The History of Contact Lenses

The History of Contact Lenses: A Journey of Innovative Vision Correction

The history of contact lenses is a testament to humanity's ongoing efforts to improve vision correction. Surprisingly, its beginnings can be traced back to the Renaissance era.

1508: Italian polymath Leonardo da Vinci conducted experiments by observing small objects through the surface of a round glass bowl filled with water. This was a significant moment that laid the groundwork for the invention of contact lenses.

1636: French philosopher and scientist René Descartes designed a telescope by filling a round glass bowl with water, discovering that it extended the visible range.

1823: British astronomer John F. W. Herschel attempted to place a small gelatin-filled glass disk on the cornea. However, the experiment failed due to severe irritation caused by disruption to the cornea's metabolism.

1880: Zurich-based ophthalmologist Adolf Fick experimented by placing a hemispherical lens filled with water on the eye. He referred to this lens as a "contact lens." Although his experiment was unsuccessful, it laid a solid foundation for the subsequent design of corneal lenses.

1888: Eugène Kalt utilized Fick's method to develop glass contact lenses for keratoconus, a condition characterized by a cone-shaped cornea. These lenses had the effect of flattening the protruding cornea.

20th Century: The Birth of Modern Contact Lenses

The 20th century witnessed remarkable advancements in contact lens technology.

1920s: Until this period, glass remained the primary material used for contact lenses.

1947: American optometrist Kevin Tuohy developed small corneal lenses made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

1960: Otto Wichterle and Drahoslav Lím succeeded in synthesizing hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), a material that was soft, transparent, and oxygen-permeable, leading to the development of soft gel contact lenses.

1971: Soft contact lenses received approval from the U.S. FDA, gaining global popularity.

Check out Ulenspop soft contact lenses.

The History of Contact Lenses in Korea

In Korea, the history of contact lenses has also seen consistent progress.

1957: Ophthalmologist Gong Byung-Woo imported hard contact lens samples from the United States, marking the beginning of contact lens imports in Korea.

1959: Kim Eung-Soo manufactured the first domestically produced hard lenses.

1961: Lee Moo-Geol established the International Contact Lens Research Institute, initiating mass production of domestically produced hard lenses.

1971: Soft contact lenses made from HEMA material were introduced in Korea.

1983: Bescon, a domestically produced RGP (rigid gas permeable) lens made from silicone methacrylate and fluoromethacrylate, was developed. This achievement was credited to Professor Kim Jae-Ho, who recognized the superiority of Korean-made lenses.

Go to see the silicone hydrogel colored contacts

Present and Future

Today, contact lens technology continues to evolve. High oxygen-permeable hard contact lenses have been developed, and disposable contact lenses have become commonplace. A wide range of products with varying usage durations, from daily to weekly lenses, are widely available. Ongoing research focuses on developing more comfortable and safer lens materials.

The history of contact lenses is a testament to humanity's relentless innovation and efforts to achieve better vision correction. It is expected that even more advanced and convenient contact lenses will be developed in the future.

Recommended Products 🌈👁️

Bunny 3Color Blue Colored Contacts (2Pcs) 6 Months 💙

Experience a cool and calming blue color with these lenses. Designed for extended wear and ultimate comfort.

Bunny 3Color Green Colored Contacts (2Pcs) 6 Months 💚

These lenses offer a vibrant green shade that maintains a natural look while leaving a striking impression.

Bunny 3Color Violet Colored Contacts (2Pcs) 6 Months 💜

Add an intriguing element to your appearance with these striking violet lenses, perfect for those who want to stand out.

Bunny 3Color Grey Colored Contacts (2Pcs) 6 Months 🐰

These grey lenses offer a perfect balance of subtlety and sophistication, ideal for any occasion.

Bunny 3Color Brown Colored Contacts (2Pcs) 6 Months 🤎

Enjoy the refreshing aqua color that brings a youthful and vibrant look.

Category Exploration 🔍

To choose the right lenses, consider various factors such as frequency of use, diameter, and moisture content. Here are some categories to help you find the perfect lenses for your needs:

Shop by Frequency ⏰

Explore contact lenses based on replacement frequency, from daily wear to monthly wear.

Shop by Diameter 📏

Choose the right fit for your eyes from a variety of diameters.

Shop by Graphic Diameter 🎨

Discover lenses with different graphic diameters for visual effects ranging from subtle to dramatic.

Shop by Water Content 💧

Ensure all-day comfort by selecting lenses with a high moisture content that keeps your eyes hydrated.

Prescription Colored Contacts 👓

Stylishly correct your vision with colored lenses available in a range of prescription options.