Tinted glasses were experimented with as early as around 1752 by James Ayscough.
While the concept of using colored lenses to potentially improve vision or reduce glare existed earlier, Ayscough's experiments mark a significant milestone in the purposeful application of tint to spectacles. He didn't necessarily "invent" tinted glasses in the modern sense, but he was a pioneer in exploring their uses.
It's important to note that Ayscough's motivations might have been different from those driving the development of modern tinted eyewear. He seemed interested in the aesthetic appeal and perceived medicinal benefits of colored lenses, rather than purely focusing on vision correction or glare reduction.
Therefore, assigning a single "invention date" to tinted glasses is difficult because the development was gradual. Ayscough's work represents an early, key step in that evolution.
