Eyeglasses are now an integral part of our daily lives. An accessory for vision, style, or identity, they have not always occupied this privileged place. Their history spans centuries of innovation, culture, and fashion.
Practical origins: simply seeing better
Antiquity to the Middle Ages
Before the invention of eyeglasses, tools were already being used to improve vision. The Romans, for example, observed objects through glass globes filled with water to magnify the image.
In the 13th century, the first “handheld glasses” appeared in Italy. These consisted of two connected convex lenses, used for reading and correcting presbyopia. They were held in the hand or placed on the nose.
Evolution of frames
Over the centuries, craftsmen added rudimentary arms, ribbons, or strings to hold the glasses behind the ears. However, their function remained medical and reserved for the intellectual elite: copyist monks, scholars, merchants.
From social status to elegance: glasses become fashionable
17th–18th centuries: symbol of intelligence
Wearing glasses became a sign of wisdom and knowledge. They can be seen in portraits of philosophers, doctors, and thinkers.
19th century: the emergence of elegance
With the industrial revolution, glasses became more accessible. New styles emerged:
· The monocle, chic and aristocratic.
· The lorgnette, a handheld frame highly prized by socialites.
· The pince-nez, without arms, popularized by intellectuals and dandies.
It was also during this period that the first sunglasses appeared to protect the eyes, particularly among polar explorers.
The 20th century: between medicine, cinema, and popular culture
Democratization
At the beginning of the century, glasses became a utilitarian object worn by all social classes. Opticians multiplied and lenses improved thanks to advances in optics.
Hollywood and fashion
In the 1950s and 60s, glasses went from being a necessity to a glamorous accessory:
· Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's popularized oversized glasses.
· James Dean and Marilyn Monroe propelled cat-eye frames into the limelight.
· Ray-Ban Aviators and Wayfarers became icons thanks to pilots and then movie stars.
Self-expression
In the 1980s and 90s, glasses became a way to express one's personality. Colours, geometric shapes, designer brands: they were no longer hidden, they were shown off.
Today: between high technology and identity affirmation
Comfort and performance
Lenses are now ultra-precise, thinner, filtering, anti-reflective, and photochromic. Frames are ultra-lightweight, made of titanium, recycled acetate, wood, carbon, or 3D-printed.
Fashion and personal expression
Glasses adapt to everyone's style: minimalist, vintage, bold, eco-friendly. They complete a look, assert character, and tell a story.
When technology gets involved
Connected glasses, augmented reality, and smart frames capable of making calls, taking photos, or providing notifications represent the next stage in this evolution.
From tool to icon
Long perceived as a medical necessity, glasses have become a true fashion accessory. Today, they are at the crossroads of design, technology, and visual well-being. From simple tools of sight to statements of style, glasses now do more than sharpen our vision. They let us express who we are and how we want the world to see us.
