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Revision as of 15:49, 13 September 2002 by Andre Engels (talk | contribs)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Eyeglasses (also called spectacles and 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 monocle and the lorgnette.
Despite the name, eyeglasses are almost never made from glass due to the danger of breakage. Instead, they are made from plastic of many different kinds, whose dioptre may be controlled to specific effect.
Eyeglasses fitted with corrective lenses are a very common means of correcting eye disease such as nearsightedness and farsightedness. They range from very simple magnifying lenses for reading that are used to treat mild nearsightedness and can be bought off the shelf, to custom-made pairs ground to prescription.
Glasses are often regarded as unattractive (see Dorothy Parker), and many people prefer to wear contact lenses for that reason. 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.
Eyeglass wearers have also been stereotyped as intelligent or even geeks. This may be due to the fact that nearsightedness can be caused by extensive reading.
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.
Eyeglasses fitted with coloured or polarized lenses can be used to view three-dimensional images.