The exact origins of spectacles, an indispensable visual aid in everyday life, are debated historically, but it is generally accepted that their earliest form originated in Europe in the late 13th century. It is recorded that the prototype of glasses was invented around 1289 by the Italian optician Armati in collaboration with Spina, a resident of the city of Pisa. They creatively inlaid the polished lenses into the frame to help people correct vision problems, which greatly improved the visual experience when reading and working.
However, there are also clues about the earlier origins of spectacles pointing to the East. In the middle of the Ming Dynasty in China, Tian Yixuan described in his book Liuqing Riza as a type of spectacle called "叆叇" to relieve eye fatigue, indicating that similar spectacle products had already appeared in China at that time. Although it is not possible to confirm whether it is glasses in the modern sense, it at least shows that the concept and initial application of glasses have appeared in ancient China.
Over time, the design and technology of eyewear have continued to improve. In 1784, Benjamin Franklin, an American scientist and diplomat, invented far-nearsightedness glasses that could correct two vision problems at the same time, which was an important milestone in spectacle technology. Subsequently, in 1825, the British astronomer George Alley further innovated and designed glasses to correct astigmatism, enriching the functionality of glasses.
In modern society, with the development of optical technology, glasses materials have gradually evolved from early glass to resin and other lightweight and durable materials; Advances in lens processing technology have made it possible to have complex lenses such as aspherical lenses and progressive multifocal lenses; The frame design pays more attention to the combination of comfort and fashion, forming a diversified market.
Overall, the invention and development of eyewear is a process of constantly adapting to human needs and integrating science and technology, which has not only changed the quality of life of countless visually impaired people, but has also become an important part of the expression of global culture and personal style. From the original single-function vision corrector to today's fashion accessories that combine health, aesthetics and high-tech, the history of eyewear fully reflects the crystallization of human ingenuity and creativity.