The invention of goggles wasn't a single event but a series of innovations across different cultures and time periods. Different types of goggles emerged to address specific needs.
Early Goggles: Protection and Vision
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14th Century Persia: The earliest known goggles were used by Persian pearl divers. These goggles were crafted from polished turtle shells, offering both transparency and protection underwater. [Source: Multiple sources including Simply Swim, Britannica, and other articles cited a 14th-century origin in Persia.]
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Inuit Snow Goggles: Inuit peoples developed snow goggles, often made from bone, wood, or other materials with narrow slits, to protect their eyes from the intense glare and snow blindness in harsh Arctic conditions. [Source: Canada's History]
Modern Goggles: Specific Applications
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Swimming Goggles: While early diving goggles existed, the modern swimming goggle's evolution is less clear-cut. While some sources point to a long history, American inventor Charles J. Troppman is credited with the first patent for an "eye protector" or "goggle" in 1926. [Source: Zoggs]
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Ski Goggles: Robert Earl Smith, a California orthodontist, patented the double-lens, anti-fog ski goggle in the mid-1960s. This design significantly improved vision and comfort for skiers. [Source: Skiing History, AAO]
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Virtual Reality (VR) Goggles: While not the first form of eye protection, Hugo Gernsback's "TV Glasses," a prototype from the mid-20th century, is considered a precursor to modern VR goggles, demonstrating early exploration of immersive visual experiences. [Source: IEEE Spectrum, Reddit]
Different cultures independently developed protective eyewear to suit their specific environments and needs. The modern goggles we know today are the result of continued refinement and innovation across various fields.
