Eyeglasses History

When we talk about inventions that have resulted in drastic changes in people's lives, so we are talking about wheels, light bulbs, computers, etc. Rarely do we think glasses history. But it is important for those of us who wear glasses. For us, the world would not have been the same if we did not have these pair of glasses. We would have stumbled on things while you move around quite often. Read more on eye care.

History of Spectacles

There are various opinions about who should be credited with the invention of spectacles and when exactly it was invented. The technology for the magnification of images in the time period between 1000 and 1250 AD Those who had invented the technology, noted that a convex-shaped glass could magnify the image of a small object. Thus, magnifiers or reading stone came to existence, regarded as a precursor of glasses.

The first eyeglasses with its frame and sidebars were developed around 1286 in Pisa, Italy. It had two rock crystal or glass, there was formulated and could be held up in front of the eyes with a handle. It was a great help for the elderly, whose vision was blurred due to aging. The disadvantage of this design is that it used to slide down from the nose. So the person wearing it had to hold it with one hand. Hence its use is limited for reading. Soon Venice, Italy became the largest center for the production of glass. By the end of the 14th century, became spectacles of Venice exported to various counties in Europe.

In the mid-15th century, sales, marketing and innovation of high quality spectacles took place in Florence, Italy. When these glass makers came to know that the vision decreases with increasing age, they started a modulation of glasses. In other words, glass is produced in different strengths. During this period spectacles very popular throughout Europe. When the first newspaper "The London Press' came up in the year 1665, requirements for spectacles rose further. Gradually, it became a symbol of wealth, status and intelligence, not just in Europe but also in other parts of the world such as China.

In the 17th century, Germany was the name included in glasses history, when it began to produce some of the finest looking frames for glasses, even if Italy continued to produce the best quality lenses for the world. Around this time people started in the U.S. wear glasses. To meet their needs, John McAllister, Sr. started the first optical shop in Philadelphia this year the 1799th Initially, he used to import the spectacles from Europe, but later he and his son started their own production. By the 1830s, the number of eyeglass retailers in the U.S. for more than 300th These companies have also produced lenses for other products such as telescopes, microscopes and binoculars. By the early 20th century, manufacturers understand the importance of stylish frames and began producing them. During the 1950s, it became a fashion accessory for people in Europe and America.

Reading Glasses History

Credited with inventing the reading glasses or bifocal lenses is given to Benjamin Franklin, which developed around the 1780s. Bifocal lenses are those which consist of a concave lens above the long-distance viewing and a convex lens at the bottom for reading purposes and is in use to date. Franklin got fed up with changing its two sets of glasses (one for distance, and the other near distance), and therefore suggested that his optician to use different lenses in the same frame. Thus the first bifocal lenses, often referred to as Benjamin Franklin bifocals or Benjamin Franklin spectacles, came into being. Later, in 1909, Dr. John Borsch, Jr. came up with the idea of a fused bifocal lenses, which were much thinner than the previous design looked more attractive.

Hope you like this article on the history of eyewear. There is no doubt that the glasses have opened a new world for many people suffering from different types of visual defects, helping them to see things around them and enjoy their lives. Moreover days glasses of various styles, colors, frames are available which not only helps with vision correction by an individual but also enhances one's personality.