Sunglasses are known for their functional as well as their fashion appeal. Commonly known as glares or shades, sunglasses are used to protect the eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.
Sunglasses can be traced to Roman Emperor Nero and also the Chinese judges who concealed their face while questioning witnesses. By mid-18th Century, tinted glasses were invented by James Ayscough. These were not for protecting the eyes but for correcting visual impairments.
By the 20th Century, film celebrities started using sunglasses to hide their sore eyes and sunglasses became popular. This continued over the years while the filming process becoming faster and the use of ultraviolet filters also came into vogue.
The lenses of the sunglasses are also very important. Generally one sees either brown or black lenses. Today even colours like yellow, blue, green, orange and grey are available. It is recommended that lenses be of a colour which neutralises the effects of other colours, helping you to see better with them especially when driving a car. Colour distortion is minimum with green, grey and yellow and brown.
For underwater activities or deep sea diving, polarised lenses are used. They reduce the glare reflected from the surface of the water. There are mirrored glasses too which reflect some light back reducing some brightness of the sunrays. These glasses can have any colour and are more of a fashion accessory.
The materials of the frames have also changed. From metal to thick plastic frames, today you have delicate looking frames which are full, half or no frame at all. The nose bridge is also made from materials which do not put too much stress on the skin and leave behind undesired marks.
The oversized glasses are called Onassis glasses since Jackie Onassis made them popular. There are aviator glasses which have large tear drop lens and have thin frames. These are generally found on military persons, pilots and cops. They continue to be very popular. Also very popular are the wayfarers that were worn by actor James Dean. The tea shades worn by John Lennon is another popular shape. They are round lens with a wire frame.
Today there are more discoveries regarding eye problems and high energy visible light is said to be one of the causes of macular degeneration. Some sunglass designers take this into consideration too. Children are said to have ocular lenses that transmit far more high-energy visible light than adults. So it is advisable for them to wear sunglasses too.
By 2004 sunglasses with built-in digital audio player called thump were developed by Oakley. Now you have a treat for the ears too, along with soothing for the eyes.
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