The earliest reference to the optical theory which underlies the use of a ‘contact lens’ as a vision aid is thought to be Leonardo da Vinci. The actual work by this father figure of so many different fields, both scientific and artistic appears to consist of the construction of a large translucent globe. When the globe was filled with water, and the observer immersed his face in it, there resulted the optical neutralization of the observer’s corneas. The contributions of Rene Descartes (1637) and Philip de la Hine (1685) have been described as having relevance to the history of contact lenses.

The first contact lens – made of glass – was developed by Adolf Fick in 1887 to correct irregular astigmatism. These early lenses were uncomfortable and were not worn for long. Until the development of keratometers (instruments to measure the curvature of the cornea – the translucent front surface of the eye) an individual contact lens was made by taking an impression of the eye and fashioning a lens on a mould. The modern contact lens, developed by Kevin Tuohy in 1948 is made of plastic, and rests on a cushion of tears.