The history of sunglasses can be traced back to ancient Rome and China. It is said that ancient Roman emperors would watch gladiatorial matches through lenses of polished gems. In China, lenses were made of quartz and darkened by exposing them to smoke.
Unlike today, the ancient Chinese did not use these smoked lenses for fashion or even to protect their eyes from the sun. Rather, they were used by judges to hide their faces while interrogating trial witnesses. A similar use can be seen today around any poker table where sunglasses are commonly used to hide the eyes from opponents.
Sunglasses took a major turn when, in the 18th century, James Ayscough experimented with tinting lenses various colors. These tinted glasses were among the first type of shaded glasses designed to be worn with the specific intent of correcting vision.
However, it wouldn’t be until the 20th century that sunglasses appeared which were designed specifically to protect your eyes from damaging sun rays, specifically UV rays, as well as improve your overall vision through the use of polarized lenses.
The introduction of the Ray-Ban Aviator — originally designed for WWI pilots but later popularized with the general public — were worn as a fashion statement. Ray-Ban’s later model, the Wayfarer, hit the big time when Audrey Hepburn wore them in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
By the mid 20th century famous designers had taken up the task of designing sunglasses to make a fashion statement. Modern day sunglasses are typically designed to perform multiple duties: protect the eyes and show others your fashion sensibilities.
Ojo Designs offer a wide selection of Spy Glasses brand sunglasses, as well as many other popular brands. Billings Farnsworth is a freelance writer.