Sunglasses 101

Designer Sunglasses

2009-07-30T14:16:00.011+08:00

When it comes to fashion, designer sunglasses are "hot!" Paris Hilton or the Olsen twins can be seen, merely around anywhere in Hollywood, day or night, wearing the hottest trendy designer sunglasses. As they pace the red carpet and they are asked, "What are you wearing?" they might lower their sunglasses down on their noses and peer over the rims and drop designer names like Vera Wang, Dior, Valentino, Gucci and Armani.

Stars like Donald Trump and Britney Spears have their own name brand sunglasses on the market while others may perhaps be wearing Marc Jacobs or Armani sunglasses for a classy look or Baby Phat for punk style. The mood for the day might be for the retro 1950's look of Fossil sunglasses.

Your favorite clothing designer could also be the designer of the sunglasses that you choose to accessorize your brand-name clothing. For instance, the smart Tommy dresser can add to the look of a Tommy Hilfiger clothing ensemble with Tommy Hilfiger sunglasses. For casual wear, Kate Spade sunglasses might do nicely. Carrera is recognized for a sporty look. For a sensual mood, Valentino frames that have smooth round edges and Swarovsky crystals might just put you (or whoever is looking at you) in the mood.

Trendy, cool-looking name-brand or designer sunglasses, if you can afford them, are a status symbol showing everyone that you have the cash (or credit card) to buy them. However, in order to be fashionable in sunglasses, you do not have to give up quality. Sunglasses, not being just fashionable accessories, are used to care for your eyes from harm caused by the sun's UV (ultra-violet) rays. Designer prescription sunglasses can improve vision, and reduce eyestrain, just like ordinary glasses.

Quality designer sunglasses can be polarized to reduce the glare of the sunlight reflecting off surfaces like the highway, cars, water or snow. Polarized sunglasses work by blocking off the horizontal light reflections and only let in vertical light reflections. The polarization of designer sunglasses makes them fashionable in other areas of lifestyle like golfing, boating, biking, swimming, fishing and aircraft flying.

Marketers of designer sunglasses target children who gets pleasure from the same hot styles and brand-names as their parents and their idols. Sunglasses for children have Disney and cartoon characters in many colors, shapes and styles. Children's designer sunglasses can as well be polarized to block the harmful UV radiation. Sunglasses should be part of children's daily wear as they play outside and engage in outdoor sports and activities. Sunglasses can prevent them from the long-term affects of sun damage to their eyes.

When most people grab a pair of sunglasses, they are simply thinking about shading their eyes or looking cool. Sunglasses in any shade, shape or size, by any name may be a "hot" fashion accessory for trend-setting stars, men, women and children, but the importance of defending the eyes from damage far outweighs the importance of looking cool. The next time you head out in the sunshine, be sure to grab your designer polarized sunglasses and give some thought to the fact that you and your sunglasses are protecting your eyes and your eye sight. Seeing is cool.

Different Reasons For Wearing Sunglasses

2009-07-24T01:53:00.004+08:00

Everyone should be familiar with the main reason sunglasses are worn. Sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun, warding off long term effects of the sun's damage. On the other hand, there are other reasons why we wear sunglasses, aside from the protection benefits, for wearing sunglasses.

Sunglasses, especially the darker ones, create an air of secrecy surrounding the owners. It is not easy to carry on a conversation with a person wearing opaque shades. This mysterious, often unapproachable look is a favorite for investigators, poker players, and police officers. When someone cannot see your eyes, it is difficult to tell what you are thinking.

Sunglasses are a fashion statement all their own. They are often the first thing that a person sees when they look at you. The shades you wear make a statement about you, so you have to choose wisely. The sunglasses you pick out could mean the difference between telling the world that you are a fashion force to be reckoned with, or someone whose mom still picks out his clothes.

On a more somber note is the circumstances most of us ourselves in. In the long run, everyone loses someone in their life and there is a funeral to attend. Egotism should not be your first priority in this case, but there are certain measures you can take to help grieve with a little dignity. A cautiously selected, tasteful pair of dark sunglasses will help mask the red and puffy eyes you may experience while crying.

Whether it is allergy season or you pulled an all-nighter studying for finals, you don't have to cry to achieve the red, puffy-eyed look. Let's face it, everyone has stayed out a little too late the night before and awakened the next morning to see Frankenstein starring back at them in the mirror. Sunglasses come in handy for these reasons as well. They may be a blabbermouth sign of a one-too-many night if you wear them in the office, so this would not be recommended.

