When Were Sunglasses Invented? History and Polarization

Sunglasses have come a long way from their early beginnings. Over centuries, different cultures developed various forms of eye protection to shield themselves from sunlight. Polarized sunglasses, in particular, revolutionized eye protection by reducing glare and enhancing clarity. Edwin H. Land’s invention of polarized lenses in the 1930s, combined with technological advancements, brought about modern sunglasses that protect against harmful UV rays and glare, reshaping how we perceive eye safety and style.

History of Sunglasses

Time Period	Region/Culture	Details
Ancient Rome	Romans	Roman emperor Nero is said to have watched gladiator fights through polished emeralds to reduce glare.
12th Century	China	Judges wore smoky quartz lenses to conceal their facial expressions during trials.
Pre-18th Century	Inuit Peoples	Carved walrus ivory with narrow slits to protect eyes from snow blindness, a type of functional eyewear.
18th Century	England and France	Tinted lenses were used to treat light sensitivity or “photophobia.”
Early 1900s	United States	Sunglasses became more widespread with the introduction of protective eyewear for pilots and military use.

When Were Polarized Sunglasses Invented?

Polarized sunglasses were invented by Edwin H. Land in 1936. He created a synthetic polarizing material, Polaroid, which could filter out light, reducing glare. Initially, polarized lenses were used in aviation and for military purposes, providing enhanced visibility and protection for pilots. The application of Land’s technology for everyday use grew over time, and by the 1940s, polarized sunglasses were marketed to the public, offering better visual comfort and eye protection from sunlight, especially during outdoor activities such as driving and fishing.

When Were Sunglasses Popularized?

Decade	Cultural Influence	Style Evolution
1920s	Hollywood	Sunglasses became associated with glamour, particularly with silent film stars wearing them off-screen.
1930s-1940s	Military and Aviators	Aviator sunglasses became a style trend after being issued to pilots in World War II.
1950s	Pop Culture Icons	James Dean and Audrey Hepburn helped establish sunglasses as a must-have fashion accessory.
1960s-1970s	Hippie Movement	Oversized sunglasses and colorful lenses gained popularity during the counterculture movement.
1980s	Music Industry Influence	Reflective and futuristic designs emerged, spurred by pop culture icons like Michael Jackson and Madonna.
1990s-2000s	Sports and Technology	Oakley and other brands introduced performance sunglasses designed for athletes, enhancing functionality.

What are Sunglasses Made of? How Did it Advance?

Material	Era	Details
Glass	18th Century - Early 20th	Early sunglasses were made from glass, offering clarity but making them heavy and prone to shattering.
Celluloid	Early 20th Century	A lightweight plastic material used in mass-produced sunglasses, more affordable and durable than glass.
Acrylic/Polycarbonate	Mid 20th Century	These materials introduced greater durability, impact resistance, and UV protection, becoming the standard.
New-age Polymers	Late 20th Century - Present	Brands like Revo use advanced polymer technology for lightweight, polarized lenses with enhanced optical clarity.

When Were Modern Sunglasses Invented?

Modern sunglasses, as we know them today, emerged in the 1930s with the invention of polarized lenses by Edwin H. Land. This innovation made sunglasses not only a fashion accessory but also a functional tool for reducing glare and improving vision. Revo further advanced this technology by incorporating NASA-based lens technology, which greatly improved the quality and protection of polarized sunglasses. Today, Revo’s sunglasses offer high-performance lenses that protect against UV rays and reduce glare, making them suitable for various outdoor activities and lifestyle choices.

When Were Polarized Sunglasses Invented - Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main benefits of wearing polarized sunglasses?

Polarized sunglasses reduce glare from reflective surfaces, such as water and roads, improving visual clarity and reducing eye strain.

How do polarized lenses work?

Polarized lenses use a special filter to block intense reflected light, allowing only vertically aligned light to pass through, reducing glare significantly.

Can polarized sunglasses be used for all types of activities?

Yes, they are especially beneficial for outdoor activities like driving, fishing, skiing, and water sports, but they may reduce visibility on LCD screens.

What should I look for when buying polarized sunglasses?

Look for UV protection, durable materials, and high-quality polarization technology, such as Revo’s lens technology, which offers both clarity and protection.

Are there any drawbacks to polarized sunglasses?

The primary drawback is difficulty viewing certain digital screens, as the polarization may interfere with the display, causing distortions.

How can I verify if my sunglasses are genuinely polarized?

To check polarization, tilt your sunglasses while looking at a digital screen. If the lenses are polarized, the screen should appear darker or blacked out.