact Lenses; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D011108:Polymers / Q000032:analysis*; D013053:Spectrophotometry; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D011108:Polymers