The first
known artistic representation of the use of eyeglasses
was Tommaso da Modena's painting in 1352. His painting depicts monks reading
and writing manuscripts. One monk uses a magnifying glass, but another wears
glasses perched on his nose. The first eyeglasses can only be used to rectify
hyperopia and presbyopia. And those eyeglasses for myopia appeared much later,
sometime in the early 1400's.
Throughout
history and even today, eyeglasses have served as one of the oldest and
improved upon accessories around the world. Yes, there are now contacts and
laser surgery, but if you are conscious of the way you look and the way you are
perceived by others, know that eyeglasses can drastically improve your
appearance and the way others view you. More info can be found at this website
on styles and how glasses have changed over time: http://www.vintageiwear.com/history.html
.
According
to this website: http://inventors.about.com/od/gstartinventions/a/glass_3.htm,
in 1784, Ben Franklin developed bifocal glasses. He was getting old and was
having trouble seeing both up-close and at a distance. Getting tired of
switching between two types of glasses, he devised a way to have both types of
lenses fit into the frame. The distance lens was placed at the top and the the
up-close lens was placed at the bottom.
And, Sam
Foster started the Foster Grant Company in 1919. In 1929, Sam Foster sold the
first pair of Foster Grants sunglasses at the Woolworth on the Atlantic City
Boardwalk. Sunglasses became popular in the 1930s. More details about eyewear
can be located at that site.
Choosing
the right eyeglasses often depends on individual traits such as hair color,
face size and even the type of vision correction you need, according to this
website: http://www.allaboutvision.com/eyeglasses/.
If you have an unusually wide face, for example, you may need to shop around
for extra-large eyeglass frames. On the other hand, smaller faces may require a
petite frame size. Unusually strong corrections also can make lenses look thick
or distorted when eyeglass frames are oversized.
For
example, a rough-and-tumble teenager who engages in all manner of outdoor
activities will have far different needs for eyeglasses than an office worker
who spends hours at a desk. Active people also may need to consider extra eye
protection such as sports or safety goggles. For those who love fashion,
designer eyeglasses with embellishments such as crystals and logos are a fun
option.
If you
have reached your 40s, you will need to consider different eyeglass options for
correcting near vision problems caused by presbyopia such as:
·
Progressive
lenses
·
Bifocals
or trifocals
·
Occupational
lenses
·
Reading
glasses
·
Computer
glasses
In some
cases, you may need different pairs of eyeglasses depending on whether you are
driving down the highway or sitting indoors in front of a computer screen. Your
eye doctor or optician can advise you about the right fit for you, as well as
discuss coatings and tints that can help you see your best in different
circumstances such as low lighting at dusk. Much more detail about this subject
can be referenced at the website.
One
drawback to purchasing ready-made ("drugstore") reading glasses is
that they are essentially "one-size-fits-all" items. The prescription
is the same in both lenses, and the location of the optical center of the
lenses is not customized for each wearer. Most people do not have exactly the
same prescription in both eyes, and almost everyone has at least a small amount
of astigmatism correction in their prescriptions.
Headaches,
eye strain, and even nausea can result from wearing reading glasses that are
too far off from your actual prescription or that have optical centers too far
away from the center of your pupils. If you experience these problems, visit
your eye doctor for a customized reading glasses prescription.
Also,
don't confuse reading glasses with computer eyewear. If you're using reading
glasses to try to view your computer screen, it's probably not working very well.
For one thing, reading printed matter is done at a closer range than reading
text on a computer screen. And, if your reading glasses are the type that force
you to lean your head back in order to view your monitor, you're placing
unnecessary strain on your neck muscles. Computer users really should invest in
prescription computer glasses.
When
choosing ready-made reading glasses, always examine the lenses for little
bubbles, waves, or other defects. Insist on the best quality, and if you can't
find it in ready-made readers, buy a custom-made pair, which many eye care
practitioners offer at special prices. Much more information can be found at
this website: http://www.allaboutvision.com/over40/readers.htm
.
Getting
your eyes examined at least once a year is very important, especially if you
are over 40. Prior to that, unless you are experiencing problems with your
vision, perhaps once every 3 to 5 years is acceptable. Children and teens should
be tested to make sure they can see classroom materials. One major problem that
has developed since the advent of the smart phone and computers is an increase
in vision issues, particularly with kids and teenagers. If you have similar
problems with your vision, it’s time to see your optometrist or opthalmologist.
Until next
time.
