A History of Eyeglasses

BEFORE 1200
The ancient Romans had knowledge of optical magnifying glasses and were capable of producing glass, but they had no knowledge of lenses. Empress Nero of the Roman Empire, who loved to watch battles between fighters and lions by watching through an emerald-cut gem to filter out light, and could perhaps be credited with the invention of eyeglasses (sunglasses).

1200
Crystal stone is known to have been cut into a convex shape by Venetians. By naming this stone “STONE FOR READING,” it is intended to aid in reading. which appears to be a magnifying glass by placing it on an object for viewing or reading.

1286
Officially, it is believed that eyeglasses were bought to the attention of the in Italy around 1286. When Marco Polo visited China in 1270, he observed that the gentry and oligarchs in China wearing glasses, according to his diary but he mistook it for an ornament.

1300
In 1301 in Venice, artisans were granted permission to create optical discs, to be used as reading glasses, but it is not referred to as a lens. Then optical discs were exported and widely used in Europe.

The two lenses were held together by metal or leather bands welded together. The optical discs didn’t balance on the bridge of the nose at the time and the user had to lift them each time to look through them. The more traditional frame we know today came later.

1400-1500
by this time the rims of glasses are made of various animal bones or horns, such as whale bones, tortoiseshell, and leather. The eyeglasses at the time were V-shaped to support the bridge of the nose and the frame is polished to a round shape. However, the design caused the lens to fall from the frame and thus this style didn’t last a long time. During this period accessibility to reading grew and the demand for eyeglasses has increased exponentially.

1600
More and more eyeglasses during the 1600’s was made with wire and metal frames in a style we’re more familiar with nowadays. The bridge or nose bridge with spring wire design allows the glasses to be placed on the nose while reading instead of holding by hand as in the past. Simultaneously, with improved technology, mass production of eyeglasses can be accomplished in a very short period. The use of glasses is becoming more common.

1700
The 1700’s saw numerous turning points in the evolution of eyeglasses. Whether it’s the development of glasses legs, which allow the frame to rest more securely on the wearer’s face. The legs of the glasses would extend to the ears of men who wore wigs back then. As a result, these glasses are referred to as WIG SPECTACLES. In 1784 bifocal glasses for seeing things close up and far away were invented by Benjamin Franklin.

1800
In the 1800s, industrial production reduced the cost of eyeglasses and made them more accessible to the general public and sold in shops.

Those who wore glasses, on the other hand, were frequently perceived as having physical problems at the time from ailments such as health issues or old age and as a result people avoided wearing eyeglasses. This led to an invention that solved this problem by designing glasses with a handle instead of legs called LORGNETTE, so they don’t have to wear glasses all the time.

1900
The 1900s saw eyeglasses become a fashion accessory, led by socialites and celebrities. The golden age of Hollywood led to the design of many famous eyeglasses and eywear brands and various styles including –

1900-1920 PINCE-NEZ French eyeglasses with small frames that attach to the nose and face.

ROUND LENS Late 1920’s HAROLD LLOYD HOLLYWOOD Celebrities brought round-rimmed eyewear fashion to popularity.

21ST CENTURY
The history of eyeglasses has up to this point led to many designs and styles of eyeglasses having been produced, with trends changing more and more frequently.

Glasses are no longer only necessary for people with eyesight issues, but for those looking to protect their eyes from modern technology such as screens and monitors as well as as a fashion statement.

Nowadays, eyeglasses are considered an essential fashion accessory, and technology continues to change the way in which glasses are made, including frame materials such as the eco-acetate used in Nathalie Fordeyn’s women’s sunglasses.

Nathalie Fordeyn eyeglasses are born from a passion for creating three dimensional pieces of art with a practical use for everyday situations. No less important to design aesthetics are quality and comfort and Nathalie Fordeyn women’s sunglasses use carefully selects materials of the highest quality designed for a perfect fit.



Learn more about Nathalie Fordeyn eyewear and online shopping available at https://nathaliefordeyneyewear.com/