History of Sunglasses

From sun protection helper to must-have fashion accessory, sunglasses have become an essential modern gadget with timeless appeal. Beyond protecting our eyes, they tell a story rich in symbolism and cultural importance. Let’s take a look back in history to uncover the fascinating roots of sunglasses.

The Antiquity of Sunglasses

Our modern tints owe their existence to ancient civilizations. Their journeys reflected practical solutions to sun-induced vision problems, changed perceptions of power and authority, and showcased scientific breakthroughs that had a lasting impact on life.

Exploring the Origins of Sunglasses

For centuries, sunglasses have played a vital role in our daily lives. The idea of protecting our eyes from the sun has been around for a long time, even before there are historical records. Although there are rumors that emperors as far back as the first century in Rome wore lenses, concrete evidence is elusive.

So, when did sunglasses actually emerge? The first confirmed sighting dates back to 12th-century China, when smoky quartz lenses made their debut. However, it wasn’t until the mid-1700s that English optometrist James Ayscough delved into the medical benefits of tinted lenses. His theory was that using green or blue lenses could alleviate specific visual impairments.

Inuit Ingenuity: The Birth of the First Sunglasses

The origin story of modern sunglasses tells of the resourcefulness of the Inuit, early inhabitants of the Arctic. These ingenious people used bone and ivory to create what many consider to be the first sunglasses, which did more than just protect against the sun. Their sunglasses became an essential tool for survival, helping to cope with the challenges posed by strong sunlight reflecting off the pristine, snow-covered terrain.

Ancient Shades: The Launch of Eyewear in China and Rome

Diving deeper into the past, we find that ancient Chinese judges used lenses made of flat smoky quartz in court. These not only obscured their eyes, but also made their expressions impossible for onlookers to decipher.

In Rome’s grand arenas, emperors took a different view – literally. While watching gladiators duel under the blazing sun, emperors like Nero opted for emerald-colored lenses, even though smoky quartz and mica lenses were a popular choice during Rome’s opulent times. Ancient eyewear, fashion and mystery.

Shaping Shades: Sunglasses in the Middle Ages and Renaissance

As we move into the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the lens game of smoky quartz or mica flat plates was still strong. However, it was the frames that stole the show. Bone and ivory continued to reign supreme, but now they shared the stage with newcomers like horn and even gold. Leather straps joined the ensemble, not only for fashion, but also to secure those ever-changing lenses.

Sunglasses Become Status Symbols

In this era, sunglasses became more than just protectors of the eyes; they became status symbols. Exquisite designs and precious materials redefined eyewear, turning it into a statement of wealth and status. Nobles flaunted gold frames studded with rare gemstones, blending luxury with fashion. Beyond eye protection, sunglasses now proudly proclaimed privilege, a sign worn by the elite to showcase their lofty social status.

Tinted Lenses: Beyond Fashion, a Medical Miracle

In the 1700s, James Ayscough pioneered the trend for blue and green tinted lenses. Fast forward to the late 19th century, and yellow lenses found a new purpose—alleviating the light sensitivity of syphilitics. Green lenses? They became allies of those battling color blindness. As the 20th century dawned, attention turned to UV protection. Today, ongoing research continues to uncover new medical applications for tinted lenses.

Leonardo da Vinci’s Lens Legacy

Beyond his artistic genius, da Vinci left an indelible mark on sunglasses. Optics and innovative lens design were his playground. Recognizing the need to protect the eyes, da Vinci envisioned groundbreaking lens shapes. His futuristic ideas not only shaped the practicality of sunglasses, but also seamlessly merged science and fashion, laying the foundation for the eyewear revolution.

Sunglasses: A Stylish Journey Through Time

Once the preserve of the elite, sunglasses have become accessible and evolved into an everyday necessity. How did this transformation unfold?

Modern Tints in 18th Century Venice

In 18th century Venice, Italy, things changed. Gondoliers wore the first metal-framed sunglasses, called Goldoni Glasses, with green lenses for sun protection. Sunglasses were no longer a privilege of the elite, but became a public affair. This marked a turning point that made sunglasses a common accessory.

Hollywood Era: Sunglasses Become a Style Icon

Fast forward to the 20th century, and thanks to Hollywood glamour and leaps in technology, sunglasses are in the spotlight. From iconic designs to the magic of polarized lenses, sunglasses became synonymous with style, gracing the faces of movie stars across the country. The real game changer? Polarized lenses are the gift of eye protection, minimizing glare and increasing visual clarity. Imagine if Da Vinci cracked the code to polarized sunglasses!