Described are polymerizable high energy light absorbing compounds. The compounds absorb various wavelengths of ultraviolet and/or high energy visible light and are suitable for incorporation in various products, such as biomedical devices and ophthalmic devices, such as hydrogel contact lens. The monomers have general formula I below, wherein X is O, S, NR, SO, or S02; Y is a linking group; Pg is a polymerizable group; EWG is an electron withdrawing group.