Athletes often find themselves playing their particular sport outside on a hot, sunny day. Unfortunately, there are no allowances in the rules for a baseball player that misses a fly ball because the sun blinded him. To help with athletic routine, certain sunglasses are made purposely for athletes. An aerodynamic design and wraparound shape hug the face and ensure the player sees every ball coming his way. The main detail for these sunglasses is size. They have to fit perfectly; otherwise they'll fall off while running, if too big, or cut off circulation in your face if they're too small.

One use for sunglasses has only recently been discovered. The next time you are flying overseas and want to avoid the taxing effects of jet lag, try putting a pair of sunglasses. Scientists have recently discovered that sunglasses help fool the body through the use of light. Your biological clock consists of about 20,000 nerve cells that respond differently to light and dark. By wearing sunglasses for certain amounts of time during a long trip, you can lessen the effects of jet lag.

You see that there are many reasons to wear sunglasses. These reasons should not, however, outshine the primary benefit. Sunglasses are protection for your eyes. They will help ensure you keep seeing the world the way it was proposed. That is the best reason of all to pick up a pair today.

Go Retro

2009-07-21T18:52:00.005+08:00

When it comes to sunglasses, is retro the way to go? You are perhaps seeing a lot of different designs of shades these days. Honestly, there are really no new designs, just redesigns of a previously popular style. In the fashion world, retro designs are everywhere--and sunglasses are no exception.

One design that has nudged its head back into the fashion world is well known all over. Onassis Glasses, or the Jackie-O design sunglasses were popularized by the former First Lady Kennedy. After becoming Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, she shows off this oversized style of sunglasses all over the globe. The style was so closely associated with her, that it has shared her name since the late seventies.

After fading from the public eye, the Onassis Glasses lay dormant for about thirty years. Though, poised for a comeback, these sunglasses have begun making waves on red carpets and runways all over. Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton are the women credited for bringing back the infamous sunglasses. Since then, Jackie-O's have been seen on the faces of famous women and trendy-but-average Janes everywhere.

One more retro design of sunglasses that has made big waves recently is the ingeniously named Aviators. Originally designed in the 1930's for military pilots, Aviators were hot on fashionable faces in the 1960's and 1980's. True to their every-twenty-year trend, Aviators are back with vengeance and have been favorites for men, and women, with style. It is mainly true that this style of sunglasses has caught on with the younger "MTV Crowd" more than with adults. Johnny Knoxville has adapted Aviators as his signature style.

Some styles of sunglasses have briefly shown themselves in fashion, only to never be heard from again. This is not necessarily a bad thing. There are those sunglasses the human race still feels a little silly about. However, let's not speak too soon. These sunglasses could be waiting in the wings for their triumphant return.

OVER-Oversized sunglasses are one fashion faux-pa most of us would rather not make. The design is a retro tribute to the late Lady O when they are slightly oversized and conservative. Nonetheless, when the sunglasses appear to be attempting to take over your face, you may have crossed the line into ludicrous. Save the super sized look for clowns and put this design back in the vault.

Another design that some hope will never return carries a soft spot in the hearts of many women. The Wayfarer sunglasses were first made popular by Hollywood's bad boy, James Dean. After his death, these sunglasses were worn for a time, before slowly falling by the wayside to make room for the newer styles.

However, the Wayfarer was gone but not forgotten. The sunglasses made a double comeback on the faces of James Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, better known in the eighties as the Blues Brothers. The sunglasses with a clean black, square design were a perfect complement to their all black suits, hats and ties.

Wayfarers made one more comeback in 1983 when a sock and underwear clad young man slid into the living room and into our hearts. Before Tom Cruise was the controversial figure he is today, he was a hot high school graduate just trying to get into a good college. The Wayfarers sunglasses haven't been much on the fashion scene since then, but we've never forgotten.

It's hard to tell what may come next in the world of fashion sunglasses. If you really want to keep up with it, just check the fashion magazines in early spring and see what new old styles are unfolding. You may have seen them all before, but these retro sunglasses are bound to have a new and thrilling twist.

Sunglasses: The Historical Overview

2009-07-19T17:44:00.005+08:00

Sunglasses have been in use for centuries and have changed over time into what they are today. They were not always the fashion icon they are today. Likewise, they were not always used for the same reason they are today either.

