The Evolution of Eyewear: From Reading Stones to Smart Glasses

Long before eyeglasses, people used reading stones. These were glass spheres that magnified text. The Abbasid Caliphate, around the 8th century, witnessed the birth of these aids, marking a significant step towards corrective lenses.

The first eyeglasses were invented in Italy, around the late 13th century. Salvino D'Armate is often credited, but the true inventor's identity remains uncertain. These early spectacles were held up to the eyes or balanced on the nose.

Eyeglass design evolved significantly during the Renaissance. By the 15th century, frames with arms that hooked over the ears were developed, improving comfort and practicality. This period also saw advancements in lens grinding techniques.

Benjamin Franklin invented the bifocal lens in the 18th century, allowing for both distance and near vision correction in a single lens. This innovation was a game-changer for those with multiple vision problems.

The Industrial Revolution brought mass production to eyewear, significantly reducing costs and increasing accessibility. Materials like tortoiseshell and later, celluloid, allowed for more durable and fashionable frames.

The 1900s saw the introduction of plastic lenses, lighter and less breakable than glass. Sunglasses also gained popularity, initially among movie stars, leading to widespread use for UV protection.

Today, eyeglasses feature advanced materials and coatings, offering scratch resistance, anti-glare, and blue light filtration. Smart glasses even integrate technology to display information, navigate, or translate in real-time.

The Inuit used flattened walrus ivory with narrow slits to protect their eyes from snow glare. A clever precursor to modern sunglasses!