Categories: Eye Care

Eyeglasses: A Short History

Eyeglasses were one of the earliest solutions for correcting common vision problems such as myopia and hyperopia, and they remain a popular option to this day. In today’s post, Vienna Eyecare Center provides a quick look at the history of eyeglasses.

Reading Stones

There are records of monks in the middle ages who used glass spheres for reading magnification. In the 13th century, Venetian glass blowers were known to produce “reading stones.” These coin-sized, pebble-like pieces of glass were simply placed on the reading material. Later versions were mounted on frames made of wood or horn and were used like modern magnifying glasses.

Early Eyeglasses

Historians believe that the first form of wearable lenses were produced in Pisa or Venice in the late 1200s. These eyeglasses didn’t have temples as modern ones do; rather, they were balanced on the nose, similar to the modern pince-nez. Improvements in glassmaking technology led to thinner and relatively lighter lenses.

When eyeglasses were first introduced, glassmakers could only produce convex lenses, which aided in correcting hyperopia or farsightedness. Concave lenses, used for correcting myopia or nearsightedness, weren’t invented until the 1400s. Bifocals came much later, when Benjamin Franklin invented them in 1784. Cylindrical lenses, used to correct astigmatism, were invented in 1825. The field of optometry and profession of eye doctor emerged in the 20th Century.

Modern Eyeglasses

Thanks to modern manufacturing technologies, eyeglasses can be made for specific eye conditions. In addition to glass, lighter lens materials such as plastic and polycarbonate are also available. Modern technology has made it easy to determine accurate lens strengths. Various types of coatings enhance the lenses, protecting the wearer against UV rays and other harmful elements.

To learn more about eyeglasses, or if you need to consult with an optometrist, call Vienna Eyecare Center today at (703) 938-7633. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an eye care appointment. We serve Vienna, Reston and McLean, VA.

Dr. Richard Snively

Recent Posts

Contact Lens Hygiene 101

Contact lenses afford many people the convenience of corrected vision without the constraint of eyeglasses.…

2 weeks ago

How Smoking Affects Your Eye Health

Smoking has well-documented effects on general health, including lung disease, heart disease, and an increased…

3 weeks ago

Managing Seasonal Eye Allergies: Tips From Optometrists

Seasonal eye allergies are a common ailment that many of us face, especially with the…

4 weeks ago

Are You Getting Too Much Blue Light?

The average American spends around seven hours in front of screens each day. Digital devices…

2 months ago

What Can Increase Your Risk of Developing Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that affects the cornea or the clear, dome-shaped surface…

2 months ago

Contact Lens Intolerance: What You Need to Know

Contact lenses are a convenient and effective vision correction option for many individuals. They are…

2 months ago