Sunglasses

Guide Note

Sunglasses are visual aids that have darkened lenses in order to shield the wearer's eyes from bright light. Sunglasses are useful for outdoor activities, not only to aid in vision, but to protect the eyes from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Sunglasses also serve to hide identity and have been a popular fashion statement since the 1940s.

Fast Facts

1. 1st U.S. mass-production: 1929
2. 1st U.S. market: Atlantic City, NJ
3. Introduced by: Sam Foster
4. 1st polarized lenses: 1936
5. 1st polarized lenses made with [Polaroid]] filter
6. Also known as "shades"
7. One of Corey Hart's hit songs was title "Sunglasses at Night"

• Novelty: Novelty and oversized sunglasses are used for humor. They are often too big for a normal face and come in very bright colors.

• Onassis Glasses: Popularized by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. These big sunglasses became popular again in 2003.

• Aviators: Created by Ray Ban in 1936 for United States Military aviators. The glasses featured large, mirrored lenses and are still popular with pilots and law enforcement officers. They are also worn as a fashion statement by normal civilians.