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| '''Eyeglasses''' (also called '''spectacles''' or '''glasses''') are ]es worn in a frame before the ]s. Modern eyeglasses are typically supported by pads on the bridge of the ] and by arms placed over the ]s. Historical types of eyeglasses included the ], ] and ]. | '''Eyeglasses''' (also called '''spectacles''' or '''glasses''') are ]es worn in a frame before the ]s. Modern eyeglasses are typically supported by pads on the bridge of the ] and by arms placed over the ]s. Historical types of eyeglasses included the ], ] and ]. | ||
| Eyeglasses were originally made from ], but many are now made from ] due to the danger of breakage. Glass lenses, on the other hand, are much less prone to scratching. | Eyeglasses were originally made from ], but many are now made from ] due to the danger of breakage and weight of glass. Glass lenses, on the other hand, are much less prone to scratching. | ||
| Eyeglasses fitted with ]es are a very common means of correcting ] problems such as ] and ]. Nearsighted people cannot focus at long distances; farsighted people cannot focus at close distances. ] is mismatched focussing horizontally and vertically. ] is limited flexibility in focussing. None of these conditions are diseases. | Eyeglasses fitted with ]es are a very common means of correcting ] problems such as ] and ]. Nearsighted people cannot focus at long distances; farsighted people cannot focus at close distances. ] is mismatched focussing horizontally and vertically. ] is limited flexibility in focussing. None of these conditions are diseases. | ||
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| Glasses can be very simple magnifying lenses for reading that are used to treat mild farsightedness and presbyopia that can be bought off the shelf, but most are made to a particular prescription, based on degree of nearsightedness or farsightedness combined with astigmatism. Lenses can be ground to specific eyes, but in most cases standard off-the-shelf prescriptions suffice, but require custom-fitting to particular frames. | Glasses can be very simple magnifying lenses for reading that are used to treat mild farsightedness and presbyopia that can be bought off the shelf, but most are made to a particular prescription, based on degree of nearsightedness or farsightedness combined with astigmatism. Lenses can be ground to specific eyes, but in most cases standard off-the-shelf prescriptions suffice, but require custom-fitting to particular frames. | ||
| As people age, their ability to focus is lessened and many come to need multiple-focus lenses, ] or even ] to cover all the situations in which they use their site. Other glasses wearers sometimes have lenses specifically set up for use with computer monitors at a fixed distance. | As people age, their ability to focus is lessened and many come to need multiple-focus lenses, ] or even ] to cover all the situations in which they use their site. Other glasses wearers sometimes have lenses specifically set up for use with computer monitors at a fixed distance. | ||
| Glasses are often regarded as unattractive (see ]), and many people prefer to wear ]es for that reason. Contact lense also provide much improved ]. On the other hand, many people are attracted to people who wear glasses, and glasses are available in a very wide range of styles, materials, and even designer labels. For some celebrities, glasses form part of the identity. Sen. ] continued to wear lensless horn-rimmed spectacles after being fitted with contact lenses because he was not recognizable without his trademark glasses. | Glasses are often regarded as unattractive (see ]), and many people prefer to wear ]es for that reason. Contact lense also provide much improved ]. On the other hand, many people are attracted to people who wear glasses, and glasses are available in a very wide range of styles, materials, and even designer labels. For some celebrities, glasses form part of the identity. Sen. ] continued to wear lensless horn-rimmed spectacles after being fitted with contact lenses because he was not recognizable without his trademark glasses. | ||
Revision as of 17:10, 29 September 2002
Eyeglasses (also called spectacles or glasses) are lenses worn in a frame before the eyes. Modern eyeglasses are typically supported by pads on the bridge of the nose and by arms placed over the ears. Historical types of eyeglasses included the pince nez, monocle and lorgnette.
Eyeglasses were originally made from glass, but many are now made from plastic due to the danger of breakage and weight of glass. Glass lenses, on the other hand, are much less prone to scratching.
Eyeglasses fitted with corrective lenses are a very common means of correcting focus problems such as nearsightedness and farsightedness. Nearsighted people cannot focus at long distances; farsighted people cannot focus at close distances. Astigmatism is mismatched focussing horizontally and vertically. Presbyopia is limited flexibility in focussing. None of these conditions are diseases.
Glasses can be very simple magnifying lenses for reading that are used to treat mild farsightedness and presbyopia that can be bought off the shelf, but most are made to a particular prescription, based on degree of nearsightedness or farsightedness combined with astigmatism. Lenses can be ground to specific eyes, but in most cases standard off-the-shelf prescriptions suffice, but require custom-fitting to particular frames.
As people age, their ability to focus is lessened and many come to need multiple-focus lenses, bifocal or even trifocal to cover all the situations in which they use their site. Other glasses wearers sometimes have lenses specifically set up for use with computer monitors at a fixed distance.
Glasses are often regarded as unattractive (see Dorothy Parker), and many people prefer to wear contact lenses for that reason. Contact lense also provide much improved peripheral vision. On the other hand, many people are attracted to people who wear glasses, and glasses are available in a very wide range of styles, materials, and even designer labels. For some celebrities, glasses form part of the identity. Sen. Barry Goldwater continued to wear lensless horn-rimmed spectacles after being fitted with contact lenses because he was not recognizable without his trademark glasses.
Eyeglass wearers have also been stereotyped as intelligent or even geeks. This is because the first people to wear glasses were those who did a lot of reading in an era when most people were illiterate.
Other kinds of eyeglasses include tinted protective lenses, ranging from sunglasses, which protect the eye from glare and ultraviolet radiation, to specialized units that protect against extreme brightness and are used for welding and viewing eclipses. Some glasses have photo-sensitive lenses that darken as the light grows brighter.
Eyeglasses fitted with coloured or polarized lenses can be used to view three-dimensional images.