Miscellaneous

The evolution of eyewear: from monocles to VR

Posted on by glassesonspec
21
May

From monocles to modern virtual reality headsets, eyewear has come a long way. As glasses wearers, it can be easy to take for granted the amazing range of stylish and functional frames that are available today – but have you ever stopped to think about how far eyewear has evolved over time?

Whether you’re a long-time wearer or just getting familiar with the idea, eyewear has come a long way over the years. From Benjamin Franklin’s iconic monocle to designer frames and now even virtual reality headset eyeglasses – today, we have more options than ever when it comes to finding (or creating) our perfect pair of glasses.

In this blog post, we’re going to explore and take an in-depth look at the fascinating evolution of eyewear – learning about some of the world’s most curious and impactful designs as well as what lies ahead on our journey down the evolutionary road. We’ll also look at how key innovations along the way enabled our glasses and sunglasses to become more lightweight, comfortable, and customisable than ever before.

EARLY GLASSES

The earliest known glasses were invented in the 13th century in 1284 by an Italian artisan named Salvino D’Armate. These early glasses were made of a glass or crystal-like stone with a handle to hold them up to your eyes. The frames and handle were often made of metal and the lenses corrected both hyperopia and presbyopia.

In the early days, glasses were very expensive, and only the wealthy could afford them. However, as technology advanced and production methods became more efficient, glasses became more widely available. By the 18th century, glasses were no longer just a practical tool for reading but had also become a fashion accessory.

In the 19th century, glasses underwent further improvements, with new lens designs and materials. In 1825, George Airy invented the cylindrical lens, which corrected astigmatism. This made glasses even more effective and helped to improve the lives of many people with vision problems.

NOTABLE DEVELOPMENTS

The 19th century saw many significant developments in eyewear, with new designs, materials, and technologies being introduced. Here are some of the most notable developments:

  1. Spectacle Frames: In the early days of glasses, frames were made of simple wire and were designed to hold the lenses in place. In the 19th century, frames became more decorative, with ornate designs made from materials like gold, silver, and tortoiseshell.
  2. Pince-nez Glasses: In the late 1800s, pince-nez glasses became popular. These were glasses that rested on the bridge of the nose, without the need for earpieces. They were often seen as a symbol of sophistication and were popular with both men and women.
  3. Bifocal Lenses: Benjamin Franklin invented bifocal lenses in the 18th century, but they didn’t become widely available until the 19th century. Bifocal lenses allowed people to see both near and far distances with the same pair of glasses and were a major breakthrough for those with presbyopia.
  4. Contact Lenses: The first contact lenses were invented in the late 1800s, but they didn’t become popular until the 1960s. Contact lenses were a more convenient alternative to glasses and allowed people to see more clearly without the need for frames.

Today, many of these developments continue to shape the world of eyewear, with new technologies and materials being introduced all the time.

MODERN INNOVATIONS

In recent years, technology has had a massive impact on eyewear. Here are some of the most notable modern innovations:

  1. Blue Light Filtering Lenses: Blue light filtering lenses are designed to protect the eyes from the harmful blue light emitted by digital devices, such as smartphones and computers. These lenses can help to reduce eye strain, improve sleep quality, and protect against the long-term effects of blue light exposure.
  2. Anti-reflective Coatings: Anti-reflective coatings are applied to the surface of lenses to reduce glare and reflections, making it easier to see in bright light conditions. These coatings can also help to reduce eye strain and improve visual clarity.
  3. Lightweight Materials: Modern glasses frames are made from a variety of lightweight materials, such as titanium and memory metal, which are both strong and durable. These materials make glasses more comfortable to wear for long periods of time and reduce the risk of discomfort or pain.

THE FUTURE OF GLASSES

The future of glasses is an exciting prospect, with new technologies and innovations on the horizon that have the potential to revolutionize the eyewear industry. Here are some of the most promising developments in the future of glasses:

  1. 3D Printed Glasses: 3D printing technology has the potential to revolutionize the way glasses are made. This technology allows for customized, lightweight, and eco-friendly glasses that can be made on demand. With 3D printing, customers can choose from a range of designs, materials, and colours to create their own personalized glasses.
  2. Augmented Reality Glasses: As mentioned earlier, augmented reality glasses are a new technology that overlays digital information in the real world. These glasses have the potential to revolutionize many industries, including gaming, education, and healthcare. With augmented reality glasses, wearers can access information and perform tasks hands-free, making them a convenient and powerful tool for many applications.
  3. Smart Glasses: Smart glasses are a new type of wearable technology that allows users to access information, make phone calls, and perform other functions, all while wearing glasses. As technology improves, smart glasses are likely to become even more powerful and versatile, with the potential to completely replace smartphones and other handheld devices.

As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more exciting innovations in the world of eyewear.

In conclusion, the evolution of eyewear has been a remarkable journey, from the first handheld lenses in the 13th century to the advanced VR glasses we have today. Eyewear has not only corrected vision problems but has also served other purposes, such as protecting the eyes and enhancing performance.

As the world continues to change and technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more exciting developments in the world of eyewear. Whether you are looking for glasses for vision correction or for fashion and style, there has never been a better time to explore the many options available in the world of eyewear.

At Glasses On Spec, we pride ourselves on providing eyewear that is not only functional but also stylish and comfortable. We believe that eyewear should be accessible to everyone, and we offer a range of glasses to suit all budgets and styles. To get yourself a pair of stylish, comfortable and functional glasses today, CLICK HERE.