Interesting fact…the wearing of sunglasses can be traced back to prehistoric times and the Inuit people. They wore flattened ivory walrus to try to protect their eyes from sun rays.
Nero, the Roman Emperor, wore coloured lens to watch gladiator competitions and in 12th century China, dark lenses were often used to hide facial expressions when one was out in public.
Eye damage from the sun was not a concern until 20th century europeans commonly prescribed tinted spectacles for patients with syphillis because of the disease-related sensitivity to light.
In 1920’s America, sunglasses became popular among Hollywood celebrities and by 1929 mass production of sunglasses at affordable prices were available thanks to Sam Foster. His company, Foster Grant, sold sunglasses in Woolworth’s made from celluloid.
The evolution of sunglasses technology for eye protection took place in 1936 after the inventor and scientist, Edwin H. Land, discovered inexpensive filters for polarizing light. He later became co-founder of Polaroid Corporation which produced polaroid instant cameras in 1948.
Today, sunglasses are needed more than ever to protect us from ultraviolet radiation and blue light which can cause serious eye problems and permanent damage due to unprotected exposure to the sun. Such damage can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration, photokeratitis and temporary vision loss.
So yes, look cool, be fashionable, post those fabulous selfies on Instagram and Facebook, but let’s be smart about our next purchase and choose sunnies with UV protection.
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