Sunglasses are seen around every corner you turn these days. You can find them in grocery stores or in specialty stores. Sunglasses come in so many different shapes, designs and colors that there is a pair out there for everyone. But the market for sunglasses has not always been this way.

Surprisingly, the first form of what we have as sunglasses today were not originally developed to shield eyes from the sun or help poor vision. Sunglasses were developed out of smoky panes of quartz glass in Ancient China. Judges wore these prehistoric ray bans as a way of keeping their expressions to themselves. Little did they know that poker players centuries later would adopt this same principle use of the eyewear.

Ancient Rome can also take part of the credit for today's sunglasses. Emperor Nero enjoyed watching gladiator fights through polished gems. It is possible that the Emperor saw the benefits of distorting the sun's beams as a way of seeing more clearly. It is also possible that he enjoyed these early sunglasses because he thought the gladiators looked better in different colors. For whatsoever reason, sunglasses still today are available in any lens color you can imagine.

During the eighteenth century, the designs of the sunglasses were altered by an inventor seeking to use color as a vision correction. He was convinced that blue and green tints helped the eye see better when vision was poor. He had no basis to consider the advantages of shielding the eyes from the sun, as no one knew what a UVA ray was at the time. It was not common knowledge during this time that the sun could be harmful and cause future vision problems.

Around 1930, sunglasses were finally introduced in the United States. These innovative eye pieces were marketed on the boardwalks of Atlantic City and promised to protect the wearer's eyes from the harmful sun. It was in this same decade that polarization of the lenses was developed as well. The inventor of the famed Polaroid camera integrated his Polaroid filter into the makeup of the sunglasses' lenses. This technology, which is still used today, was the greatest step of its time toward the protection of the eyes from the sun.

Since the 1930's, sunglasses have steadily become a favorite accessory for everyone from the true fashion icon down to the style novice. Sunglasses have been implemented as a way of showing off one's style, sophistication, and social status. Individuals have made their own styles famous and timeless.

The most famous of all the sunglasses style icons is unarguably the late Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, or simply "Jackie O.". The oversized sunglasses of the same name were a token symbol of the former First Lady and American Icon. Around the year 2000, Jackie's signature style was made popular again for young women by another style icon, Nicole Richie.

Sunglasses have come a long way over the centuries. They have evolved in uses, styles, popularity and technology. With sunglasses what they are today and their importance in popular culture, it is difficult to imagine where and in what form they will turn up next. Keep your eyes open-and your sunglasses handy-to find out!

Key Benefits of Sunglasses

2009-07-15T14:04:00.004+08:00

There are countless reasons to wear sunglasses, and each one has one of their own. Whether it is to cover a hangover, create mystery or run off the paparazzi, sunglasses are a part of our daily life. Nonetheless, often the true benefits of this trendy accessory are lost when fashion or other purposes take over. It may not be your only reason, but your best reason for sunglasses should be to protect your eyes.

The sun creates ultraviolet light rays which contribute to the heat it produces. These rays, called UVA and UVB can cause irreparable damage to your retina and corneas. If you've ever watched an eclipse, you know you had to do so through a pinhole in a shoebox. This is because gazing directly to the sun can cause great damage to your eyes. Sadly, many people are mistakenly allowing their eyes to suffer the same fate by simply choosing not to wear sunglasses.

Science has come a long way in correcting vision gone bad. Corneal transplants help a blind person to see again. Laser treatment can restore your eyesight to 20/20 or better in minutes. Even with all this technology, it would be easier if you take care of your eyes from the start. By merely wearing good sunglasses, you will lessen your need for these scientific breakthroughs later in life.

Disorders like cataracts, macular degeneration, and even skin cancer around the eyes can be signs of sun damage and can be prevented in part by the use of sunglasses. Cataract is a cloudy or opaque area in the normally clear lens of the eye, condition that involves clouding of the lens behind the Iris and Pupil. Although no one truly knows what causes cataracts, studies have shown links between this condition and increased exposure to ultraviolet light. Though we do not know 100% that this is the cause, it has been determined that people who habitually wear sunglasses have seen a decreased incidence of this eye disorder.

Macular degeneration causes those who suffer from it to have difficulty seeing in detail. Often even faces are hard for these people to distinguish. This disease, like cataracts, is most prevalent in elderly patients. However, also like cataracts, prolonged exposure to sunlight without the protection of sunglasses has been included as a probable cause. Individuals who practice care in selecting sunglasses with 99%-100% UV protection have a greater chance at avoiding this fate.

