Glasses

By Nikko_Xiong
  • Jan 1, 1260

    Mid to late 1200s

    An Italian lay-person creates the first pair of spectacles. It's used prilmarily by monks and scholars working with ancient manuscripts, who didn't have much time for sporting events.
  • Jan 1, 1350

    Mid 1300s

    Riveted spectacles are introduced. The V-shape of the frames allows them to be balanced on the bridge of the nose.
  • Jan 1, 1452

    1452

    The invention of the Guggenheim press makes the books available to the masses. For the first time, the less wealthy are wearing glasses, mounted on leather or wood and sold by street vendors.

  • Early 1600s

    Balanced is achieved easier with its new style.

  • Mid to late 1700s

    Ben Franklin comes up with the concept of bifocals. The first temple glasses are invented and the ancestors of our modern-day frames.

  • Early 1800s

    Thomas Jefferson becomes the first U.S president to order a pair of eyeglasses made. Meanwhile, the first lenses to correct astigmatism are imported.

  • Early 1900s

    The start of World War I cuts off America's supply of ophthalmic glass.

  • 1962

    The first lightweight glasses were made.