Before Eyeglasses Were Invented: How People With Myopia Coped

For those with vision problems, eyeglasses and contact lenses are such an integral part of their lives that hard to imagine a world without them. However, there was a time when people had to get by without any form of vision correction. 

Today, Vienna Eyecare Center explains how nearsighted people living in the era before corrective eyewear existed coped with their condition.

When Did Myopia First Appear?

The first references to the condition appeared in records written by Aristotle around 350 B.C. However, it wasn’t until the late 15th century that the first lenses for myopia were created in Europe. 

How Did Nearsighted People Cope With Their Condition?

How did nearsighted people go about their day-to-day lives without eyeglasses? There isn’t a lot of documentation, but some nearsighted people coped by finding jobs suited for people with their condition. Once such occupation was that of an illustrator—illustrators residing in medieval European monasteries had to pay close attention to the small strokes in Bibles. 

What These Pre-Modern Lenses Looked Like

Look for portraits of Pope Leo X, a member of the Medici family. He is seen using a handheld pair of convex lenses in an early illustration. 

The Rising Rates of Myopia

Myopia can be passed on genetically. However, other factors may increase the risk of myopia, such as increased screen time. Such factors are so prevalent in modern times that scientists predict half the entire world will become myopic by 2050. As such, it’s important to schedule an eye exam routinely. 

Looking for an optometrist in your area? Vienna Eyecare Center offers a wide range of professional eye care services, including prescription eyeglasses. To schedule an appointment with one of our highly trained optometrists, call us at (703) 938-7633 or leave us a message here. We serve patients in Fairfax, Reston and Tysons Corner, VA.