Sunglasses or (spectacles) are said to be originated as far Back as the 12th century or possibly earlier by Chinese court judges Using flat panes of smoke colored quartz that did protect the Eyes from glare, but not corrective sight abilities like Prescription lenses. There is some historical data that State the crystals were used to hide the facial expression and /or Having eye contact during interrogation of witnesses.
Other experiments in the mid 18th century are documented that The use of blue or green lenses with spectacles Not necessarily called sunglasses at that time believed to Have corrective abilities for specific vision impairments.
In the late 1920s inexpensive sunglasses were introduced to America by Sam Foster (Foster Grant) on the beaches of the most Famous east coast summer vacation hot spot Atlantic City, NJ At the legendary Woolworth Department store on the boardwalk.
Around 1926 the famous Bausch & Lomb eye wear had one of the Best developments in the world – Ray-Ban brand sunglasses, Made for pilots during the first and Second World War period and Are still available today. Timeless form, function and style.
1936 was another year for a major development in Technology for sunglass / sun shade use, Edwin H. Land experimented using his patented Polaroid filter by Covering the lenses to further enhance the ability for Sunglasses to reduce glare. Later that development carried over To cameras, camera lenses and various optical accessories.
The 1950s is when sunglasses started to play as more of a Fashion statement for movie stars and musicians the “cool” factor Became a cultural phenomenon and a fashion accessory in there World no matter the time, place, indoor, outdoors, day, Or night. “Cool” was raised to a whole new level in those days.
Foster Grant came forward with a ad campaign that Took their sunglasses to the ultimate chic level with the Popular saying “Who’s that behind those Foster Grants?” That made the company a dominant force in the world of Must have fashion eye wear in America and abroad. Today, sunglasses or shades have come a long way since its Introduction and this fashion accessory trend keep on Evolving to a must-have as part of any wardrobe, anytime of the year.
Sunglass Safety & Protection: UV, UVA, UVB ratings (ultra-violet rays) US, Australian, European Standards
Exposure to ultra-violet rays (UV) can cause short & long term Ocular problems and proper protection is vital with fashion or Work-related eye wear and should be taken into consideration. Beside from looking “cool” consumers need to be aware of what to Look for when buying sunglasses no matter the price range. Remember price is not necessarily an indicator of Quality as one might think.
For some time, High Energy Visible Light (HEV) has been Said to cause macular degeneration as we age, children transmit Much more HEV light than adults and is definitely Something to keep in mind not to overlook when Everything else is covered concerning you and your child.
Here is a quick reference of what to look for when buying Sunglasses. Not all manufacturers follow these standards Nor do they have to, So be aware..
Australian Standard AS1067- Ratings go from 0 to 4. “0” some Protection and “4” highest level of UV protection.
US Standard ANSI Z80.3-1972 old US compliance Updated standard ANSI Z80.3-2001- states that lenses should be UVB (280 TO 315nm) translates to not more than 1% of UVB Light can filter through lenses. UVA (315 TO 380nm) translates No more than 0.5 times of visual light transmittance.
European Standard EN1836: 2005- Ratings go from 0 to 3 for UV protection, 0 insufficient, 1 sufficient, 2 good, 3 full Protection of UV rays
Keep these standards in mind before buying sunglasses No matter the cost.
Now, Sunglasses are available from a multitude of designers and Manufacturers. There are designer sunglasses by PRADA, OAKLEY, HUGO BOSS, VERSACE etc. and even some old school originators Come in almost any size, color, shape and style. From a simple Experiment in the early days to worldwide fashion Statement, the sunglass movement is more than just a spectacle.
Look “Cool” and be safe doing it!!