A Brief History of How Sunglasses Came About

 When in the sun, the American Optometric Association recommends wearing sunglasses that block ultraviolet radiation (UV)[3] to protect the eyes from UV and blue light, which can cause a variety of significant eye issues. Try out brands like Felix Gray sunglasses and read this article to learn the brief history of sunglasses. Before looking at the evolution of polarized lenses and Cat-eye sunglasses, let's look at the history of the first pair of sunglasses. The idea for polarized lenses was first conceived in the early 1800s by an English optician named James Ayscough. He discovered that changing the color of the lens reduced glare. Land, who founded the Polaroid Corporation in Cambridge, eventually developed the first sunglasses with polarizing filters.

Evolution of sunglasses

Sunglasses have undergone many design changes over the centuries. First developed to protect pilots from glare at high altitudes, sunglasses became a popular accessory. They were later popularized by American movie stars, including Marilyn Monroe. Then, in the 1930s, Polaroid Corporation's Edwin Land invented the polarized lens. This new lens enabled glasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Today, sunglasses have evolved into not only a fashion item but also a health aid.

In the early 12th century, ancient Chinese judges wore sunglasses to hide their expressions while in court. Over time, sunglasses gained popularity throughout the world. By the early nineteenth century, they were used for various purposes, from aviators for military purposes to courtroom cover-ups. In addition, many people in cold climates couldn't see clearly in snow. These people wore whale-bone sunglasses to protect their eyes. Finally, in the late 1700s, opticians began experimenting with tinted lenses to solve vision problems.

Foster

The history of sunglasses goes back more than a century, and the first pairs of fashionable shades were sold on the Atlantic City Boardwalk in 1929. The sunglasses became a fashion accessory for film stars and were necessary for war-time pilots. Edwin H. Land patented a Polaroid filter, which dramatically reduced glare and made sunglasses possible. These new sunglasses became the foundation of the aviator-style sunglasses.

The early versions of sunglasses were round and thin with wireframes and were widely worn by movie stars. They were made famous by the U.S. military and the Depression-era entrepreneur Sam Foster and eventually became a fashion statement. By the 1930s, sunglasses were everywhere. Even today, Hollywood stars and movie stars are sporting oversized sunglasses to protect their eyes. Sunglasses continue to evolve with technology. And, of course, they won't go away anytime soon.

Cat-eye sunglasses

If you're looking for a unique pair of glasses complementing your facial features, then cat-eye sunglasses might be a great option. These sunglasses mimicked the shape of a cat's eye and were first popularized in the 1950s. Many prominent women of all ages popularized the resulting style. Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe, both known for wearing cat-eye sunglasses, helped popularize this style.

The cat-eye style became popular during the 1950s and 1960s when they were popular among stay-at-home mothers and professional women. In the 1970s, the design went out of fashion but came back in the 1990s as "bug-like" frames, and colored lenses became fashionable. Today, women of all shapes and faces can wear these eyewear pieces and benefit from their flattering shape.

Polarized lenses

There are two primary types of polarized lenses. The cheaper option is made from acrylic or acetate material. In both cases, a polarized film is laminated between two thin sheets of acetate or acrylic, then heated. It is then cut into the shape of the lens. These two materials have different advantages and disadvantages. Acrylic lenses are easy to scratch, and hot spots can reduce the polarizing effect.

As the name implies, polarized lenses block the glare by preventing the light waves from bouncing off horizontal surfaces. This makes them beneficial in driving and participating in sports. However, polarized lenses may not suit all circumstances, making it difficult to see LCD screens and other electronic devices. Therefore, people who frequently spend time outside should consider buying polarized lenses. You can find many polarized sunglasses on the market.

Nero's emeralds

The earliest mention of the emeralds as sunglasses is from Pliny the Elder's writings, in which the Roman emperor mentioned using them for watching gladiator fights. The concave surface of the emerald eliminated the glare from the sun and its effect on nearsightedness. The ancient Romans regarded the emerald as a valuable stone during this time. They are also called red rubies and blue sapphires by different names. In later centuries, the term olivine became popular and modern sources refer to it as a variety of green stones.

The Roman Emperor Nero wore polished emeralds to view the colosseum battles. The emerald helped him see better in bright sunlight. The first modern sunglasses were sold in 1929 in Atlantic City, NJ. Sam Foster's combs became more popular than combs.

Influence on fashion and style

The impact of sunglasses has been documented for decades. During the 20th century, sunglasses were a major source of fashion and style inspiration. The oversized frames of the '80s were highly fashionable and often incorporated a jokey touch. Most oversized sunglasses featured colored lenses and large frames in bright colors. Oversized sunglasses were made cheaply and are now an essential part of many trendy looks. They were worn by celebrities such as Elton John during his concerts. Moderately oversized sunglasses were popular during the 2000s and are now available in various colors. 

In recent years, sunglasses have become more critical than ever in fashion. They are now a crucial component of a person's style and fashion statement. While no one style has become ubiquitous, they have been heavily influenced by avant-garde designers and celebrities and pop culture and sports. In addition to influencing mainstream fashion, sunglasses have been popularized in several niches, affecting everything from sportswear to the NASCAR circuit.