Eye health resources

Explore the history of contact lenses

Q: When was contact lenses invented?

While the concept dates back to Leonardo da Vinci in 1508, the first wearable glass contact lenses were invented in the late 1880s by Adolf Eugene Fick and August Müller.

Q: Are smart contact lenses available to buy?

Currently, most smart contact lenses are still in development or clinical trials. While some basic smart tech exists for medical monitoring, consumer versions like AR or camera lenses are not yet widely available on the market.

Q: Why did early contact lenses hurt?

Early lenses were made of glass and covered the entire eye. This material often caused discomfort, and a lack of oxygen to the cornea limited how long they could be worn. Today's soft contact lenses are made of soft, breathable materials, and can absorb water, making them much more comfortable to wear.

Q: How are contact lenses made?

There are two main methods. "Lathe cutting" involves spinning a small button of plastic and carving it into shape with a diamond tool, similar to a potter shaping clay. "Injection molding" involves heating the lens material until it is liquid and injecting it into precise molds. This is how most disposable soft lenses are produced today.

Q: What are contact lenses made of?

These days, contact lenses are typically made of special water-loving plastics called hydrogels or silicone hydrogels that are thin, soft and conform to the shape of your eye.

Q: How do contact lenses work?

Imagine your eye as a camera. For crisp vision, light needs to focus perfectly on the back of your eye—the retina. If the focus is off, things get blurry. Contact lenses redirect that light so it lands just where it should.

Q: When did soft contact lenses become widely available?

In 1972, Bausch & Lomb began selling the first soft contact lenses for the global market.

Medically reviewed on January 28, 2026

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Published on April 8, 2026

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5 minute read

Key Takeaways

The history of contact lenses – a timeline

The contact lenses of today

The contact lenses of tomorrow

What’s next?

Talk to your doctor about the contacts of today

Frequently asked questions

When was contact lenses invented?

Are smart contact lenses available to buy?

Why did early contact lenses hurt?

How are contact lenses made?

What are contact lenses made of?

How do contact lenses work?

How contacts work

When did soft contact lenses become widely available?

Explore the history of contact lenses

Key Takeaways

The history of contact lenses – a timeline

The contact lenses of today

The contact lenses of tomorrow

What’s next?

Talk to your doctor about the contacts of today

More questions about contacts? Let us assist.

Frequently asked questions

Related content

Types of contact lenses

How to get contacts