Contact Lens History
The history of contact lens begins somewhere in the 16th century with Leonardo Da Vinci introducing the basic principles but it was over three hundred years later before the first successful contact lens was fitted. Although the lens could only be worn for short periods it was proof that contact lenses could be a useful means of correcting the eye and the lens developed progressively from there to the comfortable soft contact lenses we have today.
Timeline
1508 - Leonard da Vinci introduces the basic
principles.
1636 - Rene Descartes develops his theory of a
lens which would cover the cornea.
1801 - Thomas Young runs with Descartes idea
and develops a water filled tube which is worn over the
eye. He uses this to correct his own vision.
1887 - Adolf Fick creates the first usable
contact lens which although effective could only be worn
for short periods at a time.
1889 - August Muller develops a lighter and
thinner lens.
1936 - Plastic lenses are introduced by
William Feinbloom. This was as a result of the
development of a substance known as polymethyl
methacrylate (PMMA) also known as plexiglass.
1948 - Kevin Tuohy develops the first contact
lens which covers only the cornea.
1950-60's -
Contact lenses become more popular
as they become smaller and thinner. However, as these
lenses reduce the oxygen entering the eye they cannot be
worn for long periods.
1970's - Oxygen permeable and soft contact
lenses are introduced.
1980's -
Color tinted contact lenses are
introduced and disposable contact lenses become
available.
1998 -
Multifocal disposable contact lenses
are introduced.
1999 - High oxygen permeable lenses are
developed.
