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100 BCE
Emeralds as Reading Aids (1st Century AD)
Ancient Romans used emeralds as a form of magnification, holding them over text to improve readability. This was an early, primitive form of reading aid. -
1286
Early Glasses (13th Century)
The first known eyeglasses were made in Italy. These were convex lenses to help with close-up vision, primarily for reading. -
1400
Glasses with Frames (15th Century)
During the Renaissance, eyeglasses began to have frames that held them in place on the face, improving functionality. -
Bifocal Lenses (18th Century)
Benjamin Franklin invented bifocal glasses, allowing the wearer to see both near and far with the same lenses. -
Fashion Glasses (19th Century)
Eyeglasses became not only functional but also a fashion accessory, with various styles and shapes being created. -
Sunglasses (20th Century)
Sam Foster invented sunglasses, making them widely accessible to the public for protecting eyes from the sun. -
Contact Lenses (20th Century)
The first modern contact lenses were introduced as a more convenient alternative to eyeglasses, providing clear vision without needing to wear frames. -
Normal glasses (2000 - today)
Everyday use normal glasses without any tech. in it. -
Smart Glasses (21st Century)
Google introduced Google Glass, a pair of smart glasses with built-in technology that allows the wearer to take photos, access information, and make calls, all hands-free. -
Smart Glasses (2020)
Smart glasses like the Amazon Echo Frames and the Ray-Ban Stories were released, incorporating features like voice assistants, music control, and hands-free calls, with an emphasis on maintaining a traditional aesthetic. -
Orion Glasses (2025/2026)
The Orion glasses, expected to be released by various tech companies, will offer full immersion in augmented reality with advanced features like 3D holograms, real-time language translation, and AI-assisted visual enhancements. These glasses aim to merge the digital and physical worlds more seamlessly than ever.