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The invention of eyeglasses dates back to the late 13th century in Italy, around the year 1286. Historical evidence suggests that the first wearable eyeglasses were developed in the city of Pisa or possibly Venice, where glassmaking was already a highly developed craft.
These early eyeglasses consisted of two convex lenses mounted in frames and were primarily used to help people suffering from farsightedness. They were held in front of the eyes or perched on the nose but had no side arms like modern glasses. Before this, people relied on reading stones—simple magnifying glasses—to aid their vision.
Although some legends mention a man named Salvino D-Armate as the inventor, credible records do not support this. A more accurate mention comes from a sermon delivered in 1306 by Giordano da Pisa, a Dominican friar, who stated that eyeglasses had already been invented some 20 years earlier.
This innovation significantly enhanced the quality of life for scholars, monks, and craftsmen who relied heavily on reading and fine-detail work. The ability to continue their profession despite aging eyesight marked a turning point in personal healthcare and productivity during the medieval period.
The invention of eyeglasses stands as a milestone in medical history and continues to impact billions of lives across the globe today.
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