What happens when the glare of the sun blinds that window? Have you ever stepped outside on a bright summer afternoon, only to be forced to squint against the harsh sunlight? The discomfort is instant—your vision is compromised, your head starts to ache, and if you’re out for long enough, you might even risk long-term damage to your eyes.

Sunglasses seem like such an obvious solution to this problem. 

They are everywhere—worn by celebrities on red carpets, by pilots navigating the skies, and even by beachgoers just trying to enjoy a sunny day. But have you ever stopped to wonder: when were sunglasses invented?

 Were our ancestors walking around, blinded by the sun, with no way to protect their vision? Or did they come up with their own versions of sunglasses long before we ever thought to tint our lenses?

As I dug into this question, I realized that sunglasses have a much longer and more fascinating history than I ever imagined. From emperors peering through emeralds to 12th-century Chinese judges hiding their expressions behind smoky quartz, the evolution of sunglasses is a story of innovation, necessity, and even a bit of vanity.

Let’s take a journey through time and explore: when were sunglasses invented, how did they evolve, and what surprising uses did they have before becoming the everyday accessory we know today?

When Were Sunglasses Invented? The Earliest Origins

The truth is, sunglasses—or at least the concept of protecting the eyes from harsh light—have been around for centuries. But unlike today’s stylish Ray-Bans or Oakleys, the earliest versions of sunglasses weren’t designed to block UV rays. Instead, they served very different purposes.

Ancient China: Sunglasses for Secrecy

If we go back to the 12th century, we find one of the earliest recorded uses of sunglasses in China. Judges wore flat panes of smoky quartz—called Ai Tai—not to protect their eyes from the sun, but to conceal their facial expressions in court. Imagine standing trial, desperately trying to read the judge’s face, only to be met with a cold, unreadable stare behind dark lenses. Even back then, sunglasses had the power to give an air of mystery and control.

Ancient Rome: The Emperor’s Emeralds

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, Roman Emperor Nero had his own version of eye protection. As he watched gladiator battles from the stands, he used polished emeralds to reduce glare. It wasn’t exactly a practical solution for everyday wear, but it showed that even the powerful sought relief from the blinding sun.

The Eskimos: The First Anti-Glare Goggles

While Chinese judges and Roman emperors experimented with eye protection, the Eskimos came up with an impressively functional solution. Living in a world of endless white snow and blinding reflections, they crafted goggles from walrus ivory, with narrow slits to limit the amount of light that entered their eyes. This early innovation closely resembles modern-day sports sunglasses that reduce glare.

It’s incredible to think that even centuries ago, people from vastly different cultures were already working toward solving the same problem we face today. But how did sunglasses go from crude early versions to the sophisticated, stylish designs we wear now?

The Evolution of Sunglasses: A Story of Science and Style

As time went on, sunglasses evolved from mere eye shields into something more scientific and stylish.

The 18th Century: Tinted Lenses for Vision Correction

One of the first recorded attempts to create sunglasses for vision improvement rather than secrecy came in the 18th century. British optician James Ayscough experimented with blue and green-tinted lenses, believing they could help with vision impairments. However, he wasn’t thinking about sun protection yet—his focus was on correcting eyesight.

The 19th Century: A Step Closer to Modern Sunglasses

In the 1800s, tinted glasses became more common, but they were still primarily used for medical reasons, such as treating syphilis-induced light sensitivity. People weren’t yet wearing them for fashion or everyday sun protection.

The 20th Century: The Sunglasses Boom Begins

1920s: The Birth of Mass-Produced Sunglasses

Sunglasses as we know them today truly began to take shape in the 1920s. In 1929, Sam Foster introduced mass-produced sunglasses to the American public through his brand Foster Grant. He started selling them on the boardwalks of Atlantic City, and they quickly became a popular summer accessory.

1930s: Aviators Take Flight

In the 1930s, sunglasses took a major technological leap forward when the U.S. military recognized the need for effective eye protection for pilots. They commissioned Bausch & Lomb to develop anti-glare sunglasses, which led to the creation of the now-iconic Aviator sunglasses.

By the end of the 1930s, sunglasses were no longer just for the elite or the medically impaired—they were becoming a mainstream necessity.

1950s-1970s: The Hollywood Effect

With the rise of Hollywood, sunglasses transformed into a symbol of style and celebrity status. Movie stars like Audrey Hepburn, James Dean, and Elvis Presley made them synonymous with coolness and mystery.

By the 1970s, the sunglasses industry was booming. Brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley emerged, introducing high-quality polarized lenses and UV protection, turning sunglasses into both a fashion statement and a crucial eye-health tool.

When Were Sunglasses Invented? A Look at the Data

If you’re still wondering, when were sunglasses invented, and how far have they come? Let’s look at some statistics:

• 30% of Americans wear sunglasses regularly to protect their eyes from UV damage.
• 80% of UV damage to the eyes occurs before the age of 18, making sunglasses crucial from childhood.
• The global sunglasses market is valued at $38 billion and is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

From a tool of secrecy in ancient China to a necessity for pilots and beachgoers alike, sunglasses have come a long way.

Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of Sunglasses

So, when were sunglasses invented? The answer is both simple and complex. The journey began centuries ago, with people across the world experimenting with ways to shield their eyes from harsh light. What started as smoky quartz in China, emeralds in Rome, and ivory goggles among the Eskimos has evolved into an essential accessory that blends science, fashion, and necessity.

Today, whether you’re shielding your eyes from the sun, making a bold fashion statement, or simply trying to hide a sleepless night, sunglasses are a must-have. And the next time you slip on a pair, remember—you’re carrying on a tradition that spans centuries, cultures, and even emperors.

So, what’s your favorite pair of sunglasses? Do you wear them for style, function, or both? Let me know—I’d love to hear how sunglasses play a role in your life!