Large Hard Contact Lenses from the 1950s
These large hard contact lenses from the 1950s are a remarkable and rare survival from the earliest era of contact lens wear. They are presented in their original fitted case with black velvet lining. This type of lens represents a critical and often overlooked chapter in the history of vision correction.
Before the Modern Contact Lens
Before the modern corneal contact lens was developed, hard lenses completely covered the cornea and extended onto the sclera — the white of the eye. These were known as scleral lenses. They were very uncomfortable and severely limited the supply of oxygen to the cornea. As a result, wearing times were very limited. Patients could typically tolerate them for only a few hours at a time. Browse our hard contact lens fitting set from 1960.
Removal Method
Because of their large size, these lenses could not be removed with the fingertip in the way modern contact lenses are. A rubber sucker was used to remove them from the eye. This small rubber cup was pressed against the lens surface to create a gentle suction. The suction broke the seal between the lens and the eye and allowed the lens to be lifted away safely.
Transition to Modern Lenses
The development of smaller corneal contact lenses in the late 1950s and 1960s transformed contact lens wear. Smaller lenses covered only the cornea, allowed far greater oxygen transmission, and could be worn for much longer periods. The large scleral lenses shown here quickly became obsolete. Their rarity today reflects how completely they were replaced.
Collectibility
These large hard contact lenses are a striking and historically significant pair of objects. They appeal to collectors of antique optical and ophthalmic items, optometrists with an interest in contact lens history, and anyone fascinated by the early history of vision correction technology.
Learn about the history of contact lenses.
