Many people have differing opinions on glasses. Some love them, some hate them, some wish they had a reason to wear them. Whatever your personal opinion is, it is undeniable that glasses have an interesting history. It has taken a lot of trial and error to get to the place we are today, where glasses are fairly easy to obtain and make many people's lives much easier. Read on for five fun facts about glasses and vision. 

1. Corrective Lenses Have Been Around for Thousands of Years

The first known use of corrective lenses dates all the way back to 54 AD, when the Roman emperor Nero viewed gladiator games through polished emeralds. Other gemstones have also been helping people's vision for centuries. The first pair of sunglasses came from China in the 12th century and were made with flat planes of smoky quartz. Today, most pairs of glasses are made of plastic, making them lighter and less breakable. 

2. Sailors Didn't Believe in Glasses

In the past, sailors did not believe that eyeglasses would improve their vision. Instead, they put their faith in gold earrings. This fact might help explain why pirates are always depicted with gold rings in their ears. Fortunately, most people (on and off land) today accept that glasses enhance people's vision, and nearly 25% of the world's population wears some kind of corrective eye wear.

3. Baseballs Cause the Most Eye Injuries

When it comes to eye injuries, baseball is the most dangerous sport. Basketball comes in second and is followed by water sports. Racquet sports like tennis and badminton take the fourth place spot. If you participate in any of these sports, take care to protect your eyes!

4. Dim Lighting Does Not Damage Your Eyes

It's a myth that has been going around for years: reading in dim light is bad for your eyes. This myth has proven to be false, and the conclusion is that, while reading in dim light can fatigue the eyes more quickly, no damage actually occurs as a result. 

5. Contact Lenses Preceded Glasses

While most people see contact lenses as an improvement on the original eyeglasses, the first prescription lenses were placed directly on the eye, the same way that contact lenses are. Regardless of which came first, contact lenses have come a long way since these original lenses that were created in Italy in the 13th century. Instead of being made of glass, most contact lenses are now made with a water-absorbing material known as Hydrogel. Contact an optometrist like one from EyeCare About Vegas: Dr. R Dougal Morrison & Dr. Christopher Coker for more information.