Polymer and monomer compositions based on a chromophore and improved light absorption. Lens materials can be fabricated. A composition comprising: a compound comprising a polymerizable vinyl group covalently linked to a benzene ring-based chromophore comprising: a substituent comprising a carbonyl group at the 1-position; a substituent comprising a hydroxy, ether, ester or a combination thereof at the 2-position; and a substituent comprising a (p-Nitrophenylazo) group at the 4 position of the benzene ring, including salts.