The Question:

When were contact lenses invented?

The Answer:

The first contact lens was invented in 1887 by A.E. Fick, a Swiss physician. It was made of glass, and was both uncomfortable and difficult to fit. It was followed in 1938 by the first plastic contact lens, and in 1950 by the first lens to cover only the cornea. For more information, see our contact lens encyclopedia entry.

—The Editors