Contact lenses are one of the most popular types of corrective eyewear. However, while most people are somewhat familiar with the history of eyeglasses—you probably know Ben Franklin invented bifocals, for example—few know much about the origins of contacts. Here is just a brief history of this ingenious invention. 

The Initial Concept & First Prototypes 

In 1508, Leonardo da Vinci produced the first known sketches of what would eventually become modern contact lenses. He proposed that vision could be altered by placing a thin layer of water over the cornea.

It wasn’t until the late 1800s, though, that the first contacts were produced. The earliest devices were made of glass and covered the entire eye, including the sclera. Because these lenses limited oxygen flow to the cornea, they could only be worn for a few hours. 

Major Modifications & Minor Improvements

In the 1930s, William Feinbloom, an optometrist from New York, produced contacts from plastic, making them lighter and more practical. In 1948, an optician from California named Kevin Tuohy modified them so they were smaller and more gas permeable. These hard lenses shifted with every blink, thereby allowing oxygen to flow to the cornea.

In the decades that followed, their design was further improved, and in 1971, soft lenses were introduced. Although hard lenses are still available, soft lenses quickly became the more popular option, and today, most contact prescriptions are for the soft variety. 

If you want to schedule a contact lens fitting or need to reorder your favorite brand, turn to Cook Inlet Eyewear in Anchorage, AK. For the past two decades, their dedicated opticians have been helping patients of all ages see in style. From pediatric frames to contact lenses, they have it all. Visit their website to view just some of the high-end, European brands they carry, and then call (907) 276-1021 to make an appointment today.