Think about the last time that you spent all day in the sun and were really badly sunburned. You probably took cold baths and slathered yourself in Aloe Vera. It is a painful condition to be in when this happens to your skin. Now, imagine what that same sunlight that gave you second degree burns on your skin is doing to your eyes when you choose not to protect them with proper sunglasses. That alone should be motivation to hit the sunglass kiosk at the mall.

You don't often think of sunglasses as something that will protect your skin. In reality, a good pair of sunglasses can save your face in more ways than one. Increased exposure to sunlight can cause skin cancer and will attach the most sensitive areas first. How much more sensitive can you get then the skin around your eyes. Sunglasses can reduce the risk of skin cancer in the eyelids and areas around your eyes.

One more benefit your skin will enjoy from a good pair of sunglasses is to reduce the appearance of lines around the eyes. Simply logic tells us that distorting the face in certain ways on a regular basis can cause premature wrinkles and increase the signs of aging. When you do not wear sunglasses, you tend to squint, as your eyes are uncomfortable being opened under bright light. Sunglasses can actually help reduce the appearance of crow's feet by allowing your facial muscles to remain relaxed.

Your eyes are one of your most valued features. Can you imagine waking up tomorrow and not being able to see? Many people are born blind and would give anything for the eyes you take for granted every day. A good pair of sunglasses will protect you against a world of eye disorders and pain. If you don't protect this precious possession, before you know it, it could be gone.

Weird Science of Sunglasses

2009-07-14T16:50:00.009+08:00

Everybody loves a good pair of sunglasses. With all the benefits of sunglasses, it's hard to have an excuse not to wear them. You could even want to tell your friends about all the wonderful things a pair of shades can do for you. You possibly own one or two pair of standard issue Jackie-O's or Aviators, but wait until you find out about the strange oddities that are available in a pair of sunglasses.

Some people may take pet ownership to tremendous levels. For those people, sunglasses for your dogs are just a drop in the bucket. It's hard to picture your little ball of fur in a pair of Aviators. Yet, the fact is that dogs have just as many eye problems as humans do, and their eyes should be protected. Having said that, if you can get your canine to wear sunglasses-and keep them on-more power to you. You're most likely the same one that buys seasonal outfits for them too.

Regis and Kelly, National Geographic and Animal Planet have all taken notice of sunglasses for dogs. They actually serve more than one purpose. Doggie sunglasses help protect your hound's eyes from the same harmful rays our sunglasses so. Nevertheless, since we very rarely hang our heads out a car window, dog sunglasses have an added feature for even more protection.

Resembling goggles, these sunglasses will keep dirt, dust and other debris from flying into your little friend's eyes while flying down the highway. It seems like an insane design, but when you think about it, it makes a lot of sense. These shades for dogs help to protect your best friend the way he would protect you if he could.

Child sized sunglasses are one thing, but baby sized are quite another. These miniature sunglasses are sure to inspire a collective "Awwwww" from anyone passing by, but are they really necessary? This idea seems ridiculous at first, but is another that becomes more logical when you consider all of the factors.

Babies are the most sensitive creatures of all of us. This goes double for their eyes. A newborn's eyes are capable of seeing no more than about ten inches away from their face. Even at this distance, most things are very blurry. When the sun reflects into an already blurred perception of the world, the results can be very harmful.

Baby sunglasses are not just a cute idea, they are important in protecting your child's eyesight. Anytime you are outside with your baby, you should utilize shades on the car seat, stroller, and in the car. A pair of tiny sunglasses adds an lovable finishing touch with extra protection. Don't forget to take a lot of pictures; you won't want to forget this!

Flip-up sunglasses are by no means a new invention. Still, the look of these glasses still deserves mention and a second look every time you see them. For this particular weird design of sunglasses, the utility makes perfect sense while the appearance is often strange. It does make perfect sense that you would want to turn your average glasses into sunglasses, and the flip-up shades are very convenient. But when you're in a meeting with the shades popped up and what appears to be two sets of eyes looking back at the other person, don't be surprised if they stare and giggle a little.

Sunglasses, as with any other type of admired culture are going to come in normal and strange designs. But, before you dismiss those abnormal styles, think of its usefulness. Even the odd in appearance can be purposeful, and perhaps make life a little easier.

