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Abstract
Descartes was the first to suggest in 1636 that vision could be perfected by placing a lens directly on the cornea, but it took three centuries before contact lenses, made from plastic materials, could become more than a rarity with a maximum wearability of two hours. Hard and soft contact lenses are now worn by about 50 million persons and here the scientific background to their optical theory, their prescription and fitting, and their choice are discussed. The therapeutic uses of contact lenses and also their cosmetic and prosthetic advantages are described; as a future perfection, disposable contact lenses are suggested.