Glasses are optical devices consisting of glass or plastic lenses mounted in a frame that rests on the nose and ears. They are used to correct or improve vision. The earliest evidence of vision correction dates back to ancient Greece and Rome. But what about ancient Egypt, the civilization that arose in the Nile River valley starting around 3150 BCE? Did Egyptians have glasses or other forms of vision correction?
Quick Answer
There is no clear evidence that ancient Egyptians had eyeglasses similar to the versions invented in 13th century Italy. However, archaeological findings indicate they had knowledge of optics and may have used alternative vision correction methods involving the use of lenses.
Understanding Vision Correction
Before examining the historical evidence, it helps to understand what vision correction is and how it works. The need for vision correction arises from refractive errors – conditions where the eye cannot properly focus light. Common types of refractive errors include:
- Myopia (nearsightedness) – Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly
- Hyperopia (farsightedness) – Difficulty seeing near objects clearly
- Astigmatism – Blurred vision resulting from an irregularly shaped cornea
- Presbyopia – Difficulty focusing on near objects that develops with age
Refractive errors occur because the length of the eyeball or the curvature of the cornea prevent light from focusing correctly on the retina. Glasses and contact lenses correct these errors using corrective lenses. The lenses have curved surfaces that refract (bend) light in ways that make up for the focusing problems in the eye.
Early Vision Correction Methods
Humans have attempted to correct poor eyesight since ancient times. Some early methods include:
- Magnifying lenses – Ancient Greeks and Romans used glass or crystal lenses filled with water to magnify text for reading.
- Reading stones – Small lenses placed directly on text to magnify reading material.
- Nearsighted lenses – Concave lenses that correct myopia by diverging light before it enters the eye.
- Farsighted lenses – Convex lenses that correct hyperopia by converging light rays.
These early techniques demonstrate an understanding of using lenses to manipulate light and improve vision. However, they differ from modern eyeglasses which use carefully crafted corrective lenses mounted in frames designed to fit the wearer’s face.
Evidence of Vision Correction in Ancient Egypt
What evidence exists for vision correction methods in ancient Egypt?
Lenses
Archaeologists have found a range of ancient Egyptian glass and crystal lenses at sites across Egypt. Many are plano-convex lenses curved on one side and flat on the other. These have magnifying properties and some resemble early reading stones.
One particulary striking example is the Nimrud lenses dating from around 750-710 BCE during the Kushite dynasty. These rock crystal lenses have high quality optical properties and magnifications of up to 10x. However, their exact purpose remains uncertain.
Artifacts for vision diagnosis
Ancient Egyptian medical texts describe using cylinders covered with detailed images for vision testing. These “eye charts” allowed physicians to assess visual acuity and diagnose vision abnormalities. The Berlin eye pictogram from the 5th century BCE is a model example.
Writings on vision care
The Ebers Papyrus from around 1500 BCE provides recipes for eye remedies. It demonstrates an understanding of various ophthalmological conditions. The text includes treatments using animal, plant and mineral ingredients for issues like night blindness and discharge from the eyes.
Overall, these findings indicate Egyptians had substantial knowledge of optics and the workings of the eye. However, clear evidence for corrective lenses and early eyeglasses is lacking.
When Were Glasses Invented?
Modern glasses first appeared in Italy in the late 13th century AD, well after the end of ancient Egypt. The earliest representations of eyeglasses are frescoes in the Dominican convent of San Nicola da Tolentino dating to around 1308 to 1325 AD.
The inventor of early glasses is unknown, but may have been Salvino D’Armate, Alessandro Spina or another contemporary Italian craftsman. Early glasses had convex lenses for correcting farsightedness. Scribes appear to be some of the earliest adopters of the technology.
Glasses slowly spread through Europe over the 14th and 15th centuries. Early examples focused on vision correction for reading. Corrective lenses for nearsightedness came later. Frames evolved from simple leather bands to more complex designs.
So while ancient Egyptians did not have proper eyeglasses, they came close with their early experiments with lenses, vision testing and eye remedies.
Why Didn’t Ancient Egyptians Invent Glasses?
