Although none of the Custises or Lees were known to have worn eyeglasses regularly, they may have used them for reading.

James Ayscough invented what is believed to have been the first sunglasses in 1752. He believed white glass created a glare that damaged the eyes. He felt green and blue tints were best for the eyes and used such tints in corrective lenses.

Metal wire, glass W 11, L 2.7 cm Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial, ARHO 6229