The Evolution of Eyewear and Vision Correction

Photochromic lenses pioneered by Corning in 1964 adapt to UV light blending sunglasses and regular glasses.

Soft contact lenses by Otto Wichterle in 1961 used hydrogel improving comfort and oxygen flow to the eye.

Snow goggles made of bone or wood with slits reduced UV exposure an early form of sunglasses for survival.

Isaac Newton’s studies on light refraction in the 1660s advanced lens precision aiding eyewear development.

Lorgnettes fashionable in Europe used a handle to hold lenses often as a status symbol rather than nose pads.

Glass contact lenses by Adolf Fick were fitted to the cornea though uncomfortable marking a vision milestone.

Plastic lenses developed in the 1940s by companies like PPG became popular for their durability and lightness.

Reading stones glass spheres laid on texts were used in Europe by monks like Roger Bacon to enhance vision.

Italian monks notably Salvatore Armato in 1286 crafted convex lenses to aid farsightedness per early records.

Bifocals introduced in the 1780s merged two lens types aiding both presbyopia and distance vision.