Methods of forming an extended wear ophthalmic lens having a hydrophilic surface

A method of forming a biocompatible lens having high oxygen permeability and high water permeability, said method comprising the steps of:

• (a) forming a polymeric core material including:
• (1) at least one continuous pathway from front curve to base curve surfaces for oxygen transmission therethrough, and
• (2) at least one continuous pathway from front curve to base curve surfaces for water transmission therethrough;
• and
• (b) altering the surface of said core material to produce a surface which is more hydrophilic than said core material,
• whereby said lens allows oxygen permeation in an amount sufficient to maintain corneal health and wearer comfort during a period of extended, continuous contact with ocular tissue and ocular fluids, and
• whereby said lens allows ion permeation in an amount sufficient to enable the lens to move on the eye such that corneal health is not substantially harmed and wearer comfort is acceptable during a period of extended, continuous contact with ocular tissue and ocular fluids,
• wherein said ophthalmic lens has an oxygen transmissibility of at least about 70 barrers/mm and an ion permeability characterized either by (1) an Ionoton Ion Permeability Coefficient of greater than about 0.2.times.10.sup.-6 cm.sup.2 /sec or (2) an Ionoflux Diffusion Coefficient of greater than about 1.5.times.10.sup.-6 mm.sup.2 /min, wherein said ion permeability is measured with respect to sodium ions.