Countless individuals rely on contact lenses every day to see. But despite their popularity, few are aware of the many innovations it took to create this essential form of eyewear. Here’s more about the history of contact lenses.

Creating the First Lenses

The original idea behind contact lenses dates back to 1508, when Leonardo da Vinci theorized that the eye’s optics could be improved by looking through a bowl of water. In 1693, René Descartes toyed with a similar concept, placing a glass tube of water onto his eye.

It wasn’t until 1827 that English astronomer, John Herschel, proposed creating molds of the human eye. He speculated the molds could be used to create a lens that would adhere to the eye itself. 

In the 1880s, scientists made Herschel’s vision a reality and created the first glass contact lenses using new glass technology. Precisely who invented the first lenses remains a point of debate, but credit usually goes to Swiss doctor, Adolf E. Fick.

Unfortunately, the lenses’ large size and heavy material made them uncomfortable. Since they prevented oxygen from reaching the eye, wearers could tolerate them no more than a few hours.

Plastic Lenses & New Designs

The 1900s saw innovations in new materials and more eye-friendly designs. In 1938, American optometrist, William Feinbloom, created lenses from a mix of plastic and glass that were much lighter than previous all-glass models. In 1948, Kevin Tuohy, an optician from California, created all-plastic lenses that were smaller and could move with the eye itself, allowing oxygen to seep in and reach the eye’s surface.

The greatest breakthrough came in 1959, when Czech chemists Otto Wichterle and Drahoslav Lim developed the first “water-loving” lenses made of soft, absorbent hydrogel plastic. Wichterle released a patent for the material, and in 1971, Bausch & Lomb® introduced the first commercial hydrogel lenses using his technology.

Contacts became more and more popular, and in the 1980s, daily disposable contact lenses were created. These new lenses had a high oxygen permeability and absorbed more water, so wearers could keep them in for longer. 

Silicone Contact Lenses

The contact lenses worn today derive from silicone hydrogel lenses introduced in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This new material absorbed even more oxygen and molded to eye comfortably. Since then, scientists have continued to improve upon silicone lenses to create the versions used today.  

Are you considering contact lenses? Cohen’s Fashion Optical in New York, NY, provides innovative lenses from the top brands to the Upper West Side and all of Manhattan. They’re committed to your comfort and vision, and they start with a comprehensive eye exam from one of their board-certified optometrists to help you find the perfect pair. Call (212) 769-1410 to schedule an appointment or learn more about their services on their website.