CELEBEYES

Sunglasses

Sunglasses or shades are a form of eye glasses worn to reduce the amount of light entering ones eyes. They prevent harmful light rays such as UV from damaging your sight.

Lenses come is a variety of colours and coatings for different applications. For those that require it, prescription sunglasses are available to both protect and correct. In addition to corrective and protective functions, shades are often used by celebrities to cover their identity in public.

Like regular glasses, sunglasses have become a fashion accessory in their own right.

History of sunglasses

Eskimos or Inuit tribes located near the polar regions fashioned early protective eyewear due to the close proximity to the north pole where day light hours are very long in summer. The reflective nature of snow and ice would cause eye damage if exposed. They carved slits in walrus ivory, giving them a highly distinctive look, which would later be an influence in modern sunglass styles.

There are early records of smoked quartz sunglasses being used in 12th century China for both sun protection and to mask defendants identity in court.

Sunglasses were first mass-produced by an American named Sam Foster in the late 1920′s, with the market primarily being beachwear.

Wearing sunglasses with polaroid lenses, significantly reduces light glare. This was ideal for people working on or near the sea, such as fishermen.

Eye protection

Sunglasses provide protection from natural light. It is recommended that you buy a pair which filters out 99% or more of the harmful UV rays. Despite wearing shades, it is still not safe to look at direct sunlight. A larger lens will block out more light, as will thicker temple arms.

Sunglasses construction

As with standard corrective glasses, sunglasses comprise of a frame, temple arms, a pair of lenses and a nose bridge. Frames are constructed from metals or plastics.

Fashion and style

Coming in a wide variety of colours, styles and shapes, sunglasses have become fashion item for both celebrities and the general public. They say that the eyes are the window to the soul. In times where you would rather not expose your soul, a dark pair of shades are essential. A factor contributing to the prevalence of sunglasses as a fashion accessory is the common sight of members of the glitterati wearing them. Popular styles include: aviators, wraparounds, teashades, oversized and wayfarers.

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