We all use sunglasses as an effective way to prevent our eyes from the sunlight. But how often we think about the history of Sunglasses or where they originated from.

 It was discovered that Nero an Emperor of Rome enjoyed the fights of gladiators by watching through polished gems.  The early age’s sunglasses were made of lenses that were flat pans of smoke-colored quartz.  Around the twentieth century and before 1430 Chinese Judges wore smoke –colored sunglasses to conceal their expressions as a secret until trial’s conclusion. These sunglasses could not correct the vision or prevent harmful UV rays but were able to reduce glare.

In the mid of 18^th century James Ayscough invented blue and green corrective lenses which gave sunglasses a new direction and it started the use of eyeglasses in correcting optical impairment. In 1929 Sam Foster, founder of Foster Grant Company introduced sunglasses in America. His Foster Grants were the first mass produced sunglasses and since then sunglasses underwent into change and became as a popular item as they are today.  These sunglasses were designed to protect the eyes from the harmful UV rays. In 1936 Edwin H. Land founder of Polaroid Corporation began using his patented Polaroid filter at the time of manufacturing sunglasses and started manufacturing Polaroid Sunglasses. By this time sunglasses were all the rage and lots of Americans started using sunglasses. They started to become not only a means to protect against the sun but also a symbol of being ‘Cool’.  Many musicians and Actors started wearing sunglasses.

Sunglasses not only impressed the ordinary people but also attracted the attention of the army officials towards its benefits. In 1930 the Army Air Corps asked Bosch & Lomb to develop some kind of sunglasses for their pilot that can effectively reduce the sun glare while flying.

In 1937 Ray Ban developed anti-glare sunglasses using polarization and this made Aviator glasses popular in public and also in Movie stars as well. By the start of 1970 Sunglasses became a fashion symbol, film star and fashion designers made a huge impact on the sunglasses industry. Many designers and stars gave their names to the sunglasses and people were ready to have them.

By technology getting improved day by day we are getting new brands and models of these sunglasses on very rapid speed. From holding gems up to the eyes to watch gladiators to the latest Sunglasses with music player this industry is improving and increasing day by day and is becoming unpredictable.