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Jan 1, 1260
Mid to late 1200s
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. -
Jan 1, 1350
Mid 1300s
Riveted spectacles are introduced. The V-shape of the frames allows them to be balanced on the bridge of the nose. -
Jan 1, 1452
1452
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. -
Early 1600s
Balanced is achieved easier with its new style. -
Mid to late 1700s
Ben Franklin comes up with the concept of bifocals. The first temple glasses are invented and the ancestors of our modern-day frames. -
Early 1800s
Thomas Jefferson becomes the first U.S president to order a pair of eyeglasses made. Meanwhile, the first lenses to correct astigmatism are imported. -
Early 1900s
The start of World War I cuts off America's supply of ophthalmic glass. -
1962
The first lightweight glasses were made.