-
An Italian lay-person creates the first pair of spectacles. It's used prilmarily by monks and scholars working with ancient manuscripts, who didn't have much time for sporting events.
-
Riveted spectacles are introduced. The V-shape of the frames allows them to be balanced on the bridge of the nose.
-
The invention of the Guggenheim press makes the books available to the masses. For the first time, the less wealthy are wearing glasses, mounted on leather or wood and sold by street vendors.
-
Balanced is achieved easier with its new style.
-
Ben Franklin comes up with the concept of bifocals. The first temple glasses are invented and the ancestors of our modern-day frames.
-
Thomas Jefferson becomes the first U.S president to order a pair of eyeglasses made. Meanwhile, the first lenses to correct astigmatism are imported.
-
The start of World War I cuts off America's supply of ophthalmic glass.
-
The first lightweight glasses were made.