Pharnorcia® SIGMA Polymer (CAS#:69861-02-5): Advancing Contact Lens Comfort and Performance

Introduction
Pharnorcia® SIGMA (CAS#:69861-02-5) is a high-performance silicone hydrogel polymer engineered specifically for ophthalmic applications. As a key material in modern contact lens manufacturing, it combines exceptional oxygen permeability, hydration stability, and biocompatibility to address critical needs for extended-wear comfort and ocular health.

Core Material Properties

• Ultra-High Oxygen Transmissibility (Dk/t): SIGMA’s silicone-based matrix enables superior oxygen diffusion to the cornea (≥100 barrer), significantly reducing hypoxia-related complications during prolonged wear

• Enhanced Hydration Stability: The material maintains optimal moisture retention (≥98% water content retention over 12 hours), combating dry eye symptoms and ensuring consistent lens surface wettability

• Mechanical Durability: Engineered with cross-linked polymer networks, SIGMA provides exceptional tensile strength (≥1.2 MPa) while retaining flexibility for comfortable corneal conformity.

Clinical Advantages in Contact Lenses
Lenses fabricated with SIGMA demonstrate:

1. Extended Wear Compatibility: Supports continuous wear up to 30 days with minimal protein/lipid deposition due to its low surface energy

2. Reduced Inflammatory Response: Rigorous purification processes (residual monomer <0.1%) ensure biocompatibility, as validated by ISO 10993-5 cytotoxicity testing

3. Optical Precision: Uniform refractive index (1.43) and minimal light scatter (<2%) provide distortion-free vision across diverse lighting conditions

Quality and Safety Assurance
Pharnorcia’s SIGMA adheres to ISO 13485 medical device standards, with full traceability from raw materials to finished lenses. Each batch undergoes:

• Spectroscopic purity verification

• Sterilization stability testing (autoclave/ETO resistance)

• Accelerated aging trials for shelf-life validation

Conclusion
As an innovation-driven ophthalmic material, Pharnorcia SIGMA polymer sets a new benchmark for silicone hydrogel lenses. By synergizing oxygen efficacy, hydration control, and ocular safety, it empowers next-generation contact lenses that prioritize both visual acuity and long-term corneal health.