Intro:
1) History of how a simple 12th century idea turned into a
Eyes wear fashion statement & worldwide trend.
2) Info on UV, UVA, UVB (ultra-violet) rays standard.
Who is at risk for HEV -high energy visible light &
Macular degeneration.
Sunglasses or (spectacles) are said to be originated as far
Back as the 12th century or possibly earlier by Chinese court judges
Using flat panes of smoke colored quartz that did protect the
Eyes from glare, but not corrective sight abilities like
Prescription lenses. There is some historical data that
State the crystals were used to hide the facial expression and /or
Having eye contact during interrogation of witnesses.
Other experiments in the mid 18th century are documented that
The use of blue or green lenses with spectacles
Not necessarily called sunglasses at that time believed to
Have corrective abilities for specific vision impairments.
In the late 1920s inexpensive sunglasses were introduced to
America by Sam Foster (Foster Grant) on the beaches of the most
Famous east coast summer vacation hotpot Atlantic City, NJ
At the legendary Woolworth Department store on the boardwalk.
Around 1926 the famous Bausch & Lomb eyewear had one of the
Best developments in the world – Ray-Ban brand sunglasses,
Made for pilots during the first and Second World War period and
Are still available today. Timeless form, function and style.
1936 was another year for a major development in
Technology for sunglass / sun shade use,
Edwin H. Land experimented using his patented Polaroid filter by
Covering the lenses to further enhance the ability for
Sunglasses to reduce glare. Later that development carried over
To cameras, camera lenses and various optical accessories.
The 1950s is when sunglasses started to play as more of a
Fashion statement for movie stars and musicians the “cool” factor
Became a cultural phenomenon and a fashion accessory in there
World no matter the time, place, indoor, outdoors, day,
Or night. “Cool” was raised to a whole new level in those days.
Foster Grant came forward with a ad campaign that
Took their sunglasses to the ultimate chic level with the
Popular saying “Who’s that behind those Foster Grants?”
That made the company a dominant force in the world of
Must have fashion eyewear in America and abroad.
Today, sunglasses or shades have come a long way since its
Introduction and this fashion accessory trend keep on
Evolving to a must-have as part of any wardrobe, anytime of the year.
Sunglass Safety & Protection:
UV, UVA, UVB ratings (ultra-violet rays)
US, Australian, European Standards
Exposure to ultra-violet rays (UV) can cause short & long term
Ocular problems and proper protection is vital with fashion or
Work-related eyewear and should be taken into consideration.
Beside from looking “cool” consumers need to be aware of what to
Look for when buying sunglasses no matter the price range.
Remember price is not necessarily an indicator of
Quality as one might think.
For some time, High Energy Visible Light (HEV) has been
Said to cause macular degeneration as we age, children transmit
Much more HEV light than adults and is definitely
Something to keep in mind not to overlook when
Everything else is covered concerning you and your child.
Here is a quick reference of what to look for when buying
Sunglasses. Not all manufacturers follow these standards
Nor do they have to, So be aware..
Australian Standard AS1067- Ratings go from 0 to 4. “0” some
Protection and “4” highest level of UV protection.
US Standard ANSI Z80.3-1972 old US compliance /
Updated standard ANSI Z80.3-2001- states that lenses should be
UVB (280 TO 315nm) translates to not more than 1% of UVB
Light can filter through lenses. UVA (315 TO 380nm) translates
No more than 0.5 times of visual light transmittance.
European Standard EN1836: 2005- Ratings go from 0 to 3 for
UV protection, 0 insufficient, 1 sufficient, 2 good, 3 full
Protection of UV rays
Keep these standards in mind before buying sunglasses
No matter the cost.
Now, Sunglasses are available from a multitude of designers and
Manufacturers. There are designer sunglasses by PRADA, OAKLEY,
HUGO BOSS, VERSACE etc. and even some old school originators
Come in almost any size, color, shape and style. From a simple
Experiment in the early days to worldwide fashion
Statement, the sunglass movement is more than just a spectacle.
Look “Cool” and be safe doing it!!
Author: Larry Harris
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