Evolution of Sunglasses

An article by Lucy    59 Comments

We’ve been discussing a lot about sunglasses use, designs etc; you would surely appreciate the job they do in providing protection to your eyes and, the way they compliment your style.  Don’t you want to know how these sunglasses have evolved and became famous? Definitely you want to.  Then, read on….

There are always some rumors that sunglasses became popular after Roman emperors tried holding colored emerald gems to their eyes while watching gladiator competitions. However, 12^th century is said to be time of official invention of sunglasses.  Interesting point to note is, during 14th century, Chinese judges used flat-paned smoky quartz sunglasses to hide their facial expressions in courts. By 1430, prescription of sunglasses for eye sight correction became popular in Italy too. In the middle of 18^th century An English man tested the smoke-tinted lenses used by Chinese judges. He focused on making these glasses useful for the eyes as protection from the sun.

Initially the movie stars, fashion designers started wearing them and this attracted many people during the 19^th century, these sunglasses were meant to protect their eyes from the bright stage lights. Polaroid sunglasses became popular in 1936. Later, officially sunglasses entered into the word in the 20^th century.  As the technology was developing, people started understand danger of UV rays and now we have sun-glasses that protect our eyes from the harmful sunrays. Designer frames are numerous in market too, that complement our style.   The style has changed, the number of people trying to understand the importance of sunglasses has increased, but the concept always remained the same, since the olden days. EYE- PROTECTION.