Optically transparent, high refractive index hydrogels are provided. Expansile hydrogel intraocular lenses are fabricated from the hydrogels by heating them above their elastic deformation temperatures and deforming them into an elongated configuration having at least one reduced dimension suitable for insertion through a small surgical incision. The lenses are allowed to cool in this configuration and retain the deformed shape prior to surgical implantation. Following implantation the lenses hydrate into an enlarged elastic form reassuming the original lens configuration of full capsule size.