When were sunglasses invented?

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The sunglasses you love for protection and style have a long history. When they were first introduced, they had a more useful function. From emeralds in Rome to the fashionable ones you wear today, let's explore the complete history of sunglasses.

Who invented sunglasses?

The history of sunglasses history goes back thousands of years. Some of the first sunglasses came from Roman emperors who wore carved emeralds over their eyes while they watched gladiator fights to Native American tribes who would carve protective eyewear out of wood or walrus tusk to protect their eyes from glare that bounced off of the snow and ice.

Chinese judges of the Song Dynasty concealed their facial emotions when questioning witnesses and conducting civil service exams by using smoky quartz sunglasses in court. It gave the judges a distant appearance.

When were sunglasses invented in America?

In the 1800s, medical sunglasses were used to treat cataracts and other eye conditions. The Civil War saw the use of special eyewear by soldiers, including eyeglasses with orange-tinted lenses and a small, unshaded circle over each pupil that allowed snipers to focus on their target.

In the US, sunglasses were primarily functional more than a fashion piece until the economic boom following the First World War. In 1929, the first commercial sunglasses became available. Sam Foster created these and offered them to beachgoers in Atlantic City for a low price. Foster Grant sunglasses were extremely popular, and soon after Woolworths in New Jersey began selling them commercially as a fashion statement.

Historical sunglasses

Since the adoption of sunglasses for commercial use, there has been an explosion in the types of sunglasses available to the public. In 1937, Ray-Ban opened its doors for the first time. Initially worn by Army Air Corps pilots, their aviator sunglasses became fashionable accessories for civilians and still are today.

When were polarized lenses invented?

In 1939, the original polarized sunglasses were made by Edwin H. Land, the inventor of Polaroid. Millions of pairs of these sunglasses were sold throughout the country during the following ten years, becoming fashion essentials.

What are polarized lenses?

Polarized lenses have a special treatment to help block light rays coming from glare. Because of this treatment, they improve vision and protect your eyes while in the sun.

Modern sunglass styles

In the 1950s, actresses like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn popularized cat eye sunglasses, and in 1956, Ray Ban introduced the first pair of Wayfarers, one of the most well-known sunglasses styles today.

In the 1960s, oversized lenses (sometimes called Jackie O’s) were made popular by their namesake, followed by round sunglasses, which rose in popularity in the 1970s thanks to John Lennon and the iconic look of the Beatles.

In the 1980s, plastic became significantly less expensive to produce, so sunglasses manufacturers began substituting aluminum and other heavy materials with lightweight, durable plastic.

The rich history of sunglasses can help us deeply understand the role and importance of this everyday accessory alongside the history of eyeglasses. You will not look at your glasses in the same way!