History of eyeglasses timeline

This timeline traces the evolution of eyeglasses from ancient magnifying aids to modern smart eyewear. It highlights key innovations, design changes, and technological advancements that have shaped how we correct and enhance vision over the centuries.

Bikash Kampo

16 events

2023

Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses released

Ray-Ban, in collaboration with Meta, released smart glasses combining classic design with features like audio, camera, and voice assistant, reflecting the fusion of fashion and technology.

2013

Smart glasses enter the market

Google Glass, one of the first smart glasses, was introduced, integrating a head-up display and camera, marking the beginning of wearable technology in eyewear.

1960

Photochromic lenses introduced

Photochromic lenses, which darken in response to sunlight and clear indoors, were introduced, offering convenience and protection from UV rays.

1959

Progressive lenses developed

Progressive lenses, providing a gradual transition between multiple lens powers for distance, intermediate, and near vision, were developed, eliminating visible lines of bifocals.

1947

Introduction of plastic lenses

Plastic lenses were introduced, offering lighter and more impact-resistant alternatives to glass lenses, enhancing comfort and safety for wearers.

1869

American Optical Company founded

The American Optical Company was established, becoming a major manufacturer of eyeglasses and contributing to the mass production and distribution of eyewear.

1840

Introduction of pince-nez glasses

Pince-nez glasses, which clip onto the bridge of the nose without earpieces, became fashionable in the mid-19th century, offering a new style of eyewear.

1827

Cylindrical lenses correct astigmatism

Sir George Biddell Airy designed cylindrical lenses to correct astigmatism, addressing irregular curvature of the cornea and improving visual clarity.

1784

Benjamin Franklin invents bifocals

Benjamin Franklin developed bifocal lenses, combining convex and concave lenses to correct both farsightedness and nearsightedness in a single frame.

1727

Edward Scarlett invents temple spectacles

English optician Edward Scarlett introduced spectacles with rigid sidepieces (temples) that rested over the ears, improving stability and comfort.

1455

Printing press increases demand for glasses

The invention of the printing press by Gutenberg led to increased literacy and a higher demand for reading aids, spurring the production and refinement of eyeglasses.

1451

Concave lenses introduced for myopia

Concave lenses were developed to correct nearsightedness, expanding the utility of eyeglasses beyond reading aids for the farsighted.

1306

Term 'eyeglasses' first used in a sermon

The term "eyeglasses" was first recorded in a sermon by Dominican friar Giordano da Pisa, indicating the growing awareness and use of spectacles in society.

1285

First wearable eyeglasses in Italy

The first wearable eyeglasses appeared in Northern Italy, featuring convex lenses set into frames of wood or leather, held in front of the eyes or perched on the nose.

AD 1000

Reading stones used in Europe

By the 11th century, Europeans used reading stones—convex lenses made of quartz or glass placed directly on text—to magnify letters, aiding those with presbyopia.

AD 60

Nero uses emerald to view gladiators

Roman Emperor Nero is said to have watched gladiator games through a polished emerald, possibly to reduce glare or due to nearsightedness. This anecdote illustrates early attempts to aid vision using available materials.