Chloramphenicol-infused N-vinyl-based soft contact lenses for therapeutic and optical applications

• Chloramphenicol loaded contact lenses exhibit enhanced antibacterial activity. • Incorporation of Ag NPs and TiO 2 NPs boosts antibacterial effectiveness. • High visible light transmittance (>95 %) with UV blocking achieved. • Contact lenses maintain compatible refractive index with the cornea. • Lenses ensure biocompatibility with acceptable EWC and oxygen permeability. This work is exploring the development of antibacterial contact lenses (CLs) by implementing the silicon-N-vinyl pyrrolidone-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (Si-NVP-HEMA) base to combat the corneal bacterial infections. Due to its hydrophilic and flexible properties, Si-NVP-HEMA enhances oxygen permeability and allows for more effective pairing with antibacterial agents. The lenses were infused with chloramphenicol (CAM) and in some cases, additives like silver and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (Ag and TiO 2 NPs) were added to boost their antibacterial capabilities. Key analysis including UV–Vis spectra, refractive index (RI) measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) charts confirmed the lenses’ physical, chemical, and therapeutic performance. The fabricated lenses demonstrated an impressive RI range of 1.49 to 1.53 preserving visual clarity and achieving over 95% visible light transmittance while effectively blocking UV radiation. Antibacterial testing revealed significant enhancements in effectiveness against certain bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli ( S. aureus and E. coli ). This promising formulation shows merit as a safe, comfortable, and extended use CL option by providing comprehensive protection, excellent optical performance, and essential properties like water content and oxygen permeability. This Si-NVP-HEMA based formulation provides a multifunctional solution integrating antimicrobial protection UV blocking capabilities and excellent optical performance with essential water content and oxygen permeability positioning it as a promising option for safe comfortable extended wear CLs.