Discover the origins of eyewear: When were glasses invented?

What year were glasses invented? The invention of eyewear is believed to have taken place in the late 13th century. However, the exact year and inventor of glasses are still unknown. In this blog post, we will explore the origins of eyewear and the evolution of glasses over time.

The origins of eyewear

The history of eyewear dates back to ancient times when people used various materials to improve their vision. For instance, the ancient Egyptians used polished quartz to make lenses that were held in place by a frame.

The Greeks and Romans also used glass to improve their vision. However, it was not until the late 13th century that the first wearable glasses were invented.

The invention of glasses

The invention of glasses is attributed to several individuals, such as Salvino D'Armate, Roger Bacon, and Alessandro di Spina. However, there is no concrete evidence to support any of these claims.

The earliest known reference to glasses is found in a sermon by a Dominican friar named Giordano da Pisa. In his sermon, he describes a device that is used to correct the vision of the elderly. This device was most likely a pair of glasses.

Another early reference to glasses is found in a painting from the 1350s. The painting, titled "The Cardinal and Theological Virtues," depicts a man wearing glasses, which suggests that glasses were in use in Europe during this time.

The evolution of glasses over time

Over the centuries, glasses have undergone significant changes in terms of design and function. Here are some notable milestones:

14th century

• The first wearable glasses with convex lenses were invented in Italy. These glasses were used to correct farsightedness.

15th century

• Glasses with concave lenses were invented to correct nearsightedness.

18th century

• The first bifocal lenses were invented by Benjamin Franklin. These lenses could correct both farsightedness and nearsightedness.

19th century

• The first prescription glasses were invented, which allowed for custom-made lenses that could correct a variety of vision problems.

20th century

• The first contact lenses were invented, which offered an alternative to wearing glasses.
• Plastic lenses were invented, which were lighter and more durable than glass lenses.

In conclusion, the exact year and inventor of glasses are still unknown. However, it is believed that glasses were first invented in the late 13th century. Over time, glasses have undergone significant changes in terms of design and function, which has led to the development of various types of lenses and frames.

Today, glasses are not only used to correct vision problems but also serve as a fashion accessory. With the advancement of technology, glasses are becoming more sophisticated and customized, which has made them more accessible and affordable for people around the world.

If you are in need of glasses or want to learn more about eyewear, visit your local optometrist or eyewear store.