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Jun 15, 1250
First lens
The convex lens was invented. It was able to magnify objects, but it had color distortion. People soon discovered that vision can be improved with lenses (Exact date unknown) (The picture is having trouble processing :/) http://www.antiquespectacles.com/history/ages/through_the_ages.htm -
Jun 15, 1462
Concave lens
Concave lenses did not have color distortions and was later used in glasses (Exact date unknown) (The picture is having trouble processing :/) http://www.antiquespectacles.com/history/ages/through_the_ages.htm -
Martins Margins
Invented by Benjamin Martin. The lens is made of horn or other materials was made to help shield your eyes from bright lights. (Exact date unknown) http://www.aoa.org/about-the-aoa/archives-and-museum/museum-collections/martins-margins?sso=y http://www.museumofvision.org/exhibitions/?key=44&subkey=4&relkey=35 -
Bifocals
Invented by Benjamin Franklin. The convex lens helped vision. However, unlike other glasses, each lens was split into 2 parts: one for long distance and one for reading. (Exact date unknown) http://www.allaboutvision.com/over40/segmented.htm -
Scissor Spectacles
Instead of being worn all the time, these spectacles were held in front of your eyes when needed. It is also able to fold into the handle when not in use. (Exact date unknown) (The picture is having trouble processing :/) http://www.college-optometrists.org/en/college/museyeum/online_exhibitions/spectacles/scissor.cfm -
Pince-Nez
Pince-Nez means pinch nose in French. It is made to sit on top of your nose with a chain attached to it's side. However, it often fell off and broke. (Exact date unknown) (The picture is having trouble processing :/) http://www.museumofvision.org/exhibitions/?key=44&subkey=4&relkey=35 -
Sun Glasses
Although sunglasses already existed, they were popularized around this time and newer technological advancements allowed them to protect against infrared and UV rays which was especially useful for fighter pilots (Exact Date unknown) (The picture is having trouble processing :/) http://www.museumofvision.org/exhibitions/?key=44&subkey=4&relkey=35 -
Plastic frames
Improved plastic manufacturing eventually led to glasses frames of all sorts of colors and shapes. (Exact date unknown) (The picture is having trouble processing :/) http://www.museumofvision.org/collection/artifacts?accession=1998.023.00002
