6 Interesting things about sunglasses

 1.  DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN GET FLOATING SUNGLASSES?

In an attempt to resolve the issue of losing sunglasses in the water, as well as reduce the pollution that comes from losing your sunglasses to the sea, some companies have taken the extra step to ensure your glasses stay in your possession.

There are many different ways to make/produce floating sunglasses.
  Common methods include:
-Bamboo
-Cork-filled acetate
-Air injections (more air between the plastic molecules.)
-Cellulose/acetate combos  (AKA Tri-acetate Cellulose)
      -uses plant matter to make plastic buoyant

In addition to the actual glasses being buoyant, some companies are also manufacturing neoprene straps in order to prevent sunglasses from falling off in the first place.

2.  THE FIRST PAIR 

The first pair of sunglasses were discovered in 12th century China.  These were initially meant to protect the eyes from the sun, and hide peoples' facial expressions in a court of law.
However, there is a heated debate regarding the actual origin of sunglasses, as the Inuit had been known to use "sun goggles"  to protect their eyes from light reflected off the snow.
These goggles were made from carved driftwood, bone, walrus ivory, or caribou antler that formed a strip worn across the eye area.  There were also thin slits carved into the goggles for the wearer to see through.  
The use of these goggles dates back to around 2000 years ago, and as a bonus, the goggles improved the wearer's vision as the narrow slits helped to focus eyesight.


3.  CHEAP GLASSES CAN BE EFFECTIVE

It may not seem like it, but sometimes something is better than nothing. 
Inexpensive sunglasses can be as good at blocking the sun's rays as their expensive counterparts.  
However.... expensive sunglasses tend to combine all of the technologies involved in protecting the eyes to achieve "complete" eye protection.
More often than not, you're likely unable to find a decent pair of polarized sunglasses for an inexpensive price.

4. 75% OF THE WORLD'S DESIGNER SUNGLASSES COME FROM THE SAME MANUFACTURER

These are produced by a single luxury goods company, Luxottica.   The Italian company makes Giorgio Armani, Brooks Brothers, Bulgari, Burberry, Chanel, Coach, Dolce & Gabbana, Michael Kors, Miu Miu,  Polo Ralph Lauren, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Starck Eyes, Tiffany & Co., Tory Burch, Valentino, and Versace.
 In addition to the brands already listed, Luxottica also owns Ray-Ban and Oakley brands.  
Some have criticized the company for having a monopoly on the luxury goods sector.  With such a monopoly, the company has been seen to raise prices and drive up the competition.  Some estimate Luxottica has inflated pricing by up to 1000%.
 

5.  THERE IS A NATIONAL SUNGLASSES DAY

No joke.  On June 27th, many people celebrate the optical protection they receive from their favourite pair of shades.   Every year, people commemorate the combination of fashion and function that essentially acts as sunscreen for your eyes.

6.  POLAROID POLARIZATION

Polarization (technology that removes glare in your lenses) was invented by Edwin Land.  This gentleman invented polaroid, the world's first polarizing material for commercial use in 1929.  
He founded the Polaroid corporation in 1937.  While many know polaroid for their photograph technology, it is actually the "Day Glasses" that provided the company with most of their revenue. 
Over time, polarized lenses became more popular, and are still sought out today.
In 2011, Safilo purchased the Polaroid company, gaining rights to the patented technology consumers are so familiar with today.

Do you know any interesting facts about sunglasses you didn't see here?
Comment below!