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Italy, birthplace of glasses -

The first known historical record of wearable eyeglasses can be traced back to 13th-century Italy, with the credit going to inventor Salvino degli Armati.

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A symbol of intelligence -

Renaissance-era scholars were highly respected in society. It's believed that their extensive reading habits led many to wear glasses to correct their fading eyesight. The subsequent association between glasses and intelligence and wealth became commonplace throughout the period. 

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Originally a hand-held invention -

Using reading glasses in the 16th century involved either hand-holding them or balancing them on the end of the nose, without temples or earpieces for support.

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Further development -

In the late 1700s, Spanish eyewear makers discovered a remedy for glasses sliding down the nose. By attaching ribbons to the lenses and looping them around the ears, they achieved stability. These ribbons were the inspiration for today's temple arms.

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A Founding Father's input -

It's a little known fact but Benjamin Franklin, a Founding Father of the United States, actually created the bifocal lens. This invention allowed individuals suffering from myopia (nearsightedness) and hypertropia (misalignment of the eyes) to enjoy improved vision with just a single pair of glasses.

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Glasses for all -

Until the 1800s, eyeglasses were made by hand and not easily available to all. The arrival of the Industrial Revolution changed that by enabling the mass production of frames, lenses, and other parts. Consequently, individuals from different social backgrounds could now obtain suitable spectacles.

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Focus on a name -

These spectacles from the 18th century, named after their creator Benjamin Martin, featured dark rims to enhance vision and shield users from excessive light. The frames were made of silver, while the lenses were round in shape.

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An astronomer's invention -

George Airy, a renowned British astronomer, unveiled the inaugural astigmatism correction lenses in 1825.

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Polarization reflected glare -

In the 1920s, Edwin Land, the inventor of instant photography and co-founder of the Polaroid Corporation, developed the initial polarized anti-glare eyeglasses.

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Sunglasses were created during the 12th century -

A popular misconception is that sunglasses are a 20th-century invention. In fact they appeared as early as the 12th century, in China.  Their main function was to obscure the eyes of judges during court proceedings.

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Tinted sunglasses -

Later modified to assist individuals suffering from light sensitivity, tinted sunglasses gained popularity in the 1900s as manufacturers recognized their effectiveness in reducing glare. Consequently, increased production ensued, leading to widespread availability for the general public.

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Large scale manufacture -

Affordable sunglasses were first mass-produced in 1929 by American brand Foster Grant, who sold them on Atlantic City beaches.

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Chameleons -

Photochromic glasses, known as chameleons, were originally created in France during the 1960s. These lenses possess the remarkable capacity to adjust their darkness levels based on the surrounding light conditions.

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"Spectacles" is a word derived from Latin -

During the 18th century, the term "spectacles" was adopted to refer to glasses. This term is derived from the Latin word spectare, meaning "to look at" or "to observe."

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Around four billion of us wear eyeglasses -

Around 75% of adults globally wear vision correction products, with 64% opting for glasses, according to statistics published by the Vision Council of America. 

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The rise of myopia -

Researchers have discovered that excessive dependence on smartphones, tablets, and personal computers has greatly contributed to the rise of myopia, also known as nearsightedness.

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Enhancing vision -

In rare instances, individuals may experience conditions known as amblyopia or strabismus. Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, occurs when the eye is not adequately aligned. Similarly, strabismus refers to the condition where one eye is turned inward or outward.

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Glass is not the only lens material -

Contrary to common belief, glass lenses are not the optimal choice due to their weight, expense, and susceptibility to breakage.

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Plastic lenses debuted during the '80s -

Technological advancements have led to lighter and thinner lenses, making them less breakable. Plastic lenses now have layered coatings to decrease UV light and glare.

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There are various types of glasses -

There are nine types of glasses, with each serving a different function. The common examples include monovision lens glasses (single vision), prisms glasses, progressives, bifocals, toric glasses, and trifocals. Additionally, there are sunglasses, safety glasses, and digital blue-light blocking glasses.

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Sight for sore eyes -

There is a belief among some individuals that trying on another person's glasses for a short period of time can cause lasting harm to one's eyes. In truth, the only possible ill-effect is the onset of headache due to eye strain or fatigue. However, if you were to wear them for a prolonged period, the consequences could be different.

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Peripheral vision blocked -

Peripheral vision refers to what you see in your surroundings that are not directly in front. Eyeglasses obstruct a significant portion of one's peripheral vision due to the lenses. 

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Diopters measure the power of eyeglasses -

The diopter is used to assess the strength of your glasses, crucial for determining the lens' magnification level that suits your specific needs.

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Adapting to new glasses usually takes about one week -

If you have recently acquired a new pair of glasses, don't be surprised if your eyes take a while to adapt. In the interim, you might experience headaches and fatigue. 

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Distinctive style -

John Lennon popularized rounded glasses with slim frames in the late 1960s, eyewear that became his signature accessory into the 1970s. 

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Bicycle glasses -

Before reaching the height of their worldwide fame, circular glasses were referred to as bicycle glasses in the USSR.

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Protective eyewear -

Safety glasses are essential for people working in hazardous environments, areas that can cause permanent blindness. 

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Aviator sunglasses -

Aviator sunglasses were initially created in the 1930s to safeguard the vision of American military pilots. Following the premiere of 'Top Gun' in 1986, this style gained significant popularity among the general public.

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If you need them, wear them! -

Glasses are designed to improve vision. If you need them and don't wear them, you could develop migraines.

Sources: (Optics Mag) (Designer Optics)

See also: Famous glasses in movie history

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