Considering Egyptians’ advanced vision knowledge, why didn’t they invent glasses first? There are a few potential reasons:
- Less need – Average life expectancy was lower. Presbyopia affects the elderly.
- Different priorities – More focus on religion, afterlife and architecture than science.
- Less access to glass – Glassworking less advanced than in later Roman period.
- No spectacles market – Widespread literacy not present to drive demand.
Of course, we cannot rule out that they made early progress toward eyeglasses that has not survived in the archaeological record. But the lack of surviving glasses points to Italy as the more likely birthplace of this vision-changing technology.
Could Egyptians Have Invented Glasses?
While we have no proof of Egyptian glasses, could they have potentially invented them with their optical knowledge?
In theory, yes – ancient Egyptians were masters of glassworking and hieroglyphs show them using blowpipes for glass. With their lens capabilities they potentially could have put the pieces together to create wearable glasses.
However, practical challenges were likely a barrier. The precise lens grinding and shaping techniques developed later would have been required. Frames allowing proper fit and comfortable wear were also essential.
So while Egyptians possessed some foundational knowledge, developing functional eyeglasses required the right social environment and accumulation of skills seen in 13th century Italy. The timeline for human technology is not always linear. Past civilizations often come tantalizingly close to innovations developed centuries later.
Could Glasses Have Impacted Egypt?
Would early glasses have made a difference in ancient Egypt? Potentially:
- Extended scribes’ careers by correcting presbyopia from aging.
- Improved long distance vision for tasks like archery and lookouts.
- Increased access to knowledge by making reading easier.
- Enabled more Egyptians to become scribes and bureaucrats by fixing vision issues.
- Allowed architects and artisans to work later into life with age-related farsightedness.
Of course, glasses did not instantly transform all of society when finally introduced in Italy. Adoption took centuries. But in theory, earlier introduction could have enabled subtle shifts in Egyptian lifestyles. The true impact though is impossible to gauge.
Glasses Today
Eyeglasses have now existed for over 700 years and remain essential to millions worldwide. Glasses today come in an enormous range of styles and corrective options. Some key facts about modern glasses include:
- Around 2.5 billion global glasses wearers.
- 95% of Americans that require vision correction use eyeglasses.
- US optical industry generates $34 billion in revenue annually.
- It can take over 25 different steps to manufacture a pair of glasses.
- Frames now made from plastic, metal, titanium, and other composites.
Glasses are such a ubiquitous technology today that we often take them for granted. But their invention fundamentally shaped human history. Think of the millions of scientists, artists, leaders and workers able to pursue their dreams over the centuries thanks to restored eyesight from glasses!
Glasses Usage by Region
The usage of glasses varies globally by region and demographic factors:
| Region | Glasses Usage Rate |
|---|---|
| United States | 34% |
| Europe | 42% |
| China | 45% |
| Japan | 51% |
| India | 28% |
These rates reflect differences in nutrition, genetics, education levels, lifestyle and access to vision care. Rates for Egypt and other African nations tend to be lower in the 20-30% range.
Glasses Usage by Age
| Age Range | Glasses Usage Rate |
|---|---|
| Under 18 years | 10% |
| 18 to 34 years | 26% |
| 35 to 54 years | 36% |
| 55 to 64 years | 53% |
| 65 years and over | 82% |
Rates increase significantly for adults over age 35 as presbyopia sets in. By 65, only 18% do not require vision correction!
Conclusion
In the end, evidence does not suggest ancient Egyptians possessed proper eyeglasses. But they came remarkably close with their optical knowledge and lens technologies. While Italy seems to be the rightful birthplace of glasses, Egyptians conceivably could have invented them given different circumstances.
And intriguingly, we cannot completely rule out some forgotten Egyptian inventor stumbling onto an early version. The difficulty of reconstructing the distant past means we must acknowledge possibilities beyond the surviving record.
But the lack of physical examples means fair attribution lies with 13th century Italy. Those ingenious craftsmen built on prior vision work, identified the needed techniques, and helped launch a technology now essential to billions worldwide. Not bad for a few Italian lens crafters playing around with glass and metal scraps so many centuries ago!