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The first use of eyeglasses is believed to have occurred in Italy around the 13th century, with the earliest known examples appearing in Venice. The invention of eyeglasses marked a significant advancement in optics and vision correction, helping those with impaired eyesight to see more clearly.

Early Development of Eyeglasses

The first eyeglasses were likely created around 1286 CE. They were not the modern glasses we know today but rather magnifying lenses mounted in frames, typically held up to the eyes or placed on the nose. These early glasses were designed primarily for people with presbyopia, a condition that causes difficulty focusing on close objects as people age.

Who Invented Eyeglasses?

The exact inventor of eyeglasses is not definitively known, but historical records often point to the Italian inventor and scholar Salvino D’Armate of Padua (though some historians dispute this claim). The first recorded mention of eyeglasses appears in a 13th-century manuscript, which describes glasses being used to aid vision. 

By the late 1200s, eyeglasses were becoming more common among intellectuals, monks, and those engaged in reading and writing, as they allowed individuals to read manuscripts more easily.

The Early Design of Eyeglasses

The first eyeglasses were simple convex lenses made from glass or crystal. These lenses were mounted in metal or wood frames, but the frames were rudimentary, often designed to sit on the nose without arms to hold them in place. Later, more refined designs emerged, including glasses with arms that could be rested over the ears.

Spread and Evolution

Eyeglasses gradually spread across Europe, with Italy remaining a central hub for the development of lenses and optical technology. By the 15th century, eyeglasses had become more widely available, with improvements made in lens-making and frame design. In Venice, a major center of glass production, artisans began to make more sophisticated lenses, paving the way for the advanced eyewear we use today.

The first use of eyeglasses in Italy during the 13th century marks a key moment in the history of optics. Though early designs were rudimentary, the invention of eyeglasses greatly enhanced the quality of life for many individuals, especially those who needed assistance with reading or seeing at close distances. Eyeglasses have continued to evolve over the centuries and remain essential tools for vision correction worldwide.