In our modern society, we are so used to glasses that it is hard to imagine a time before them. In fact, it's hard for historians to determine who actually invented these damn things! But while the exact origins of the glasses may be lost to the sands of time, history does give us clues.

The first basic lenses were made of crystals made by the ancient Egyptians and Mesopotamians. Much later, the Roman Emperor Nero apparently wore the world's first pair of sunglasses - the emerald lenses he used to watch his beloved gladiator matches. By the 2nd century, the legendary Greek astrologer Ptolemy shared his theory of vision and convex lenses in his book Optometry.

In the early years, one fact was obvious, and that was that the curved circle glasses mens could get better focusing results. Today, modern technology allows lens manufacturers to design lenses in more shapes. However, those early round lenses - and the frames that came with them - never went out of style!

Here's a look back at the history of this practical but ever-popular look.

Round frame glasses of the first portrait.

The oldest surviving visual portrait wearing round-rimmed glasses is probably Tommaso da Modena's painting of the Italian Cardinal Hugo of Provence (aka Hugh de Saint-Chere). As you can see in this 1352 portrait, the good Cardinal was busy with his doodles and using specifications to see more clearly.

Alas, this image may not be entirely accurate, as this style of glasses was not invented during Hugh's lifetime! Still, they do look attractive,... .

Round glasses are becoming more and more popular.

Over the years, the round frame style continued to grow and become popular, spreading throughout Europe (at least, for those who could afford luxury eyewear). The Spanish poet and nobleman Francisco de Cuevedo is famous for the appearance of a rocking circular lens in his portraits and statues on display in Madrid. Although Quievedo lived about 500 years ago, his confident style is still fresh and modern!

Round glasses moved to the United States.

As European settlers found their way to North America, so did the Round Frame. In fact, one of the founding fathers of the United States, Benjamin Franklin, was a big fan of this style.

When Franklin wasn't helping to found new nations (or experimenting with kites and electricity), he liked to invent things. As he got older, his vision changed and he had to constantly switch between two pairs of glasses. Finally, he had enough and invented "Binocular glasses" - the world's first bifocal glasses!

Round frame and creative type.

With the introduction of new frame styles, the circular frame has never disappeared... . But at some point they began to associate with artists and intellectuals. By the 1880s, the style was known as "Windsor glasses," and one of its most famous wearers was the famous Irish writer James Joyce. Joyce wouldn't be the last "creative" person to wear this style, but he did lay the groundwork for things to come.