Eyewear was invented more than 700 years ago, or in the 13th century. Previously, they was invented for a reason, but currently, eyewear is used for different purposes. Eyewear has a really interesting history of involving eyeglasses.
Some of us use them to see better, some for protection, and others for fashion. But this wasn’t always the case. The journey of eyewear is a long and fascinating one, and started thousands of years ago.
Let’s take a step-by-step look through the timeline of eyewear and vision problems understand how it evolved from simple tools to stylish and smart accessories.
The Middle Ages: The Reading Stone
By the year 1000 after Christ, people in Europe came up with something called a reading stone or magnifier. It was a round piece of glass placed on top of text. When someone looked through it, the letters looked larger.
However, these stones were heavy and needed to stay flat on the page. They were not portable or wearable.
The First Eyeglasses: Around the Year 1284
Eyeglasses, were first invented in Italy around the year 1284. This first discovered lens was a convex lens made by Salvino D'Armate. No one knows for sure who the inventor was, but these early glasses were a big step forward.
The first eyeglasses were made of two lenses that fit in a wooden frame. People had to hold them up to your face or balance them precariously on your nose, and they were really only useful for reading, not for walking around or living your daily life.
Eyewear Spreads Across Europe: 1400s to 1600s
Once the printing press was invented in the mid-1400s by Johannes Gutenberg, books became more available. The invention of the printing press meant way more people were reading than ever before.
During this time, different styles of glasses were invented. In Spain, people used a type called pince-nez, which means pinch-nose in French. These glasses did not have temple and people need to hold them in place most of the time.
By the 1600s, eyeglasses had become more common. Craftsmen started making better lenses, and people from different classes started wearing them.
Side Arms & Bifocals Were Invented in the 1700s
In the 18th century, British optician Edward Scarlett added side arms to the frame that help to constantly holding glasses on your face. These temples are still used in today's frames.
These arms could rest against your head and stay there on their own for a longer time.
The early versions used loops that went through ribbons tied around the wearer's head, but soon the arms evolved to curve behind the ears, just like the glasses we wear today.
Another big improvement came from Benjamin Franklin. Because he was frustrated with switching between different eyewear. So, he invented bifocal lenses in the 1780s. These were divided into two parts, with half being convex and the other half being concave.
This was very useful for older people who had trouble switching between reading and distance vision.
1800s: Eyewear Becomes More Common
By the late 1800s, eyeglasses weren't just luxury items for wealthy people anymore. Factory workers, students, grandmothers, and different people were able to afford these eyewear. Also, there was new material introduced to create eyeframe.
In the late 1800s, sunglasses started to appear. At first, they were not for style but for medical use. Doctors used tinted lenses to treat people who were sensitive to light.
Also, workers and soldiers started using protective eyewear to shield their eyes during dangerous tasks and battles.
1900s: Eyewear Enters the Modern Age
The 20th century saw a complete transformation in the history of eyeglasses. We could saw eyeglasses from a purely medical device into a major fashion statement. There were many brands involved, like Ray-Ban, Gucci, Persol, Bausch, Rodenstock, etc.
At this time, plastic lenses became popular because they were lighter and safer than glass. This made glasses more comfortable to wear. These lenses were able to correct astigmatism, filter harmful blue light, and even adjust focus automatically.
The 1950s and 60s were the time of rise in cat-eye frames, oversized specs, and tinted sunglasses that literally defined entire generations of style.
Special coatings were also added to lenses to reduce glare and protect eyes from the sun or computer screens.
2000s to Today: Smart and Stylish
In the 21st century, eyeglasses are as much about expressing your identity and personality while improving your vision. You could find a variety of eyeglass frames and lenses for different purposes.
Whether you want retro, sporty, blue-light glasses, geek-chic, or minimalist, there is a perfect pair out there that matches your style.
Right now, the eyewear industry has become so advanced that you can find different lenses for different purposes.
There are also smart glasses that can take pictures, show you messages, or help you navigate.
The demand for eco-friendly materials has also risen, with eyewear companies turning to recycled plastics, bamboo, and plant-based acetate to create more sustainable products. This shift has led to the growth of brands that focus on both quality craftsmanship and environmental responsibility using handmade glasses using natural materials.
Modern glasses are no longer just tools to help you see better. They are now part of your lifestyle, your personality, and even your values.
The Future of Eyewear
The future of eyewear is being shaped by technology. Some companies are working to improve eyewear technology, for example,
- Monitor your health, like checking your blood pressure or sugar levels
- Show real-time information on the lens, like maps or messages
- Change their tint depending on the light
- Adjust focus automatically based on where you are looking
The future of eyewear is not just about seeing better, but also about connecting technology with human life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When were eyeglasses first invented and used by humans?
Eyeglasses were first invented in the late 1200s (around 1280-1290) in northern Italy (Venice). Venetian glassmakers were first invented wearable glasses called "rivet spectacles." These first lenses were convex and made from glass. These early eyeglasses were made by putting clear glass lenses into wooden rings and connecting them.
Unlike today's glasses, they needed to hold them up to your face or balance them on your nose. They were mainly used for reading.
2. Who is the founder of eyewear?
There isn't one single person who invented eyeglasses. Many different craftsmen and inventors contributed to developing glasses over hundreds of years. But some people claim to Salvino D'Armate made eyewear without temples. The temples were lately added by Edward Scarlett (a British optician) in the 1700s.
3. When were sunglasses invented?
People have been protecting their eyes from bright light for thousands of years. But Sunglasses appeared in the late 1800s, mainly for medical use. They became fashionable in the 1900s.
4. What did people use before glasses?
Before glasses were invented, people had to find creative ways to help their vision. Ancient Romans and Greeks used polished emeralds to protect their eyes from bright sunlight. They also used glass bowls filled with water and a magnifying tool to make text look bigger when reading.
5. Was Bifocal Lens Invented By Benjamin Franklin?
Yes, Benjamin Franklin invented bifocal lenses. He got tired of constantly switching between close-up and seeing things far away. Franklin solved this problem by creating bifocals, which combined both types of lenses into one pair of glasses. This invention made his life much easier for seeing both near and far distances.