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We take reading glasses for granted today, but they were once a miraculous invention.
For hundreds, even thousands of years, people involved in reading and writing have looked for ways to improve failing vision. Glass that corrects vision has been around certainly since 1000AD, but at that point was nothing like the reading glasses that we recognise today.
Reading Glasses for a Few
Of course, until relatively recently, only a select percentage of the population needed to read and write at all meaning that for many, glass lenses to help with seeing letters and numbers were irrelevant. For those, like monks, whose daily business involved writing, however, it became important to find a way to make things more readable as eyesight failed – which it did more rapidly due to bad lighting. As long ago as the 13th century, “reading glasses” were used – correctional lenses held in frames of wood or bone. We would recognise these as more like magnifying glasses than today’s spectacles, but these reading stones paved the way for modern glasses.
Reading Glasses for All
As more of the population learned to read and write, the need for reading glasses, and for improvements to vision in general became more important. In the early 17th century, research was conducted into refraction and over time, a greater understanding of how the eye works and how problems could be corrected led to the development of different strengths of lenses in order to help people see better. It wasn’t until the 18th century, however, that lenses became attached to arms so that the wearer could use the glasses and still have both hands free to work. Since then, advances in science, technology and fashion have led to accurate prescription lenses, bi-focal lenses (invented in the USA by Benjamin Franklin), correction for astigmatism, contact lenses, laser eye surgery and cheap, but effective reading glasses. Where glasses were once purely functional, it is just as important that you choose frames and colours that suit you as it is to have the right prescription, and the reading glasses market continues to grow.
Buy Reading Glasses at Sight Station
You can benefit from the experience, invention and research of others when you buy today’s modern reading glasses online and Sight Station. Not only can you access a wide range of styles, materials and lens prescriptions; you can also buy from the comfort of your own home and have your reading glasses delivered to your door. Take a look at our range and buy online today, or call us on 01322 318 511 for more help and advice.