Eyeglasses are some of the most widely used vision rectifying and decorating articles among wearers from all walks of life. Or for some people, these devices are more important than anything else, due to different factors. However, while wearing eye glasses of different sorts, it might be possible that only few people can ever think about the history of these eye wear and how do they evolve in the river of long history. Here is a simple review on optics glasses and how do they come into their modern appearance.
In fact, the history of optics glasses is really very long, but not accurate document can tell in which time are they invented. And some of the most popular stories have it that- the first eyeglasses are invented in China; others have it the first eye wear are made in Greece, Egypt, Roman, just name a few. However, one thing can be assured that the first eyeglasses-alike devices are invented over two thousands years ago, and the first real eye wear are invented in the 12th century according to some recorded documents.
Generally, the evolution of eyeglasses can be well explained in two major aspects, namely, materials and designs.
The earliest materials employed to make eye wear vary a lot, like ribbons, emerald, and water, metal, etc. Of course, they are usually used before the real modern alike glasses are invented. Later, glass is the most popular and widely used materials for lenses; and the frames can also be made from materials, like metal, wood, ribbons, tortoise shell, horn or other man made and natural resources. Such situations in the field have lasted for very long time, almost several hundred years, due backward technology and techniques. Later, as it comes to the 20th century, a period when technology and techniques in glasses making advances radically, some new changes and innovations are made. Especially, the invention of plastic has led revolution in the industry. And plastic becomes one of the most popular and welcomed materials among almost all wearers and manufacturers. Up to now, more and more new materials are invented and employed, like titanium, stainless steel, memory plastic, memory metal and so on.
As for design, the earliest eye glasses are not meticulously made or deliberately designed, due to limitation from materials and techniques. And even when the first modern alike eyeglasses are made, the designs are also very simple- frames and lenses, in plain colors. Similarly, when it comes to the 20th century, a period for glasses revolution, designs and styles are attached great importance by both wearers and manufacturers. The emergence of several fashion tides for fashionable eyeglasses in the past years can be good example. And now, optics glasses can be designed into almost all styles that people can or can not imagine and they are also more likely used as accessories among many design and style oriented people.