12 Fascinating Facts about the History of Sunglasses

The Inuit Used Snow Goggles to Block UV Rays

The Inuit (arctic indigenous people from Alaska, Canada and Greenland) are credited with devising some of the earliest known snow goggles to protect their eyes from the sun’s UV radiation and prevent snow blindness in the harsh arctic climate.

The Inuit’s goggles featured narrow slits that reduced the amount of ultraviolet light coming into eyes and are thought to have dated back 800 years. These goggles were made of materials like ivory, wood, bone, leather and baleen (the jaw bones of whales).

The First Sunglasses Were Made in 12th-Century China

When were sunglasses invented? People in ancient China have been credited with creating the first sunglasses during the 12^th century. Back then, frames were rigid, and lenses were composed of smoked quartz, a material meant to block the light from the sun. Unlike modern sunglasses, these ancient ancestors weren’t effective in reducing the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Ancient Chinese Judges Used Lenses to Conceal Their Emotions

In 12^th century China, judges used smoked quartz lenses to hide their facial expressions in court. While the lenses helped block the light from the sun, they also helped judges interrogate witnesses impartially, making it easier to conduct trials without emotional involvement.

Crookes Lenses Became Available in 1913

In 1913, British chemist Sir William Crookes developed Crookes lenses—the first to block ultraviolet light using an element known as cerium. Eventually, movie stars began using this eyewear, fueling sunglasses’ popularity.

Foster Grant Sunglasses Were First Sold in 1929

The founder of Foster Grant, Sam Foster, began selling mass-produced plastic sunglasses in Atlantic City in 1929. A famous ad campaign in the 1960s asked the public to identify which Hollywood stars were wearing Foster Grant sunglasses, cementing the company’s place as one of the most recognizable eyewear brands.

Polarized Sunglasses Were Created in 1936

Polarized sunglasses made their mark in 1936 when Edwin H. Land, a Russian-American inventor, developed a polarizing light-weight filter to use for sunglasses and reduce glare. He established Polaroid Corporation—an American-based company that manufactures optical equipment. Nowadays, polarized sunglasses have been designed to block 100% of UVA and UVB rays—as well as provide protection against glare and substantially greater visual clarity.

Robert Smith Developed Anti-Fogging Goggles in 1965

Here’s a fun fact outdoorsy people will appreciate: Dr. Bob Smith, orthodontist and devoted skier, used his dental tools to create the first anti-fogging ski goggles. He developed protective eye goggles that kept unwanted glare out and shielded the eyes from reflective snow.

Smith’s design also featured a ventilation system that reduced fog and condensation, allowing skiers to cruise down snowy slopes without dealing with impediments to sight.

Whether you’re a skier or just someone who enjoys the great outdoors, having proper eye protection is critical for preserving your eyesight. Check out our article on sunglasses for outdoor adventures to find the pair most suited for your active lifestyle.

Elton John Claims to Own 250,000 Pairs of Sunglasses

British singer and beloved cultural icon Elton John claims to own a quarter million sunglasses. This might seem a little excessive, but given the singer’s extravagant outfits and unique eyewear, it’s not surprising he would own an extensive selection of glasses to express himself before adoring fans.

Someone Breaks or Sits on Sunglasses Every 14 Minutes

Yes, you read that correctly. Every 14 minutes in the United States, someone breaks, loses or sits on a pair of sunglasses. There’s a reason eyewear cases were created: make sure you use them when putting your eyewear away. Trust us, your wallet will thank you.