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!