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When Were Sunglasses Invented?
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When Were Sunglasses Invented?

It's hard to imagine a world without sunglasses. They've been around for centuries and continue to be one of the most popular accessories on the planet. But when were sunglasses invented? And why do we wear them? In this blog post, we will explore the history of sunglasses and discuss some of the reasons why they are so popular!

Invention of Sunglasses

James Ayscough invented sunglasses as we know today. He experimented with tinted lenses in the early 1800s, and by 1884 he was selling them as protective eyewear. Sunglasses gained popularity in the 1920s when movie stars began wearing them to shield their eyes from the bright lights of Hollywood sets.

Today, sunglasses serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. They come in various colors, shapes, and sizes to suit any taste. Some also have polarized lenses, which reduce glare and enhance clarity. Whether you’re looking to make a fashion statement or protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays, a pair of sunglasses are out there for you.

If you're looking for a stylish pair of sunglasses, or if you want to go old-school, you can check out Treehut's wooden sunglasses for men and wooden sunglasses for women

History of Sunglasses

The first recorded instance of sunglasses actually dates back to the 12th century, when Chinese judges wore them to conceal their facial expressions during trials. In the 13th century, sunglasses made their way to Italy, worn by Venetian noblemen to protect their eyes from the bright Mediterranean sun. However, it wasn't until the early 20th century that sunglasses became a fashion accessory. In the 1930s, Hollywood stars like Cary Grant and Greta Garbo popularized sunglasses as a glamorous must-have. Today, we wear sunglasses for various reasons: to protect our eyes from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays, hide our emotions, and look fabulous. No matter the reason, it's clear that sunglasses are here to stay!

Who invented sunglasses?

Modern sunglasses were invented in the early 20th century. However, China made the first sunglasses in the 12th century. They were made of smoky quartz to protect the eyes from the bright sun. In the 18th century, James Ayscough began experimenting with tinted lenses in glasses. He believed that blue-green glass could correct certain vision impairments. Ayscough's glasses had clear lenses and were not very successful. In the early 19th century, a man named Johann von Goethe wrote about the protective properties of blue-green tinted glass. Sir Humphrey Davy later proved Goethe's theories.

Moreover, in 1885, a British optician named George Massias patented the first successful pair of sunglasses. Massias's sunglasses had dark green lenses that absorbed light. They were very popular with the British military, who used them to protect their eyes from the bright sun while in battle. In the early 20th century, a French optician named Louis Bausch mounted a piece of dark glass on a frame made of Catalin, an early plastic. Bausch's glasses were more successful than Massias's because they were lighter and more comfortable to wear.

Why were sunglasses invented?

Sunglasses were invented to protect the eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. The sun emits these invisible rays and can cause several eye problems, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and pinguecula.

While sunglasses have been around for centuries, it wasn't until the early 20th century that they became widely used. This was due in part to the popularity of outdoor activities like tennis and golf and the growing awareness of the dangers of UV radiation.

So why were sunglasses invented? To keep our eyes healthy and safe from harmful UV rays! When buying a pair of sunglasses, it is essential to make sure they fulfill this fundamental purpose. To make sure you buy the best UV protection offering sunglasses in stylish frames, check out Treehut sunglasses for men and women!

When were sunglasses invented in America?

The first sunglasses were invented in America in the early 20th century. Since then, they have become an essential fashion accessory for both men and women. Today, there are many different styles of sunglasses available to suit any taste or budget. Whether you're looking for a simple pair of aviator-style shades or something more flashy and fashionable, you're sure to find the perfect pair of sunglasses to help protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays.

Conclusion

Sunglasses have been around for centuries, with the first recorded use dating back to China in the 12th century. While the design and purpose of sunglasses have evolved over time, their popularity remains as strong as ever. Whether you’re looking to protect your eyes from the sun or just want to look cool, sunglasses are a must-have accessory. So next time you’re out shopping for some new shades, check out Treehut's selection of vintage and modern sunglasses!

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Since a decade ago when we started, our commitment goes beyond crafting exquisite timepieces; it extends to a dedication to sustainability. Join our movement towards a greener future and wear a watch that not only tells time but tells a story of conscious living.

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