Eyeglasses timeline By TBeenken 1286 Eyeglasses are invented in Italy 1286 Eyeglasses invented 1440 Rate of literacy goes up, due to printing press- glasses become widely used 1440 Printing press invented- glasses used more 1784 Benjamin F. creates bifocals 1900 Glasses more accepted- Everyday wear (Simplified) 1920 Sunglasses begin to be manufactured- WW2 pilots, then for people 2017 Lenses & Frames changed to plastic- safer