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Sunglasses or goggles are the glasses containing darkened or colored lenses which prevent bright light or harmful ultra-violet rays from reaching the eyes.
History of sunglasses:
One of the first sunglasses can be dated back to 12th century when flat panes were used to protect the eyes from glare in China. Experiments with tinted lenses began in the mid 18th century by James Ayscough.
However, these sunglasses were meant to correct vision and not to protect eyes. In modern days, Sam Foster introduced inexpensive sunglasses in the United States in 1929.
Advantages of sunglasses:
- a) Sunglasses prevent the harmful ultra-violet rays from entering the eyes. Ultra-violet rays not only leads to cataract, it also damages retina and lead to eye cancers.
- b) Sometimes, people wear sunglasses if they have conjunctivitis or dilated or contracted pupils.
- c) Sunglasses are also worn by celebrities the world over to hide their identity when they are among public. Another reason celebrities wear sunglasses in closed environs could be harsh lights used during the shooting of the film which is harmful to the naked eyes.
- d) Sunglasses also improve visual clarity by blocking the bright light or glare from entering the eyes.
Types of sunglasses:
- a) Water sunglasses are basically used by the sportspersons in turbulent water for surfing, wind surfing, kayaking jet skiing and water skiing. They are also known as surf glasses or surf goggles.
- b) Oversized sunglasses, which are generally larger for the face, come in bright colors and colored lenses. However, big sunglasses have become a rage world over as they cover the eyes fully, leaving no scope for ultra-violet rays entering the eyes.
- c) Aviator sunglasses have oversized lens but its frame is thin. First introduced by Rayban in 1936, these glasses are generally used by pilots, defence personnel and police personnel.
- d) Tea shades, with round lenses and thin frames, became quite popular in 1960s when rock stars like John Lennon and Mick Jagger wore them.
- e) Glacier glasses, containing round lenses and leather blinders, totally block the sun rays or bright light from entering the eyes. These glasses are generally used by adventurers who travel to glaciers or snowfields.
Lenses:
Though lenses of the sunglasses are available in many colors, make sure you choose the color which will not distort your vision. Generally, green, grey, yellow or brown colors are advisable as they would reduce color distortion in your vision which could prove quite fatal especially for those driving vehicles. Of them, grey is the best choice as they would not distort colors. Brown and green lenses minimally distort your vision.
As far as possible, try to avoid red, orange, blue or purple lenses as they lead to color distortion.You will either get glass or plastic lenses in the sunglasses. While glass lenses provide best visual clarity and are scratch-proof, they are heavier as compared to the plastic ones. Another disadvantage of glass lenses is that it can break easily. On the other hand, plastic lenses do not break easily but they are very prone to scratches.
Sunglasses Frames:
Frames of a sunglass come in plastic, metal or nylon. Nylon frames which are very flexible and light in weight are generally worn by sportspersons while playing. On the other hand, metal or even plastic frames are very rigid.
There are three types of sunglasses frames – full frame, half frame and frameless. In full frame glasses, as the name suggests, frame runs around the lenses, whereas in half frame, sunglasses frames is attached to the top portion of the lenses and the lower half does not have any frame over it. In frameless glasses, the ear pieces are directly attached to the lenses. Frameless glasses, which are quite a rage these days, require high maintenance and are very prone to the scratches as compared to full frames glasses or half frame glasses.
Chooses the kind of sunglasses you like, any glass, any frame but make sure that the sunglasses you wear suit your face and personality and you are sure to make a style statement.
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