Otto Wichterle was a Czech chemist and inventor best known for his groundbreaking work in the development of soft contact lenses. Born on 27 October 1913, in Prostějov, in what is now the Czech Republic, Wichterle showed an early interest in science and pursued a career in chemistry. He made significant contributions to polymer science, particularly in the field of hydrogels, which eventually led to his most famous invention.
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Wichterle developed the first soft contact lenses using a new hydrogel material he had invented, called polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate (pHEMA). This material was biocompatible and could retain water, making it ideal for contact lenses that were comfortable to wear for extended periods. Wichterle's innovative approach, which included using a homemade device built from a children's erector set and a bicycle dynamo, revolutionized the contact lens industry and made vision correction more accessible and comfortable for millions of people worldwide.
Despite the significance of his invention, Wichterle did not initially receive widespread recognition or financial benefit due to the political and economic conditions in Czechoslovakia at the time. However, his work eventually gained international acclaim, and he is remembered as a pioneering figure in both chemistry and medical technology. Otto Wichterle passed away on 18 August 1998, leaving behind a legacy of innovation that continues to impact lives today.
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