The History of Contact Lenses

THE CONTACT LENS EST. 1888 German ophthalmologist, Adolph Fick, made the first glass contact lens in 1888 However, modern day contacts were not invented until 1972 by Otto Wichterle By early glass lenses were thick and unlike today's models, Covered not only the iris, but the whites of the The accident, in 1948, optical technician Kevin Tuohy realized glass contacts could still work while just covering the eye as well. 75% of Americans v lion People Globally Wear Contact Lenses iris. Most Used Type 17 and Under Spherical Lens Unlike the rest of the human body which gets oxygen from the blood, the eyes get oxygen directly from the environment. 40+ 18-25 26-39 Yrs. Bifocal However, glass is impermeable to oxygen which is the primary reason glass lenses can only be used for short periods of time. Toric Wearer By Age 4 Hours Who wears contact lenses? is about how long the early glass lens could be worn WOMEN 67% MEN 33% JANUARY How many wear colored lenses? Now, extended wear lenses can be Worn day and night for as long as XIX 85% CLEAR 30 days! Sources: http://gizmodo.com/5814859/the-500+year-history-of-contact-lenses http://www.allaboutvision.com/resources/anatomy.htm http://www.eyetopics.com/articles/8/1/Contact-Lens-Statistics.html http://www.statisticbrain.com/corrective-lenses-statistics/ sua/ GOIrective lens