Today we have over 160 different soft contact lens brands in different modalities available in spherical, toric, multifocal and specialty designs. There were 35 by 1994, and in 2010 the number of soft contact lens materials had reached 90. Within one year, three soft lens materials were available in the United States. 2 In late 1971, Bausch + Lomb received marketing approval for the Soflens (polymacon). The US government decided in 1968 that soft hydrogel lenses should be classified as a drug and, therefore, would require FDA approval. Professor Wichterle, with his assistant Drahoslav Lim, developed hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) and recognized this new polymer’s potential as a contact lens material. The journey to FDA approval began in the late 1950s/early 1960s with Otto Wichterle, a chemist based in Prague, Czechoslovakia. Since the first soft contact lens was approved by the Food and Drug Administration 50 years ago, the market has grown exponentially, and significant technological advancements have occurred to get us to where we are now. Progress in materials science has helped reduce incidence of lens-related complications such as these. With both daily disposables and longer-wear options, individuals have the opportunity to select a lens that works best for not only their vision but also their lifestyle.Ĭorneal infiltrate from sleeping overnight in a HEMA material contact lens.
The range of corrections available has expanded significantly since the birth of the soft contact lens, and discoveries continue to enhance the available offerings. Today, soft contact lenses represent a massive industry that provides a host of innovative options to meet the needs of millions that are comfortable while also providing excellent visual acuity. Replaceable Lenses, Irreplaceable Progress The Soft Lens, 50 Years OnCheck out articles commemorating the soft lens's anniversary:Īdvances in Optics Drive Soft Lens Success
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