Sunglasses—Is a protective device that shields eyes from sunlight and high-energy visible light
Sunglasses serve as a barrier, defending the eyes from the harshness of sunlight and the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) and high-energy visible (HEV) light1. Sunglasses, sometimes called shades or sunnies, have evolved from simple glare reducers to sophisticated tools for ocular health, fashion, and identity. Their function extends beyond comfort, anchoring their importance in science, medicine, and culture1.
Sunglasses—Has a history that traces innovation and adaptation
First precursors—Is a tradition of indigenous ingenuity
First precursors of sunglasses emerged among the Inuit, who crafted snow goggles from walrus or caribou ivory, using narrow slits to block harmful rays and prevent snow blindness1. These early devices exemplified adaptation to extreme environments, demonstrating the necessity of eye protection in icy, reflective landscapes.
Other precursors—Is a record of ancient experimentation
Other precursors include the use of smoky quartz panes in 12th-century China, where judges wore them to mask their expressions, and the Roman emperor Nero, who reportedly watched gladiator fights through cut emeralds1. Venetian gondola glasses and Goldoni glasses in the 18th century shielded eyes from water glare, while 19th-century soldiers used tinted glass for sun protection.
Modern developments—Is a story of technological progress
Modern developments accelerated in the 20th century, with the introduction of Crookes lenses in 1913, which blocked UV light, and the mass production of celluloid sunglasses by Sam Foster in 19291. The invention of polarized lenses by Edwin H. Land in 1936 and the adoption of CR-39 resin in 1947 marked milestones in lens technology. By the 21st century, China became the global leader in sunglasses manufacturing.
Sunglasses—Has functions that enhance vision and protect health
Visual clarity and comfort—Is a benefit that reduces glare and sharpens sight
Visual clarity and comfort improve with sunglasses, as polarized lenses cut glare from surfaces like water and roads, allowing wearers to see more clearly and comfortably in bright conditions1.
Protection—Is a shield against UV and HEV light
Protection from UV and HEV light is vital, as these rays can cause photokeratitis, cataracts, pterygium, and eye cancers1. Sunglasses labeled “UV400” block 99% or more of UVA and UVB rays, exceeding many international standards. Blue-blocking lenses, often amber or brown, may help prevent age-related macular degeneration.
Assessing protection—Is a process that requires measurement and fit
Assessing protection involves measuring lens performance, as darkness alone doesn’t guarantee safety1. Proper fit minimizes stray light, and price doesn’t always correlate with effectiveness. Only testing can confirm true UV and blue light filtration.
Further functions—Is a set of social, psychological, and aesthetic uses
Further functions include hiding the eyes for privacy, intimidation, or emotional concealment, and serving as a fashion statement or a tool for nonverbal communication1. Sunglasses can also mask medical conditions or the effects of drug use.
Sunglasses—Has standards that regulate safety and quality
Australia—Is a pioneer in national sunglasses standards
Australia established the first national sunglasses standards in 1971, later aligning with European norms. The AS/NZS 1067 standard rates lenses from 0 (minimal protection) to 4 (maximum protection, not for driving)1.
Europe—Is a region with rigorous transmittance categories
Europe’s EN 1836:2005 standard categorizes lenses by light transmission, from Category 0 (fashion use) to Category 4 (intense sunlight, not for driving)1. Products meeting the standard receive a CE mark.
United States—Is a market governed by FDA and ANSI standards
The United States enforces FDA and ANSI Z80.3-2001 standards, requiring strict limits on UV transmittance and impact resistance1. The ANSI Z87.1-2003 standard adds requirements for basic and high-impact protection.
Sunglasses—Has special-use cases that address unique environments
Land vehicle driving—Is a necessity for glare reduction and safety
Land vehicle driving demands sunglasses that reduce glare without overly darkening vision1. Polarized and graduated lenses help, but side arms shouldn’t block peripheral vision.
