Is there any way to disguise modern eyeglasses?

[Selkie]

I'd like to find a way to disguise my modern frames so it doesn't clash so much with my garb. What do you think about the idea of wrapping small beads/twine around it to hide the plastic parts? It could be changed, depending on what I'd wear, but I'd still be able to see where I'm going.

[Valiss]

"Wrap it in leather" has always been the go-to when you need to get something period.  Ha!

[Selkie]

I've heard that, but I was just looking for something fresh to do besides that. That's why I mentioned that idea.

[groomporter]

I'ld leave 'em alone and save my money to invest in something more period looking in the long run.

For a little more historic look, you can often find antique wire-framed glasses for a reasonable price in antique stores, or if there are any historical reenactments that happen near you check them out. I found a pair of 1860's style glasses for $15 at a Fur Trade Rendezvous and when Pearl Vision had a "two-pairs for the cost of one" sale I had them put my prescription in the antique frames as the second pair. The problem is they will only work with antique frames if you understand that you accept all risk if they get broken (-say if a screw is rusted in place and they break them while trying to get it loose.)

The Jas Townsend reenactors' catalog sells 18th and 19th century styled frames for $30.00
http://jas-townsend.com/index.php?cPath=7

I posted this to the old version of the forum and figure this is worth reposting. The excavation of a 16th century ship wreck revealed twenty little wooden boxes were recovered in 1968, each containing a dozen leather-framed spectacles likely made in Nuremburg, Germany. The discovery of 240 sets of glasses in one place would tend to suggest that eyeglasses were more common than people often think
http://www.antiquespectacles.com/topics/discoveries/shipwreck/shipwreck.htm

[Angus]

Are contacts an option?

I know of some websites that have some period frames, (early to mid 1700's to 1800) you could have your prescription filled into those frames.

These frames are a later period than "Renaissance England", but I don't think that many people would notice...

Search here: jas-townsend.com and look under "Eyewear".

Eye Glasses have a long history, however real period Eye Glasses were hand held devices that you held up to your face when you wanted to see something, not something worn on the face. That didn't happen until later, around 1727 by Edward Scarletti...

[Once Debauched]

I would love to be able to wear contacts to faire but, exposing my eyes to certain types of sunlight over a period of time causes migraines.  I did find a seller on ebay that has civil war period tinted glasses.  In the end I figured it was easier to just find a pair of glasses with small lenses and have them colored.  I figure stained glass was available so blue would be my color of choice!

[Valiss]

You know, I would think that thin wire frames might just be acceptable all on thier own as Groomporter said.  I have seen some nobles do that at faire.

[Lady Amy of York]

I have been wearing thin wire frames for years with my noble gowns (  i  can't wear contacts  either )   and no one has ever said  anything to me about them not being historically accurate.  Besides, remember you only get one pair  of eyes.  Wear what ever you are comfortable  in, and  whatever helps  you to see the best.

[isabelladangelo]

Wire frames are perfectly acceptable.  I've seen a few people take that extra step, take the sides off and add ribbon for looping around the ears, but that's about it.  Sunglasses were used in period to "reduce the glare" and not really for the sun.   The colors were normally green from what I've read but I don't see why blue wouldn't have been available either.

There are a few places that do sell "period" frames if you want to go that route.  However, I think a simple pair of wire frames that also work as everyday glasses are the way to go for now.

[Once Debauched]

OOOo!  Green works too!

[SleepyArcher]

google williamsburg marketplace...i beleive they sell the circular metal frames

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

I wear my glasses as they are. I am blind without them, especially the one eye that is working.

If I get harassased, I flick the person off politely.

[groomporter]

Jas Townsend now has video intro to the early eyeglass frames they carry that might be useful to people
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKYGjhj9DfQ

Unfortunately they no longer carry the 1500's style frames they used to sell.

[Sir Sebastian Phoenix]

It is a bit unusual but there is a playton at CRF that disguises his corrective lenses in a leather mask. The only concern there is wearing the mask all day.

It's an option...an unusual, creative, require some crafting/rigging option. It wouldn't work with most garb but I thought I'ld throw it out there.

[Taffy Saltwater]

I have no option but to wear my glasses unless I want a migraine.  Even if I could get contacts w/my prescription, I'd still have to wear sunglasses because I am ALLERGIC to UV rays.  The last time I bought glasses it cost the equivalent of more than two months rent.  I have put off another trip to the optician because I will probably need trifocals.  Although I hate my vision, I'm glad to have what I have of it and that technology has enabled me to forego coke bottle lenses & clip-on shades.