Otto Wichterle was a Czech chemist and inventor who made significant contributions to the field of polymer chemistry. He is best known for his invention of the soft contact lens, which revolutionized the field of ophthalmology. Born in Prostějov, Czechoslovakia in 1913, Wichterle studied chemical engineering at the Czech Technical University in Prague. He later earned his doctorate in organic chemistry from the same institution. Wichterle's research focused on the development of new materials for use in medical applications. In the 1950s, he began experimenting with hydrogels, which are water-absorbing polymers that can be molded into various shapes. He discovered that by cross-linking hydrogels, he could create a soft, flexible material that could be used to make contact lenses. In 1961, Wichterle and his team at the Czech Academy of Sciences developed the first soft contact lens. The lens was made from a hydrogel material called HEMA (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), which was biocompatible and allowed oxygen to pass through to the cornea. Soft contact lenses were a significant improvement over the hard lenses that were previously available, which were uncomfortable and often caused irritation and corneal damage. Wichterle's invention of the soft contact lens had a profound impact on the field of ophthalmology and led to the development of new types of contact lenses that are still used today. He was also a prolific inventor and held over 50 patents for his inventions in the fields of chemistry, medicine, and engineering.
Otto Wichterle, Czech chemist, polymer chemistry, soft contact lens, hydrogels, HEMA, biocompatible, ophthalmology, invention, patents
Otto Wichterle was a renowned Czech artist who is known best for his mastery of color and style. Born in Prostějov, he studied at the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design, where he was awarded a degree in architecture. Wichterle was also known for his use of techniques that included tessellations and geometry. His works include the abstract painting, ‘Landscape with Red Carpet’ and the wooden sculpture, ‘The Tree of Knowledge’. Wichterle is highly recognized for his significant contributions to modernist and postmodernist design and his works are highly sought after.
Otto Wichterle, abstract art, modernism, Czech Republic, postmodernism
— Mei Wang
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