The Mirrorshades

2009-07-10T19:07:00.010+08:00

It seems like whenever you see a movie or TV show where police officers are involved, they appear to be wearing large sunglasses with mirrors on the outside. What are these shades and how did they come to be what they are today? The truth is that Mirrorshades, as the sunglasses are called, are often related with law enforcement and government officials for a valid reason.

Mirrorshades are sunglasses with a reflective optical coating on the outside of the lenses to make them appear like small mirrors. The mirror coating can decrease anywhere from 10%-60% of the light that passes through and makes contact with your eyes. Mirrorshades are great sunglasses for anyone that spends much of their time outdoors, possibly even on a motorcycle or in a car for eight or more hours per day and for conditions of sand, water, snow, and higher altitudes.

On the other hand, Mirrorshades serve a greater purpose than simply caring the eye. These sunglasses prevent another person from making eye contact with the wearer. The mirrors are created so that an onlooker will only see his own reflection when attempting to gaze into the eyes behind a pair of Mirrorshades.

It is why Mirrorshades have become popular sunglasses for officers of law enforcement and military. Their popularity with police officers in the United States has earned them the nickname "cop shades". Much like an interrogation room, a suspect is unnerved by looking into a window and being unable to see who or what is looking back at him. It is also for this reason that Mirrorshades are often favored by competitive poker players.

Mirrorshades are available in several different designs. The sunglasses most frequently worn by police and military are Aviators. This style received its name around the 1940's and 1950's when they were popular sunglasses for military pilots. In the 1930's, Ray Ban created this design and sold it to the United States Military. The military issued the sunglasses to their pilots to protect them while they flew. From there a fixture among sunglass styles was created.

Another mainly popular style of Mirrorshades is called the Wraparound. This style of sunglasses consists of either one or two smooth, semi-circular lenses that cover the eyes and resemble the shape of protective goggles. Wraparound sunglasses are fairly well-liked in the world of extreme sports. They are often mostly associated with snow sports, such as skiing and snowboarding.

The Mirrorshades are created with a coating on the outside of the lenses of the sunglasses. The coating can range from a very simple form made up of a single layer of very thin film all the way to a thicker, more reflective form. The thinner layer of film can be very likely to scratch with minimal pressure, and is sensitive to salt water. These sunglasses should be treated with the utmost care.

The more modern reflective coatings on Mirrorshades usually have several layers making them more long-lasting and less likely to become scratched. While these sunglasses may be more expensive, you often get what you pay for when purchasing sunglasses. Choose prudently and educate yourself on sunglasses before deciding which ones to buy. Mirrorshades will prove valuable to your eyes and your style.

How to Shop for Sunglasses

2009-07-05T20:13:00.010+08:00

Three factors should be considered when choosing the sunglasses that best fit for you. Primarily, sunglasses are used to protect your eyes. A pair of sunglasses that offer no protection can in fact be more harm than good. Secondly, your sunglasses should feel comfortable. Lastly, you want to look good in your shades, so pick a pair with some consideration of style.

Sunglasses can be made of different varieties of materials. Those materials have different levels of protection. As you sift through the masses, remember that protection is the reason you are wearing sunglasses. Learn about the level of UV ray protection they offer and avoid those that cannot provide 99-100% protection from UVA and UVB radiation.

Dark sunglasses do less for your eyes than what you think. A darker tint makes it more comfortable for you to see in the bright sun. On the other hand, if those dark glasses fail in offering the protection you need from harmful rays, they may be causing more harm than good. Dark shaded sunglasses make it easier for you to open your eyes, allowing UVA and UVB rays greater access to your eyes to cause more damage. If forced to choose, you are better off with a pair of sunglasses with UVA protection and a light gray tint than in dark lenses with no UVA protection.

There are also additional measures you can take with your sunglasses to help protect your baby blues (Or your greens, browns and grays. They're all similarly important!) Many sunglasses have a wrap-around design that widens around the temples and appears to wrap around your head. This design blocks the sun from the sides of your face, offering greater protection than smaller framed glasses. If you’re precious eyesight is not enough to encourage you to be choosy about your sunglasses, consider one more thing. When you squint your eyes, you are causing your forehead and sides of your face to wrinkle. No one wants crow's feat before their time!

After protection, comfort is the next most important part of picking out your eyewear. Consider the tint of the lens. For very bright settings where the sun has surfaces to reflect off of, polarized lenses may be helpful. Polarized sunglasses reduce the glare caused by the sun hitting the water, snow or other surface. Even though you may be blocking out the harmful UVA and UVB rays, you're not going to care much if you can't see anything.

