History of Medicine: Part 19: Vision Care
In Paleolithic times, people died of all kinds of conditions that are preventable today. Infected wounds without antibiotics. Tooth infections without extractions. People dying from viruses without knowing about micro-biology. Lastly, blind and vision impaired people who relied on others to survive. Unable to fend for themselves, they didn't stray far from camp. Gems and crystals were the first visual aids. People with bad eyes would used to bend light and see better. During ancient times, clear stones were used as "reading stones". These stones were held up to the eyes like a modern magnifying glass without a handle. This glass was eventually mounted on frames that could rest on the nose. The first people do so were Italians in the year 1300. The first glasses shop was opened in Strasbourg, modern day France in 1466. However, for 400 years, these glasses would abruptly fall off your nose with too much movement. In 18th century England, a new design was invent...