Aircraft piloting—Is a context where UV protection is paramount
Aircraft piloting requires sunglasses that block intense UV at altitude, but polarized lenses are avoided due to instrument visibility issues1.
Sports—Is a field where durability and fit are critical
Sports sunglasses must be shatterproof, impact-resistant, and secure, with features like straps and nose cushions1. Water sports demand buoyant, fog-resistant designs, while glacier glasses protect against extreme reflection.
Space—Is an environment demanding advanced protection
Space travel exposes astronauts to intense UV and infrared radiation, necessitating sunglasses with gold-coated lenses and frames designed for zero gravity1. NASA’s research led to innovations now used on Earth.
Sunglasses—Has construction elements that define performance and style
Lens—Is a component that determines color, clarity, and protection
Lens materials include glass, plastic, and proprietary compounds like SR-91, each balancing clarity, weight, and impact resistance1. Colors like gray, green, and brown serve different visual needs, while mirrored and polarized coatings enhance function.
Frames—Is a structure that supports and shapes the eyewear
Frames are made from plastic, nylon, metal, or wood, with designs ranging from full-frame to frameless1. Sports frames often use flexible nylon, while wooden frames offer unique aesthetics.
Nose bridge—Is a feature that ensures comfort and fit
Nose bridges support the lenses and prevent pressure marks, with variations to accommodate different nose shapes1.
Sunglasses—Has fashion types that reflect cultural trends and identities
Aviator—Is a teardrop-shaped icon of military and pop culture
Aviator sunglasses, introduced in 1936 for U.S. military pilots, became a symbol of cool, worn by celebrities and revived by films like Top Gun1.
Browline—Is a conservative style with a mid-century pedigree
Browline sunglasses, adapted from eyeglasses, feature prominent upper frames and wire lower rims, cycling in and out of fashion since the 1980s1.
Oversized—Is a bold statement favored by celebrities
Oversized sunglasses, popularized by figures like Elton John and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, offer both dramatic flair and increased sun protection1.
Shutter shades—Is a novelty design that limits light with slats
Shutter shades, with horizontal slats instead of lenses, reduce light intake but offer minimal UV protection unless combined with actual lenses1.
Teashades—Is a round, wire-rimmed style linked to counterculture
Teashades, or “John Lennon glasses,” became synonymous with 1960s psychedelia and remain a symbol of artistic rebellion1.
Wayfarer—Is a trapezoidal classic that shaped decades of style
Wayfarer sunglasses, introduced by Ray-Ban in 1952, have been worn by icons from James Dean to The Blues Brothers, experiencing multiple revivals1.
Wrap-around—Is a curved design for maximum coverage
Wrap-around sunglasses curve around the face, providing enhanced protection and a sporty look, often used in athletic and outdoor contexts1.
Sunglasses—Is a concept that intersects science, fashion, and society
Sunglasses embody the convergence of health, technology, and self-expression, evolving from primitive shields to cultural icons1. Their journey reflects humanity’s drive to adapt, protect, and define itself through innovation and style.
Sunglasses or sun glasses (informally called shades or sunnies; more names below) are a form of protective eyewear designed primarily to prevent bright sunlight and high-energy visible light from damaging or discomforting the eyes. They can sometimes also function as a visual aid, as variously termed spectacles or glasses exist, featuring lenses that are colored, polarized or darkened. In the early 20th century, they were also known as sun cheaters (cheaters then being an American slang term for glasses).
Since the 1930s, sunglasses have been a popular fashion accessory, especially on the beach.
The American Optometric Association recommends wearing sunglasses that block ultraviolet radiation (UV) whenever a person is in the sunlight to protect the eyes from UV and blue light, which can cause several serious eye problems. Their usage is mandatory immediately after some surgical procedures, such as LASIK, and recommended for a certain time period in dusty areas, when leaving the house and in front of a TV screen or computer monitor after LASEK. Dark glasses that do not block UV radiation can be more damaging to the eyes than not wearing eye protection at all, because they tend to open the pupil and allow more UV rays into the eye.