Eyeglasses in Halifax, NS,
allow people to see clearly. They have become a fixture in our modern world,
and they are just as much fashion statements as they are tools. How did
humanity develop the glasses we have come to depend on today? Let’s go over the
origin of eyeglasses.
The
first inventor of eyeglasses is unknown. However, we do have a general starting
point in Ancient Rome. During this time, the Romans discovered the ability to
use a glass to magnify small text. This would later lead to the invention of
the earliest magnifying glasses.
In
the 13th century, Italian artisans placed glass-blown lenses into wooden
frames. In daily use, these early glasses were held in front of the face or
balanced on the bridge of the nose. These primitive glasses were a popular tool
used by monks as they studied and wrote manuscripts. It wouldn’t be until the
1700s where we would see the addition of temples to the frames, paving the way
for the eyeglasses we recognize today.
Afterward,
notable developments in eyeglass technology ensued. Benjamin Franklin would
invent bifocals, allowing for near- and far-sighted vision. Then, the “scissor
spectacles,” which allows glasses to be carried in coat pockets. The Industrial
Revolution in the 1800s and 1900s would allow for the mass production of
glasses and their frames, making corrective lens treatment more accessible.
As
the 20th century moved on, glasses technology shifted toward making them more
fashionable and practical in daily life. People experimented with different
materials and colors, allowing wearers to coordinate their glasses with
outfits. Sunglasses would also make their debut during this century, adding
much-needed eye protection during the day.
Today,
lens and frame manufacturers are discovering new ways to make eyeglasses more fashionable and
easy to wear. Innovation is the name of the game. From titanium temples to
flexible frames, the future looks clear for eyeglasses.
