When were contact lenses invented?

The first contact lenses were made by A.E. Fick in 1887, but were not successful. During the early part of this century opticians tried to produce extremely thin shell-like lenses to fit closely over the eye. An impression was taken of the eye and a glass shell made which, with a suitable fluid under it, covered most of the eye. After 1938, plastic was used instead of glass, and in about 1950, smaller lenses were introduced which covered only the cornea and floated on a layer of tears. These lenses, only 7 to 11 mm in diameter and 0.1 to 1mm thick can usually be worn all day without being removed.

    Besides being invisible, contact lenses provide a much wider field of vision than spectacles. They are more practical for use in active sports because they are not easily lost or broken, and they can be tinted for use as sunglasses. But contact lenses are not effective in all cases of eye trouble. They are also expensive, and some people find difficulty in learning to wear them.

    As research continues, even smaller and more flexible lenses are being developed.

Picture credit: google