How did spectacles originate?

Lenses are the key component of spectacles and were made even in ancient times. However, it is not known whether such lenses were used merely as ornaments or as visual aids. It was discovered around 1000 AD that a glass sphere, when placed on a surface, enlarged the contents of the surface beneath it. The first wearable eye glasses were made by an Italian, Salvino D’Armate, in the 13th century AD. Soon, they became quite popular with priests. While spectacles have undergone many design improvements since then, the credit for making spectacles with double-hinged side pieces is given to British designer James Ayscough, who made them in 1752. In 1784, American inventor Benjamin Franklin made the first bifocals.