1. Was Marilyn Monroe myopic and an early adopter of colored contact lenses? A review of the evidence and the early history of colored contact lenses
- Author
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Minas T. Coroneo, Hans-Walter Roth, and Ezra Maguen
- Subjects
genetic structures ,Polymethyl methacrylate ,05 social sciences ,Cosmesis ,Contact Lens Overwear Syndrome ,eye diseases ,050105 experimental psychology ,Indirect evidence ,Contact lens ,03 medical and health sciences ,Ophthalmology ,Early adopter ,0302 clinical medicine ,Colored ,030221 ophthalmology & optometry ,Optometry ,0501 psychology and cognitive sciences ,sense organs ,Psychology - Abstract
Wide availability and uptake of contact lenses came with the development of the first polymethyl methacrylate corneal lenses during the late 1940s. It is less well known that colored contact lenses were developed simultaneously. These innovations allowed both a degree of spectacle independence for ametropes and an ability to vary eye color. The impact on facial and ocular cosmesis was substantial, particularly for public figures such as actors. We have obtained contact lenses and matching casts manufactured by their inventor, Kevin M. Tuohy. Measurements of these suggest they were made for a myope, and we provide indirect evidence that the lenses were made for Marilyn Monroe. We also provide evidence that Monroe is likely to have been myopic, used colored contact lenses to change her eye color and may have been an early sufferer of contact lens overwear syndrome. The importance of ocular cosmesis can be overlooked in ophthalmic practice, yet it is of great interest to and importance for patients. It appears that discomfort, and even risk, will be tolerated to achieve a particular appearance. This is reflected in current techniques aimed at achieving improved cosmesis.
- Published
- 2021
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