Benjamin Franklin invented a device that would forever change the world - the bifocals. These glasses or spectacles (a term used in the 1700's) are used to correct vision problems…scientifically referred to as errors of refraction in the lens of the eye itself.

When Benjamin Franklin made these bifocals, his intention was to invent a tool that would enable him to read and do everyday tasks at the same time. He was annoyed at having to change his spectacles to best suit the activity he was currently pursuing. To stop this constant changing of glasses, he designed the bifocal. It was an invention where the glasses' owner wore one pair of glasses with two lenses. He made these new glasses by combining his reading spectacles (which were shaped as a half circle) and his spectacles which he more frequently used (which were also shaped like a half circle). The reading glasses were the bottom, the pair he usually wore were the top of his new creation.

Today more than half of Americans wear glasses. If it weren't for the inventor Benjamin Franklin, you might not be reading this now.

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Spruance School would like to thank The Grolier Electronic Publishing, Roland I. Pritikan, Salomon Herbert, and Zinn, Walter, The complete Guide to Eye Care, Eyeglasses and contact lenses.