Contact Lenses History Overview

The concept of contact lenses was first conceived all the way back in 1508 by none other than Leonardo da Vinci

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The idea of magnifying things and images held a fascination for man all the way back to 1284 when the first pair of eye glasses was created. The fascination continued and in 1590 the first microscope was invented. So, it is no wonder that the idea of using lenses on the eye to aid vision was thought of so many years ago.

Da Vinci's concept did not come to life until 1887 when the first glass contact lens was made. In 1888, the first official report of a contact lens being used to correct the vision of a patient of Paris optician Edouard Kalt. Kalt had enlisted the help of Swiss physician A.E. Fick to make the glass lenses.

That first lens must have been extremely hard and undoubtedly not very comfortable. In 1936 the future of eye lenses was changed forever with the introduction of plastic lenses. These were smaller and thinner and were much more comfortable for the wearer. These hard plastic lenses went through many alterations throughout the 1950's and 1960's as manufacturers experimented with different formulas.

The launch of soft contact lenses by Bausch & Lomb in 1971 marked another milestone in the history of contact lenses. This made the use of contacts a possibility for thousands of people with vision problems.

The science of contact lenses continued to evolve as new plastics were created and progressive designs implemented. In 1981 the first extended wear lenses became available.

Convenience took center stage when disposable lenses were introduced into the market in 1987. Lens wearers embraced the concept of wearing contacts and then throwing them out rather than worrying about cleaning and caring for them

In 2001, hydrogel lenses were released and the world changed once again for contact users. Hydrogel lenses could be worn continuously for up to 30 days.

These days, contacts are not just for those with vision problems. Color lenses have become a fashion accessory and are worn by those with 20/20 vision to enhance or change their eye color.

I think da Vinci would be fascinated and amazed at the history of contact lenses and how his initial concept all those years ago has developed.

Contact Lenses History Overview

By: Elizabeth Herschel

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