Eyeglasses and Spectacles

• Twentieth Century
• Twentieth Century

For over 7 centuries people have been using glass lenses to improve their ability to see clearly. At first hand-held, most eyeglasses evolved into devices worn on the face, held in place by bridges, nose clamps, and side arms or temples. Lenses have been round, oval, and angular in shape, and spectacles sometimes featured hinged double lenses. Frames were often more than merely functional, displaying intricate, interesting, and beautiful craftsmanship and variations in design and materials.