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.

随着 20 世纪 40 年代末第一批聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯角膜镜片的开发，隐形眼镜得到了广泛的应用和普及。鲜为人知的是，彩色隐形眼镜是同时开发的。这些创新使得屈光不正者能够在一定程度上独立于眼镜，并且能够改变眼睛的颜色。对面部和眼部美容的影响是巨大的，特别是对于演员等公众人物。我们获得了隐形眼镜及其发明者 Kevin M. Tuohy 制造的配套模型。对这些镜片的测量表明它们是为近视眼制造的，并且我们提供了间接证据表明这些镜片是为玛丽莲·梦露制造的。我们还提供证据表明梦露很可能患有近视，使用彩色隐形眼镜来改变眼睛的颜色，并且可能是隐形眼镜过度佩戴综合症的早期患者。眼部美容的重要性在眼科实践中很容易被忽视，但患者却对其非常感兴趣和重视。看来为了达到特定的外观，不舒服甚至风险是可以容忍的。这反映在当前旨在实现改善美容效果的技术中。