History of Glasses in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 30, 2025

Glasses, also known as eyeglasses or spectacles, are vision eyewear consisting of lenses mounted in a frame. The frame typically includes a bridge over the nose and temples (arms) that rest over the ears. Glasses are used to correct vision or as protective eyewear.

1907: Professor Laufer's Speculation on the Origin of Glasses

In 1907, Professor Berthold Laufer speculated that glasses were not invented independently in China and Europe and proposed India as their origin.

1928: Glasses as a Sign of Weakness

In 1928, Neville Cardus characterized wearing glasses in the nineteenth century United Kingdom as a sign of weakness.

1971: Rishi Agarwal's Article on the Origin of Lenses

In 1971, Rishi Agarwal argued that the use of lenses reached Europe via the Arabs, referencing Vyasatirtha's possession of glasses in the 1520s.

2008: Joshua Silver Designs Adjustable Corrective Glasses

In 2008, Joshua Silver designed adjustable corrective glasses that use a built-in syringe to pump silicone into the lenses.

2012: NBA Players Wearing Lensless Glasses

In 2012, some NBA players wore lensless glasses with thick plastic frames during post-game interviews, a geek chic trend comparable to Steve Urkel's style.

2017: Safety Glasses Required for Dentists and Surgeons

In 2017, dentists and surgeons in Canada and other countries were required to wear safety glasses to protect against infection from patients' blood or other body fluids.