History Behind the Four Lens Spectacle

London optician John Richardson patented eyeglasses featuring swinging auxiliary side lenses in 1797. The glasses were equipped with four lenses, where the extra lenses could be manually pivoted from the side position to fit over the fixed front lenses.The design was intended to give users a modifiable second prescription without needing to carry or switch between multiple pairs of glasses. 

Distance glasses could be converted to reading glasses, clear distance glasses could be converted to sunglasses and lightly tinted glasses for indoor use could be converted to dark glasses for outdoor use simply by folding the side lenses over the fixed front lenses. 

This style of spectacle proved to be distinctive and practical.

Originally designed as auxiliary reading or magnifying glass, wearers quickly realized the added benefits of this design.  In addition to the above mentioned uses they became popular in the 19th century as early protective eyewear.   

Whether on horseback, riding atop a stagecoach or traveling in open train cars, they protected wearers from wind, dust, rocks, sunlight, and cinders. Four lens spectacles were manufactured for over one hundred years and available in ‘D’, Oval, Octagon and Rectangular shapes. Spectacle makers used various designations for this particular type of spectacle. Eye protectors, eye preservers, double eye spectacles, four lens spectacles, ‘railroad spectacles’ in America and ‘railway spectacles’ in England.

Travel to the past with us in comfort and style with our ophthalmic quality reproduction Eye Protectors that are able to accommodate both prescription and non prescription lenses, progressive lenses and bifocals.

Expected mid-August.