Sunglasses, like many accessories, stemmed from a very practical purpose: protecting your eyes from the intensity of light to enhance your vision when it’s impaired by light or glare. Today, they are no longer just a practical tool. They are, without any doubt, a way to showcase personal style and flair, with some owning multiple pairs so they can match the right pair of shades with their outfits, occasion and mood. In most scenarios, eye doctors will recommend wearing protective eyewear such as sunglasses anytime the sun is out regardless of the season.

Here's where sunglasses show up in History: 

Dating as far back as prehistoric times, the Inuit people would cover their eyes with rudimentary, slatted goggles made from walrus ivory that would help to shield their eyes from the harsh rays of the sun. 

Roman Emperor Nero would watch the gladiators battle through emeralds he placed in front of his eyes. While they would distort his vision, but they provided him some much-needed relief from the reflective rays of the hot summer sun. 

In China, people would use smoked quartz crystals to combat the blinding glare. 

The judges in China’s top courts would wear prescribed sunglasses, not as a method of sun protection but to conceal their eyes while questioning witnesses on the stand. Sunglasses have since become synonymous with James Bond-style secret agents and Secret Service bodyguards charged with protecting high risk or affluent members of society. 

In 1752, a man by the name of James Ayscough began to experiment with tinted lenses by placing them in spectacles. According to documentation, Ayscough believed that glasses tinted in a blue or green color could correct the eyesight of visually impaired people. 

When syphilis became widespread throughout the early twentieth century, doctors would begin to prescribe amber and brown tinted glasses, since the sensitivity to light was such a pronounced symptom of the disease. 

​By the 1900’s, sunglasses had achieved widespread appeal and critical acclaim by the masses. As the trend hit America, movie stars began wearing them in public to prevent fans from recognizing them. This trend in Hollywood, like any trend in Hollywood, increased the mass appeal, and film buffs from around the world began adopting the large framed sunglasses worn by the Hollywood elite. 

To read more about how sunglasses work, the types of sunglasses, how sunglasses should fit, and more read the full article on Sunglasses Guide For Men from Gentleman's Gazette

Have you been eyeing a new pair of glasses to replace your old, worn frames? Christmas is coming up; it is a fabulous time of year to treat yourself (or a loved one) to the perfect pair of new glasses! 

When is gifting a new pair of glasses a good idea? 

- When it's someone's first pair of glasses. 
Getting your first pair of glasses can be a daunting ordeal! Especially if your son or daughter has apprehension on what they will look like with their new glasses. Many of our designers, these days, feature fun colours and designs. We are certain we can help make the search for the perfect pair of glasses an enjoyable one. 

- When someone is a registered student
Students up to the age of 19 are covered by Ontario Health to receive annual eye exams. Since eye health plays such an important role in learning, a new pair of designer glasses is the perfect gift for anybody who is still in school.  

- When you need a gift for your spouse or partner
Looking for a luxury gift for your hubby? We've got designer frames, sunglasses and the top of the line frame technology. If you are looking for something in particular we can order from any number of our European designers. You tell us what you want, we'll see what we can do. 

- When Mom or Dad is over the age of 65
Take note, when was the last time Mom or Dad got a new pair of glasses? For most people, vision loss is a very gradual process, so many seniors are not aware of how compromised their eyesight can become. It is important to discuss any noticeable changes in vision with your loved ones and make an eye appointment. 

If you would like to treat someone to a new pair of glasses, call now to book your appointment.