brille

Brille is the German word for eyeglasses, a device consisting of lenses mounted in a frame worn in front of the eyes to correct refractive errors, protect the eyes, or serve as a cosmetic accessory.

Eyeglasses emerged in Italy around 1280–1300; early frames rested on the nose with cords or a simple bridge; lenses of convex shape were used for farsightedness. Over time, improvements in lens manufacture, frame materials, and optical theory increased precision and accessibility.

Modern brille come in various forms: frame materials such as metal, plastic, titanium, and acetate; frame types full-rim, semi-rimless, and rimless; lenses for single vision, bifocal, or progressive prescriptions; and sunglasses providing UV protection.

Lenses may include coatings for anti-reflective or scratch resistance; polarization reduces glare; photochromic lenses darken in sunlight. Prescription and fitting involve an eye examination and measurement of pupillary distance.

In everyday life, brille are among the most common vision aids, enabling reading, driving, and screen work. They also function as a fashion item and are subject to ongoing innovations in materials, coatings, and lightweight design.