Optically transparent, relatively high refractive index polymeric compositions and ophthalmic devices such as intraocular lenses, contact lenses and corneal inlays made therefrom are described herein. The preferred polymeric compositions are produced through the polymerization of one or more aromatic-based silyl monomers or the copolymerization of one or more aromatic-based silyl monomers with one or more aromatic or non-aromatic non-siloxy-based monomers, hydrophobic monomers or hydrophilic monomers.