The History says that Chinese people started making sunglasses with a particular type of smoky quartz, by the beginning of the 12th century. But it was not capable to filter the harmful ultra violet rays. In fact they made it difficult to see. But they provided some relief from the shining sun. During that time, Chinese rulers and Judges began to use it to hide the emotions while doing the judgments and questioning of the accused.

The extensive use of Sunglasses started when Sam Foster, an entrepreneur who began the mass production in 1929. He sold the first pair of Foster Grant sunglasses on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, where the beach goers were a steady stream of sunglass sales for him. By that time sunglasses became a necessity and no longer an accessory.

The Army Air corps approached a company called Bausch and Lomb to create effective eyeglasses to protect their eyes from high altitude sun glare. In 1936 Edwin H. Land, the founder of Polaroid Corporation introduced sunglasses with Polaroid filter, with prevented ultra violet rays, for the first time. The modern day tinted sunglasses were invented by James Ayscough.

These remarkable incidents in the history of sunglasses made them a desirable item for every field, including, health, fashion and comfort. During that time, the Hollywood stars and famous artists began to use it extensively, inspiring others. They have come a long way from emerald and smoky quartz held up to the eyes to the beautiful designs we use today.

Sunglasses hide the eyes

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There is evidence that the Chinese developed rough lenses that provided no sun protection, possibly some relief from the suns rays, and were contained in a primitive frame that was not comfortable to wear. The purpose of these sunglasses in addition to relief from sun rays were to hide facial expression by judges and other people of power during those times. The inventor of the modern sun-glass lens was Foster, who developed not only lenses to improve vision but, to protect from the sun’s rays as well. Foster held patents in lenses of various sorts, including those used in cameras.

Sunglasses became very popular in 20th century Hollywood…Actors and film crews used them to protect from hot studio lights. They later became a trademark accessory for Hollywood Stars to wear in the California Sun. Sunglasses have evolved as modern medicine has determined the health value of UV protection for our eyes. They do however remain a design accessory and add to our wardrobes and status as they come in all shapes, sizes, colors and price ranges.

Manufacturers of sunglasses have developed sunglasses that can be attached to our corrective lenses or that include our prescription for vision correction and can actually protect the health of our very important eyes. The real inventor of sunglasses will probably never be known, as man has probably always found ways to shield his eyes from the sun.

While we would like to think those fabulous sunglasses are a modern invention the concept has been has been us since the 12th century. It is reported that Chinese judges utilized smoky quartz panes, not as eye protection but to hide their expressions during witness questioning and court proceedings. Nero, a Roman emperor, is also reported to utilize gems when viewing fighting gladiators.

The first pair of recognized sunglasses were designed by James Ayscough in 1752. Believing in the unhealthy rays of the sun he utilized tints of green and blue for eye comfort and protection. However, the concept did not catch the public’s attention since they were associated with individuals with weak eyes and feeble dispositions. With the advent of silent movies and the necessary bright studio lighting, stars began to wear sunglasses more for eye protection prior to filming than to conceal their identities. In 1929 Sam Foster became the officially known inventor of what is known as sunglasses today.

Utilizing the polarizing filter, created by Edwin H. Land, Sam Foster offered to the public the initial pair of sunglasses in an Atlantic City Woolworth. Gaining popularity in 1965 with the famous “Who’s behind those Foster Grants?” campaign film stars such as Raquel Welch and Peter Sellers, to mention a few, were utilized in their ads. Sam Foster was able to offer star-like quality to the average individual with their moderately prices glasses and it soon became the rage.

Today we enjoy a wide variety of styles to choose from, from sleek to sassy and anything in between. So, for all sunglasses wearers everywhere, thank you Sam Foster.

Great invention for us all

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