For many years, people who needed vision correction lenses only had the option to wear glasses. But as technology has improved and more advancements have been made in the eye care industry, contact lenses have become available. Now, millions of people wear contact lenses every day, and there are a variety of lens types to accommodate different needs and preferences.
Today’s contact lenses have improved drastically over what was available even 30 or 40 years ago. In this article, we are going to take a quick look at the way that vision correction lenses have evolved over the years to bring us the incredible options that are available in our modern world.
It was in the late 1800s that the first contact lenses were invented. They were made of glass and shaped to match the contour of the eye. But this material was quite uncomfortable, which is why the earliest version of contact lenses was short-lived. Imagine how it would have felt to have a hard, glass lens in your eye… no wonder this design didn’t last long.
It was in the 1950s and 1960s when plastic contact lenses were first created. PMMA lenses were a step above the glass versions, but the technology would continue to improve to make them even more comfortable.
In the 1970s, there was a breakthrough with hydrogel contact lenses. This soft material made it possible to wear the lenses for more extended periods of time, offering improved comfort and better oxygen permeability that helped the eyes breathe while the lenses were in place.
There’s no doubt that this is the point where the industry really shifted. These soft and comfortable contact lenses were a game-changer in the eyecare industry, making it possible for people to wear contact lenses on a daily basis.
In the last 50 years, contact lens technology has continued to advance. Now many lenses are made of silicone hydrogel that protect eye health and optimize vision at the same time. Your eye doctor can recommend the ideal types of lenses for your unique needs, such as toric lenses that help with astigmatism or multifocals for patients who need near and far vision support.
Some patients choose reusable lenses, while others prefer daily disposables because they don’t want to worry about the care and cleaning.
What are the best contact lenses for your lifestyle? Contact our team at Temecula Creek Optometry for an eye exam and personalized consultation. We will ensure that you have the proper contact lens fit and the ideal prescription to get the best results: (951) 302 -1331.