National Glasses Day

Happy National Glasses Day! Today is the day we celebrate those trusty spectacles that help us see the world clearly... or at least not run into walls. Whether you rock a pair of trendy frames or prefer a more subtle look, it's time to give a little shoutout to our favorite eyewear. So sit back, put on your favorite pair of glasses (if you need them), and let's dive into the fascinating history of National Glasses Day!

When is Glasses Day?

It's national glasses day on the 23rd February.

Seeing Clearly Through History

Glasses have been around for centuries, proving that even our ancestors had trouble reading those tiny hieroglyphics. The first eyeglasses were invented in the 13th century by an Italian monk named Salvino D'Armate, who realized that a simple lens could improve vision. From there, eyewear technology continued to evolve, with different styles and materials being used throughout history. Fast forward to today, and we have an impressive array of glasses to choose from.

A Visionary Fashion Statement

In the world of fashion, glasses are no longer just a functional accessory for better vision. They have become a style statement, with frames ranging from retro cat-eye to sleek and modern. Celebrities like Johnny Depp, Julia Roberts, and even Harry Potter made glasses cool again, proving that eyewear can be both practical and fashionable.

An Online Phenomenon

National Glasses Day didn't just pop up out of nowhere. It gained popularity online, where people discovered the joy of sharing their favorite frames on social media. In fact, on February 23, 2018, there was an explosion of glasses-related posts, with 101 mentions found on various platforms. This viral moment sparked the idea of dedicating a day to celebrate the wonders of eyewear.

Did You Know?

Did you know that glasses come in all shapes and sizes? From tiny round frames to oversized square ones, there's a pair of glasses for every face shape and personal style. So, go ahead and experiment with different frames until you find the perfect match for your unique personality!

History behind the term 'Glasses'

13th century

The Origins

The history of glasses dates back to the 13th century when the inventor of eyeglasses remains unknown. The earliest evidence of their use can be traced back to Italy, where a pair of riveted spectacles was discovered. These early glasses featured lenses made of quartz, beryl, or rock crystal and were held together with rivets or cord.

1268

Invention of Concave Lenses

In 1268, a significant breakthrough occurred in Pisa, Italy. The scholar and Franciscan friar Roger Bacon wrote about the use of concave lenses, which enabled people with farsightedness to improve their vision by magnifying objects. This discovery laid the foundation for the development of corrective lenses.

1285

Introduction of Spectacles

In 1285, the first documented and reliable mention of spectacles was made. Salvino D'Armate, an Italian in Florence, is often credited with the invention of spectacles. D'Armate is said to have developed a wearable pair of glasses that could be balanced on the nose. This innovative design allowed people to see clearly without having to hold the lenses in front of their eyes.

1609

Telescope Enhancements

The advancement of lenses used in telescopes inadvertently led to improvements in glasses. In 1609, famed astronomer Galileo Galilei further developed the telescope and significantly improved the lenses used in them. Galileo's work with lenses and optics contributed to the progression of spectacles, enhancing their quality and precision.

1784

Bifocals Invented

It was in 1784 that Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, invented bifocal lenses. Franklin, who suffered from both nearsightedness and farsightedness, grew frustrated with switching between two pairs of glasses. As a solution, he created bifocals by combining lenses for distance vision and lenses for close-up vision into a single pair of eyeglasses.

19th Century

Advancements in Lens Manufacturing

Throughout the 19th century, significant advancements were made in the manufacturing of lenses. The development of a grinding and shaping process enabled the production of lenses with greater accuracy and consistency. As a result, eyeglasses became more readily available and affordable to the general population, further popularizing their use.

20th Century

Fashion and Style

In the 20th century, eyeglasses not only served as a vision correction tool but also gained popularity as a fashion accessory. Designers began experimenting with various frame styles, materials, and shapes to create unique and trendy eyewear. Glasses became a means of self-expression and a reflection of personal style, leading to a wide variety of fashion-forward options available today.

Did you know?

Did you know that glasses come in all shapes and sizes? From tiny round frames to oversized square ones, there's a pair of glasses for every face shape and personal style.