Introduction
The history of vision correction and eye protection is as fascinating as it is ancient. While today’s world is filled with designer sunglasses and stylish glasses, the origins of these essential accessories date back to ancient times. Let’s take a journey through history to discover when sunglasses and glasses were invented and how they evolved into the indispensable tools they are today.
The Early History of Vision Correction
The Invention of Glasses
The invention of glasses can be traced back to around the 13th century in Italy. The earliest known pair of spectacles was designed to help monks and scholars read. These early glasses, known as "reading stones," were essentially magnifying glasses placed in frames.
Historians credit the monks in Venicewith developing the first rudimentary eyeglasses, likely between 1268 and 1300. These glasses consisted of convex lenses that corrected farsightedness (presbyopia), and were made of glass or quartz. They did not have arms, but rather, they were handheld or balanced on the nose.
In the 1400s, spectacles were further developed and became more widely available. By this time, concave lenses had also been developed to correct nearsightedness (myopia). However, eyeglasses remained a luxury item, mostly used by scholars, monks, and the wealthy.
The Development of Glasses Through the Ages
Over time, glasses underwent significant innovations:
- 16th century: Eyeglass frames were crafted with arms that rested on the wearer’s ears, making them more practical to use.
- 18th century: Bifocals were introduced by none other than **Benjamin Franklin**. Bifocals combined two lenses of different strengths to help people with both nearsightedness and farsightedness.
- 20th century: The 20th century brought about modern materials like plastic and the development of contact lenses, which would eventually revolutionize vision correction.
The Invention of Sunglasses
Sunglasses in Ancient Times
The origins of sunglasses stretch back much further than the invention of eyeglasses. Evidence suggests that the Inuit people of ancient Arctic regions used flattened walrus ivory to create protective eyewear as early as the 12th century. These primitive sunglasses were slit-like and designed to shield the eyes from harmful reflections of the sun off snow and ice. While they didn’t have lenses, they were essential for preventing snow blindness.
Sunglasses for Eye Protection and Style
The development of modern sunglasses as we know them, however, began in the 18th century. In 1752, James Ayscough, a British optician, started experimenting with tinted lenses. Ayscough’s tinted glasses were not meant to shield the eyes from the sun but to correct specific vision impairments by reducing glare and improving contrast.
It wasn’t until the 20th century that sunglasses gained widespread popularity for sun protection. In the 1920s, Sam Foster, an American entrepreneur, began mass-producing sunglasses under the **Foster Grant** brand. He sold them on the boardwalks of Atlantic City, where beachgoers needed protection from the bright sun.
The Hollywood Influence
Sunglasses skyrocketed in popularity during the 1930s when Hollywood stars began wearing them. Not only did they offer protection from the Californian sun, but they also became a symbol of glamour and style. This cultural shift transformed sunglasses from mere eye protection to a fashion statement.
The U.S. military also contributed to the development of sunglasses during World War II. Aviator sunglasses, designed to protect pilots' eyes from high-altitude glare, became iconic and were later adopted by civilians as a fashionable accessory.
The Evolution of Glasses and Sunglasses
Both glasses and sunglasses have come a long way since their inception. Today, glasses come in various styles, materials, and prescriptions, from multifocal lenses to anti-reflective coatings. Sunglasses, on the other hand, offer not just UV protection but also polarized lenses that reduce glare and enhance visibility.
Conclusion
Glasses and sunglasses have fascinating histories that reflect their vital roles in both health and fashion. From the reading stones of the 13th century to the sleek designer eyewear of today, these indispensable tools have evolved significantly, changing the way we see the world — quite literally. Whether for fashion, function, or protection, these innovations continue to enhance our lives and vision.
