an interpenetrating polymer network composition and a process for the manufacture of hydrogel contact lens using the invention material . the polymeric materials are formed by polymerization of : an unsaturated alkylacrylate or its derivatives such as 2 - hydroxyethyl methacrylate as the principle monomer ; optionally vinyl containing comonomer to enhance the resulting hydrogel water absorbing capability ; polymerizable multi - functional crosslinking agent ; an irradiation initiator and / or thermal initiator ; optionally other additives to impart the resulting hydrogel specific properties such as ultra - violet blocking ability and handling colors ; in the presence of a soluble , hydrophilic ipn agent such as polyvinylpyrrolidone or poly - 2 - ethyl - 2 - oxazoline with a specific molecular weight range . the novel hydrophilic hydrogel material in the present invention can be used to produce a spherical contact lens , a toric contact lens , a multifocal contact lens , a toric - multifocal contact lens , and other medical devices . the inventive hydrogel material shows a low degree of surface friction , a low dehydration rate , and a high degree of biodeposit resistance .