When you try on sunglasses, pay attention to how they feel on your face. The nosepiece should rest firmly on the bridge of your nose without sliding. The frame should fit for your face and rests gently over your ears. This is a helpful checklist when sunglass shopping. If the sunglasses are going to cause you discomfort, you'll be more probably to take them off. If that's the case, why have them in the first place?

Although it should never be your number one consideration, fashion is also a factor in the selection of your sunglasses. It is not totally necessary that you wear the designs you see celebrities sporting at all times. Those shades may be easier to find than others, but they're not the only ones out there. Pick frames that flatter the shape of your face and complement your style.

A good rule of thumb is to choose a frame shape that is the opposite of your facial shape. A round face goes well with a pair of oval or square sunglasses. The worst shape for the round face is a pair of round frames. Similarly, a thinner or longer face looks great with a pair of round frame sunglasses, but not so much with a square set of frames. Oval shaped faces have their pick of shapes, they are the most versatile. "Lucky!"

Be smart when shopping for sunglasses. Remember what you're buying them for, and pick styles that match you. When you choose sunglasses based on these three factors your eyes will thank you. They'll be protected, stylish, happy, and you will be too!

Sunglasses and Technology

2009-07-03T16:25:00.007+08:00

You are probably somewhat familiar with the basic science behind sunglasses. They filter out harmful light rays and protect your eyes from intense light. However, the technology behind sunglasses and creating new designs may have a few more tricks up its sleeves. Sunglasses are reaching new heights of science and creativity, even in 2007.

If you are a corrective lens wearer, you will love this feature for sunglasses. No one likes having to change out glasses whenever they move from indoors to outdoors. Also, you have to worry about losing your sunglasses while you wear your prescriptions, or vice versa.

Photo chromic lenses refer to spectacle lenses that undergo a chemical reaction due to the exposure to the Ultraviolet wavelength in sunlight. They are chemically coated to react to the changes in the lighting. Thus, the lenses turn dark in bright light and appear clear while staying indoors.

The explanation of this is that its clear appearance under artificial light does not contain UV rays. The possible ways of UV exposure are blocked while staying indoors. Photo chromic lenses are made of either glass or plastic.

Sunglasses with lenses that transform automatically from clear to dark may not be mostly brand new information to everyone. They have been on the market for several years, and have now been transforming yet again. New sunglasses currently in development will change not only from clear to dark but also to shades of yellow, green and purple.

Not only will the transition occur much quicker with these sunglasses, they will also offer many more options. They will be able to improve visual contrast, as well as brightening low-light conditions. Not like traditional color changing lenses, these sunglasses will be convenient by the wearer. A small dial on the arm can take you through a spectrum of shades and tints.

The lens material can change its color and transparency when the sunglasses receive an electrical charge. The lens has a gel-like solution in between the layers that helps transport charged particles. A watch battery delivers the charge. When the electricity is transmitted, the molecules change from transparent to a variety of shades and tints in seconds or less and your glasses become your sunglasses!

Visual effects are not the only advances made for sunglasses in recent years. Product developers are beginning to see the need to further incorporate technology and communication into everyday life. Now you can purchase sunglasses that are also your mobile phone. Since the advent of the headset, it is a common need for one that does not get in the way of your sunglasses. This new phone turned eyewear is an obvious solution to the problem.

Another extremely popular tech toy today is the MP3 player. Long gone are the days of the Walkman or even the Discman. The computer age has taken over all face of our existence, including the music we listen to. Few individuals today are without an MP3 player.

Following the desperate need we have to be surrounded by our music, sunglasses have been developed to accommodate us. Sunglasses with built-in speakers can be plugged into your MP3 player in the same way your ear buds could. If this is not hi-tech enough for you, pick up a pair of sunglasses that actually ARE the MP3 player. Just download your tunes onto your sunglasses and take off down the road.

Science is continuously changing and developing thrilling new inventions. Twenty years ago you never would have believed someone if they told you that you may be listening to music on your sunglasses. New developments are happening all the time, so don't be left behind. Pay attention to see what they come up with next.

