History of Sunglasses

The first recorded use of sunglasses was in China during the 12th century or possibly earlier.

It is hard to say who wore the first pair of sunglasses. Many have given this honor to the Roman emperor Nero, who enjoyed watching gladiator fights through polished gems. The first recorded use of sunglasses was in China during the 12th century or possibly earlier. The lenses of these sunglasses were polished flat panes of smoky quartz. They did not correct any visual problems but did protect the eyes from glare, and evil spirits according to some beliefs. Current documents describe judges in Chinese courts using glasses such as these to conceal their facial expressions
while they question witnesses.

In the mid-18th century, James Ayscough started experimenting with tinted lenses in spectacles. He believed blue or green glass would correct problems with vision impairments. He was not interested in protecting the eyes from the harmful rays of the sun.

The first sunglasses that were introduced to the public as offering protection from the sun was by Sam Foster in 1929. He had a strong and ready market at Atlantic City, New Jersey and sold his Foster Grants from a Woolworth located on the Boardwalk. However, it wasn't until 1936, when Edwin H. Land experimented making lenses from his patented Polaroid filters that sunglasses became polarized.








 

Resources:  Glasses and Fashion Sites | More Fashion 

Reading glasses article list

Contact and terms of use

Compare and shop glasses