While pinpointing a single inventor of plastic lenses is difficult due to the evolution of materials and manufacturing techniques, Arthur Kingston holds a significant place in the history of plastic lenses. He invented and patented the first plastic lens in 1933, establishing a crucial milestone in the optical industry. [1]
However, the development of plastic lenses wasn't a singular event but a gradual process. Several key developments contributed to the widespread adoption of plastic lenses:
-
Early Experiments (Pre-1933): The creation of plastics itself paved the way. For example, in 1856, a precursor to plastics was created by mixing cellulose nitrate with camphor [10]. This highlights the evolving understanding of materials science long before Kingston's invention.
-
The Rise of CR-39 and Other Materials: The widespread use of plastic lenses wasn't immediate after Kingston's patent. Materials like CR-39 (a strong material commonly used in plastic lenses today) [2] and other high-index plastics gained prominence later and contributed to the improved quality and availability of plastic lenses.
-
Polycarbonate's Introduction (1980s): Gentex Corporation introduced lenses made of polycarbonate in the early 1980s, further advancing the technology and adding new properties to plastic lenses [1].
-
Post-1940s advancements: The first plastic lenses for eyeglasses were produced in the 1940s, with ADC being a dominant material at that time [4]. Subsequently, developments like Otto Wichterle and Drashoslav Lim's creation of hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) in the late 1950s contributed to innovations in contact lenses [5].
It's important to note that the timeline shows a progression, not a single invention. While Arthur Kingston holds a key patent, the broader development involved numerous scientists, engineers, and companies refining materials and manufacturing processes over several decades.
