Sunglasses: An Invention for the Ages

For many of us hopping in the car or stepping outside on a sunny day without a pair of sunglasses on can make us feel kind of naked. We squint and think ‘something’s not quite right.’ On sunny days sunglasses are a must. 

Sunglasses are great because not only do they protect your eyes from harmful UV rays but squinting for any prolonged period of time is uncomfortable and can cause a headache. Thank goodness for shades. We salute those pioneers whom created these sun blocking 

devices of style!

So who did invent sunglasses? Certainly there were early sun blocking devices to protect people’s eyes?

Many Native American cultures used paper birch to fashion a pair of anti-snow blindness goggles. Paper birch was used for a variety of uses from canoes to lodges, the flexible yet durable material was shaped into a goggle and eye slits were cut into it. This would allow winter travelers to traverse snow covered  landscapes on sunny days and see in comfort.

In the ancient East, Chinese judges in the 13^th century would wear smoke-tinted quartz lenses in order to conceal their emotions and facial expressions during a trial. This was to not reveal the outcome of a trial until all the evidence had been presented. They were also used as sunglasses.

In the 1430’s tinted eyeglasses were created in Italy and exported across the world. Their primary function was vision correction but they also (somewhat) served as sunglasses.

Modern day shades can be attributed to Sam Foster and his savvy marketing skills. Along the sunny boardwalk of coastal Atlantic City, NJ, Foster found a market ready for sunglasses. Foster founded The Foster Grant Company and began selling eyeglasses in 1929. By 1930 they were a sensation! 

Then in the 1930’s the US military commissioned Bausch & Lomb to create sun glasses for high altitude pilots. In 1936 Ray-Ban created Aviator glasses for WWII pilots. The rest is history!

Lucky for you sunglasses have had a few centuries to get it right. Stop into one of our 10 locations and treat yourself to some quality sunglasses. Our professional staff will help you find the right shades to showcase your unique look!

Don’t Let Summer Get Away! 5 Reasons to Wear Sunglasses This Summer

Summer is quickly coming to an end but that doesn’t mean it’s time to put away the shades, or worse, keep putting on those scratched up and blurry shades. Its Ok to treat yourself to some new shades. Sunglasses are actually good for your vision too…so there is all the rational you need!

Sunglasses = healthy eyes? Really?

Yes. Here are five quick reasons:

1. Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV light, any sunny day, any month of the year.
2. Comfortable vision: don’t squint.
3. Vision adaptability: your eyes will adapt easier to the dark or inside light if you are wearing shades outdoors.
4. Blue light protection: protect your eyes from long term exposure to the blue and violet lights of the solar spectrum. Long term exposure leads to macular degeneration.
5. They look cool! Life is short: look good and feel good

So don’t let summer get away! Keep those eyes protected and end in the summer in style. Visit our Facebook page to enter for a chance to win some new sunglasses!

Aging and Eyesight: Is it Time for an Eye Exam?

Most people don’t want to get old. However, growing older is inevitable and so are the associated aches and pains along with diminished eyesight. The onset of changes in your eyesight varies among people due to genetics and overall health of each individual.

If you are over 40 years old you may have noticed changes in your eyesight. These may be subtle changes such as having more difficulty seeing clearly while reading or focusing on close up projects. Typically, these changes begin to occur between ages 40 and 60.

Most adults in their 40s will begin to experience symptoms of presbyopia, a normal condition where your eyes lose their focusing ability over time. As you age your lenses lose their flexibility making it more difficult to see clearly. Here are some signs that this may be happening to you:

• Need for more light to read or work on projects.
• Problems with glare. For example, while driving at night the headlights of oncoming traffic will create more glare than when you were younger because the light is scattered rather than focused directly on the retina.
• Changes in the way you perceive color. The normally clear color of the lens may discolor overtime affecting the way you perceive colors.
• Difficulties reading and focusing up close.

If you are experiencing any of these signs there is some good news. However, this good news does require that you can be proactive. It may be time for eye glasses, contact lenses, or even corrective laser surgery.

Set up an eye exam today with Vision Pro and our professionals can help you find the best solutions for your eyesight!