How Sunglasses Work

2009-07-02T18:47:00.009+08:00

In our entire life, we’ve been told that sunglasses are very important. You know that they protect your eyes, block out the sun's ray and prolong good vision. Have you ever wondered how these miracle shades do all of that? Sunglasses basically do four things for you, aside from completing a killer outfit. It is important to know what these things are and how they are done to ensure your sunglasses are doing their job.

As we all know, sunglasses provide protection from ultraviolet rays in sunlight. UV rays can cause serious damage to the corneas, and a good pair will shield 100% of these rays. A protective coating on the outside of sunglasses acts as a kind of filter. While it allows light through, it helps to filter out the radioactive light waves that can lead to so many dangers to your eyes.

Probably the most common purpose sunglasses serve is to provide protection from intense light. Intense sunlight is causing you to squint, a natural reaction to too much light entering the eyes. If squinting does not provide enough protection, damage to the cornea can occur next. This is especially common when outside in the snow without your sunglasses. The white of the snow reflects and magnifies the intensity of the light.

Another quality sunglasses carry is something we are all most likely grateful for is that they can provide protection from glare. Water and other shiny looking surfaces can produce a glare. These glares can block out other objects, like a car turning out of a parking lot just ahead of you. Good sunglasses can completely eliminate this kind of glare using polarization.

The tinting of your sunglasses will help determine the amount of light your eyes will be exposed to. As there are different types of light, all the colors of the rainbow, different shades of lenses will protect in their own ways. Gray and almost black tinted lenses will offer the greatest amount of protection from intense lights while avoiding distortion of most colors that you see.

Light waves vibrate just like sound waves do. When a group of light waves come together but are traveling in different directions, a glare occurs. When you are blinded by a glare off of the water or another vehicle's windshield, what you are seeing is a traffic jam of light waves. Polarization filters built into sunglasses are made up of molecules that realign the light waves with each other and eliminate the glare.

As noted before, Sunglasses can remove specific frequencies of light. Certain light frequencies can cause blurred vision, whereas other frequencies enhance contrast between colors. Choosing the right color for your sunglasses lets them work better in specific situations.

Yellow, gold, amber and brown tinted sunglasses are especially good for blocking out blue light. Blue light is the color of light in the spectrum that scatters and causes blurred perception. While the yellow shades can make the rest of the world look a different color, you will see most clearly and detailed through them.

Green tinted sunglasses are better for filtering some blue light and reducing the occurrence of glares. They also offer the highest contrast and greatest visual sharpness of any other colored lens. Therefore green sunglasses are very popular. Rose colored shades and purple tints offer the best contrast of objects against a green or blue background and make great sunglasses for hunting or water skiing.

Now that you know how sunglasses work you can be a responsible shopper. Know what to look for when choosing your sunglasses. It is not a bad idea to have more than one pair around for different reasons. This is especially true if you spend a lot of time outdoors on a variety of activities. Be responsible about your eyes and learn to protect your vision while it's still yours to protect!

Who Should Wear Sunglasses?

2009-07-01T02:33:00.009+08:00

Everyone should protect and wants to care about their vision. Even so, there are certain groups of individuals that should particularly wear sunglasses. This is for their safety, and the safety of others.

Drivers are one main group that should always have sunglasses handy. Whether they are driving their own vehicle or a buss full of people, the sun can be your enemy. Imagine yourself driving westbound down highway at 6:00 PM, coming up over the hill and being pelted in the face with the sun’s glaring rays. This temporary blinding could cause you not to see the traffic that stopped 50 feet in front of you. Accidents like this can be avoided by always having sunglasses in your vehicle.

Professional drivers even have a greater need in using sunglasses than the rest of us. Because they are often driving larger vehicles such as busses or tanker trucks, the threat is much greater. If these drivers lose control of their vehicle, it is much more difficult to gain control. Again, by simply wearing sunglasses, these drivers can help avoid tragedy.

It’s very important that children should be taught from an early age to wear sunglasses. By implementing this from early childhood, you are creating habits they will carry with them. In addition to teaching them that sunglasses are always important, you are protecting delicate eyes as well. Children, especially the very young, are continually growing and developing in every way. Protecting their eyes with sunglasses from the start will reduce the damage they will pay for later in life.

Even babies can wear sunglasses. Besides being unreasonably cute, baby sunglasses are made for a reason. Babies are, for all intents and purposes brand new, and so are their eyes. A child begins their life by being able to focus on objects only less than ten inches from their face. A pair of baby sunglasses will keep harmful rays out of your baby's young, sensitive eyes.

