How Have Contact Lenses Changed Throughout the Years?

The technology for contact lenses has changed over time.

Contact lenses have been around since the late 1800's and the material used for lenses has changed numerous times since. Contacts are not the same today as they were when they were first conceptualized.

A Brief History

In 1508, Leonardo da Vinci sketched a contact lens. Sir John Herschel created a practical lens design in 1883 and by 1887 the first glass lens was made. Joseph Dallos made the first plastic lens in 1929. Dr. George Butterfield created a lens that rested on the cornea and no longer required the buffer solution in 1950. The first soft water-absorbing, plastic lens was created in 1960.

Changes in Technology

Changes in the material used for contacts has made them easier to use.

After the creation of the soft plastic lens, technology to improve contacts took off. Between 1978 and 1996, numerous improvements were made, including the creation of: toric contact lenses for astigmatism, rigid glass permeable lenses, extended-wear soft lenses, bifocal lenses, disposable lenses, lenses to change eye color, daily disposable lenses and disposable lenses with ultraviolet absorber.

Benefits

The improvements in contact lenses have provided wearers more comfort and longer wear time. Most vision problems can be corrected with contact lenses. They are disposable, and are easy to use and care for. These are pluses for consumers.

References

• GP Contact Lenses: A Brief History of Contact Lenses
• TheHistoryof.net: The History of Contact Lenses -- Seeing Our Way Into the Future
• MyContactLenses.org: Technology in Pursuit of Natural Vision

Resources

• All About Vision: Contact Lens Basics