First invented in the prehistoric times (2), sunglasses were made of ivory or bone with thin eye slits on each side to protect the eyes from direct sunlight and snow (3).
Remodelled structure
During the 12th Century in China, the most significant iteration was the change of the structure and addition of a dark ‘lense’, more like our modern sunglasses (1). The frame created a better structure to hug the face (2). Unlike the initial sunglasses, the hole for the eyes were enlarged to fit a lense-type piece. This allowed users to have a wider perspective and vision. This ‘lense’ was a smokey quartz, discovered in 55 A.D. (2). The dark glassy slab allowed users to see through the sunglasses. Although it did not give any protection from the harmful UV rays, the dark tint provided ease for the user’s eyes when in contact with direct sunlight (1). Chinese judges and gamblers have taken advantage of the large smoky lense, using it to conceal their emotions back in the 12th century (2), and some people still use sunglasses for this purpose. To this day, the elements of this iteration have been refined for better effects.
Tinted lense and minimal hinged frame
Another significant development of the sunglass is the tinted lense and hinged frame. In the 1700s, an optician named James Ayscough developed blue and green tinted lenses to help improve those with vision impairments such as Syphilis (4). Later, research had discovered that blue and green tints help to reduce glare and offer sharp vision (5). Instead of the musky, smokey quartz ‘lense’, this lense had offered clearer, brighter vision which wasn’t heavy for the face. In conjunction with the discovery of the tinted lense, Ayscough developed a double-hinged frame which was lighter to carry on the face (7).
Polaroid and UV filtered lense
In the 1930s, Edwin H. Land invented the first inexpensive polaroid filters and implemented this into sunglass lenses to protect the eyes from glares (8). These polarised lenses scatter the light to prevent it from directly hitting the eye, so users don't get a strong hurtful glare (9). In addition to the polaroid lense, many lenses had a special coating which absorbs and reflects UVA/UVB (9). The lense was also transparent, keeping the visual of real colours whilst protecting the eyes. This developed lense had better properties which increased the effectiveness to give users eyes relief and protection.
Current sunglass designs
The latest (20th and 21st century) sunglasses vary in frames, sizes and lenses. The modern sunglass designs incorporate iterations from over the years: the basic structure, tinted lense, and polarized and UV filtered lense. Through the different inventions and iterations, sunglasses are now catered for all users of all needs, from aviators, prescribed, clip-on, shield, sport glasses and childrens glasses (6). The current sunglass range caters for fashion, disguise and protection for specific activities (6). In the future, sunglasses may further develop the aesthetic and trends of the designs and the effectiveness of the protective lense may enhance further.
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References
(1) Glasses History. (2021). Who Invented Sunglasses?. http://www.glasseshistory.com/glasses-inventor/who-invented-sunglasses/
(2) Tera Martin. (April 14, 2017). The Evolution of Sunglasses. https://shopcanaryblu.com/blogs/sunglasses-history/history-behind-sunglasses
(4) Vision Source. (September 19, 2016). The Evolution Of Sunglasses. https://visionsource.com/blog/the-evolution-of-sunglasses/#:~:text=The%20earliest%20sunglasses%20we%20know,block%20out%20the%20sun's%20glare.
(5) Troy Bedinghaus. (August 25, 2020). Choosing the Right Tint for Your Sunglasses. https://www.verywellhealth.com/sunglasses-does-color-matter-3421920#:~:text=Green%3A%20Green%20tints%20filter%20some,reduce%20eyestrain%20in%20bright%20light.
(6) Antonio Centeno. Buying Men’s Sunglasses | Sunglass Style Guide | How To Purchase Perfect Pair Of Shades For Your Face Shape. https://www.realmenrealstyle.com/how-to-buy-sunglasses/
(7) JBD Admin. (November 16, 2017). The Eyeglasses (13th Century). https://www.idesign.wiki/the-eyeglasses-13th-century/
(8) OSA. (12 Jun 2013). Edwin H. Land. https://www.osa.org/en-us/history/biographies/bios/edwin-h--land/
(9) Jandra Sutton. (February 8, 2019). What Are Polarized Lenses?. https://www.healthline.com/health/polarized-lenses
Antonio Centeno. How to buy the perfect pair of sunglasses [Clip art]. https://www.realmenrealstyle.com/how-to-buy-sunglasses/
Antiques Online UK. (2021). Chinese Sunglasses with Smoky Quartz Lenses [Photograph]. https://hr.hr2021.com/content?c=smoky%20quartz%20sunglasses&id=2
JBD Admin. (November 16, 2017). The Eyeglasses (13th Century) [Photograph and Drawing]. https://www.idesign.wiki/the-eyeglasses-13th-century/
Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association. (1780-1790). Spectacle [Photograph]. http://americancenturies.mass.edu/collection/itempage.jsp?itemid=9304
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