Anyone who spends an unusually large amount of time in the sun should know the advantages of sunglasses. If you are particularly interested in water sports and spend a lot of time at the beach or on a lake, you could be at greater risk than most. Surfers, water-skiers and wake boarders can testify that a good pair of protective sunglasses will save a lifetime of hardship. The sun reflecting off of the water into your eyes can intensify the damage it could do. You should find a good pair of water sunglasses, which will wrap around your head and stay in place while you ride the waves.

Elderly are another group of people to whom eye protection should be important. As age progresses, the eyesight deteriorates in even the healthiest of eyes. Older individuals should always wear sunglasses when outside in the sun. Sunglasses won't stop the vision from going south, but it may slow the process. One thing is certain, blinding sun in the eyes will speed it up the deterioration.

In case you haven't figured it out yet, ideally everyone should wear sunglasses. There are so many different designs, styles and prices that it is difficult to come up with an excuse for not wearing them. There is simply no benefit to letting your eyes absorb the harmful UVA and UVB rays the sun emits. Be smart and care about your eyes by protecting them with sunglasses whenever you're outside. You'll be thankful you did.

All about Sunglasses

2009-06-29T18:05:00.000+08:00

Anytime of the year, sunglasses were a part of your daily health-consciousness routine. It’s not just for summers on the beach or just for looking cool and enigmatic. Nowadays, designer glasses are no longer just for rich movie stars. Sunglasses are essential for protecting your eyes from the permanent damaging effects of Ultra Violet radiation.

Sunglasses have been around for a long time. Roman Emperor Nero made sunglasses because of watching gladiator competitions through polished light emerald green gems caught up to his eyes. The invention of sunglasses was somewhere between 1268 and 1289.

Before 1430, flat-panes of smoky quartz sunglasses were worn by Judges in the Courts of China to hide the expression in their eyes. In 1430, Italy developed prescription sunglasses and later used by the Chinese Judges. In the mid 18^th Century, James Ayscough developed blue and green corrective lenses, beginning the use of sunglasses for correcting optical impairments.

When Edward Scarlet invented hardened sidepieces in 1730, there were problems in keeping eyeglasses propped on the nose. Glasses frames had been made from leather, bones and metal and sidepieces began as silk strips of ribbon that looped around the ears. Chinese added ceramic weights to the ends of the ribbon instead of loops. Benjamin Franklin’s invention of bifocal lenses followed in 1780.

In the 20^th Century, sunglasses were used to protect the eyes from the sun. In 1929 Sam Foster "Foster Grants" was the first mass-produced sunglasses. They began the trend of sunglasses for fashion.

In 1930, the Army Air Corps asked Bausch & Lomb to develop sunglasses that would competently decrease

high-altitude sun glare for pilots. They came up with dark green tinted sunglasses that absorb light through the yellow spectrum.

By 1936, Edward H. Land had invented the Polaroidfilter. He used it in making sunglasses and that made sunglasses “cool.” Movie stars have begun wearing sunglasses to hide behind and for fashion. In 1937, Aviator glasses became well-liked by movie stars and the general public after Ray Ban developed the anti-glare sunglasses using polarization. The longer lens was created to give more protection to pilots’ eyes from light reflecting off their control panels.

In 1970’s, Hollywood stars and fashion designers made a huge impact on the sunglasses market. Fashion designers and stars put their names on glasses and sunglasses and everyone had to have them. Stars are still hiding behind their oversized designer glasses in 2007, making fashion statements and protecting their eyes from the damaging effects of the Ultra Violet radiation.

Today’s stylish designer sunglasses are a status symbol. Even so, in order to be trendy in sunglasses, you do not have to give up quality. Quality designer sunglasses can be polarized to reduce the glare of sunlight reflecting off surfaces like the cars, highway, snow or water. Polarized sunglasses work by blocking off horizontal light reflections and only let in vertical light reflections. The polarization of designer sunglasses makes them all the rage in other areas of lifestyle like boating, swimming, golfing, biking, fishing and air crafting.

Marketers of designer sunglasses targets children who choose the same hot styles and brand-names as their parents and idols. Sunglasses for children have Disney and cartoon characters in different colors, shapes and styles. Children’s designer sunglasses can also be polarized to block the harmful UV radiation.

The making of sunglasses continues to evolve with modern technology and improvement. We have gone from holding green gems up to our eyes to Oakley’s 2004 sunglasses with digital audio players built in.