What's the difference between hard and soft contact lenses?
When contact lenses first were worn, they were made of actual glass, can you believe it? Nowadays the technology has advanced (thankfully) and contact lenses are made of soft, comfortable materials. But still there are hard and soft contact lenses being used. What is the difference?
Beginning of contact lenses; when did it start and what were they made of?
Contact lenses have come a long way since their inception. The first contact lenses were made of glass and were invented in the late 1800s. These lenses were large and uncomfortable, and they could only be worn for a short period of time. In the early 1900s, plastic lenses were introduced, which were more comfortable and could be worn for longer periods of time. However, these lenses were still not ideal, as they did not allow enough oxygen to reach the eye.
Today, the most innovative contact lenses are made from silicone hydrogel, which allows for more oxygen to reach the eye. These lenses are also more comfortable and can be worn for longer periods of time. It's amazing to see how far contact lenses have come since their inception, and it's exciting to think about what the future holds for this technology. Who knows, maybe one day we'll have contact lenses that can take pictures or even display information right in front of our eyes!
What are hard contact lenses made of?
Hard contact lenses, also known as rigid gas permeable lenses, are made of a durable plastic material that allows oxygen to pass through to the cornea. This material is called polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), which is a type of plastic that has been used in various applications for decades. PMMA is a great material for contact lenses because it is strong, lightweight, and resistant to scratches. However, it is not as comfortable as soft contact lenses, which are made of a more flexible material.
The history of contact lenses dates back to the 16th century when Leonardo da Vinci first sketched the concept of a contact lens. However, it wasn't until the 1800s that the first contact lenses were actually made from glass. These early lenses were uncomfortable and often fell out of the eye.
What are soft contact lenses made of?
Soft contact lenses are a popular choice for people who want to correct their vision without the hassle of glasses. But have you ever wondered what they're made of? Well, wonder no more! Soft contact lenses are typically made from a type of plastic called hydrogel. This material is soft and flexible, which allows the lenses to conform to the shape of your eye.
Conclusion
Contact lenses have come a long way since their inception in the late 1800s. The first lenses were made of glass and were uncomfortable to wear. However, technology has advanced, and now contact lenses are made of soft, comfortable materials such as hydrogel and silicone hydrogel. Soft contact lenses are flexible and conform to the shape of the eye, while hard contact lenses are made of a durable plastic material that allows oxygen to pass through to the cornea.
The most innovative contact lenses are made from silicone hydrogel, which allows for more oxygen to reach the eye and makes them more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. It's exciting to think about what the future holds for this technology, and there are already products available that can help with vision correction needs.