We use them for distance, see closely, to read as sun protection, eye protection and industry, sports and others.
The call glasses, spectacles, sunglasses, goggles ...
There hieroglyphics of V century B.C. lenses in which glass is surely.
Currently manufactured polycarbonates which are resistant and lightweight.
Bifocals have become in the trifocals (For long distances, medium distance and near distances), and these days you can buy called progressive lenses which focus from far distances to comfortable distances to read.
Glasses to view 3D photos and movies are based on color filter (anaglyph glasses with red and blue filters), and polarized glasses.
