The history of sunglasses
Sunglasses during the history have been used in different forms around the world for a very long time. Roman emperor Nero used to watch gladiators through a shiny green emerald, which protected him from sun blindness. The light also disturbed the Eskimos, when it reflected from the snow. As a protection they used a piece of leather with holes in it. The first invention in history of the actual sunglasses is dated between 1268 and 1289.
Around 1430 the Chinese judges started to use a dim flat crystal, but not as a protection from the sun light but to cover their eye expressions and to look very mysterious when judging.
The first modern sunglasses were designed in the middle of 18th century by James Ayscough. The biggest problem was how to make sunglasses stay on the nose. In 1730, Edward Scarlett invented the frame, which could hold the lenses and also stay on the nose. The frame was made from leather, bones and metal; instead of the temples there were silk strings, which came around the ears. The Chinese later discovered ceramic temples.
In those days, not many people believe that darker lenses protect the sight and sunglasses were considered as an ugly medical aid. Wearing of sunglasses didn't spread until the 20s in the 20th century and since then they started to be also a matter of fashion.
In 1929 Sam Foster started the first mass-manufacture of sunglasses and the sales started a mob madness, even celebrities had to have them.
In 1930 the armed forces of USA asked the Bausch & Lomb to invent sunglasses, that could effectively reduce the sun blinding of pilots in high altitudes. The result were sun-glasses with green lenses and their followers are well-known Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses.
A polarizing filter was found in 1936 by Edward H. Land. This filter has a significant meaning in elimination of light reflections from shiny surfaces.
Wearing sunglasses became very popular and they started to be designed by famous world brands, they became a part of shoubiz but also a part of a daily life. Today, we can't imagine life without sunglasses, but most important is that we focus not only on the design but also on the quality, which should be the most significant factor when choosing sunglasses.
