How Eyeglasses Lenses Revolutionized Vision in the 1700s

In the 1700s, eyeglasses lenses revolutionized vision for millions of people around the world. Before the invention of corrective lenses, people with poor eyesight had few options to improve their vision. They could squint, hold objects up close, or simply accept their blurry vision as a fact of life. However, with the advent of eyeglasses lenses, all of that changed.

Eyeglasses lenses were first invented in the late 13th century by a monk named Friar Alessandro della Spina. His invention was a simple pair of lenses mounted in a wooden or metal frame, and it proved to be a popular solution for people with blurry vision. However, it wasn’t until the 1700s that eyeglasses lenses really took off.

One of the key figures in the 1700s eyeglasses revolution was Dr. John Dollond, a British optician and physicist. Dollond is credited with inventing the achromatic lens, which corrected a problem that had plagued earlier lens designs. Prior to the achromatic lens, lenses were typically made of a single type of glass that refracted light differently depending on its color. This meant that images viewed through the lens would often appear distorted or blurry. The achromatic lens solved this problem by using two types of glass, one of which corrected the color distortions of the other. The result was a lens that provided clear, sharp images for people with a wide range of vision problems.

Today, eyeglasses are a common sight, and millions of people rely on them to see clearly. At 2020 Vision in Rochester Hills, MI, Dr. Dolan and his team continue to provide patients with the latest in corrective lens technology. From traditional eyeglasses to contact lenses and even LASIK surgery, Dr. Dolan and his team work with each patient to find the best solution for their individual needs.

Thanks to the eyeglasses revolution of the 1700s, we no longer have to squint or strain to see the world around us. Instead, we can put on a pair of eyeglasses and experience clear, sharp vision in an instant. If you’re in need of eyeglasses or other vision correction services, call 2020 Vision in Rochester Hills, MI at 248-375-0040 today.