Tag: James Ayscough


Choosing Cool Designer Prescription Glasses and Sunglasses

July 22, 2018

Sunglasses

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There is something about a pair of sunglasses that makes them arguably one of the most essential ‘must-have’ items of all time. Not only are they immensely practical, offering protection from the dangers of the sun, they are an enormously versatile fashion accessory, available in a huge range of styles, colours and prices to suit every pocket. Given their worldwide popularity, sunglass manufacturing has become a very lucrative, and highly competitive industry and while some manufacturers rise and wane in the public affections, there is one company that remains forever synonymous with the eyeglasses that protect our eyes from the rays of the sun: Ray-Ban

Although the Us President, Benjamin Franklin, is often credited with inventing eyeglasses (he was the one who developed the first bifocal lens in the 1780’s), the first reading glasses were developed in Italy, as early as 1260. People continued to be fascinated by all things optical throughout the centuries that followed, then, in the mid-eighteen hundreds British scientist James Ayscough began to research tinted glass, and the possibility that such technology may be used to improve vision impaired eyesight. As successful as he was, it was not until 1929 that the idea that glasses could filter the sun’s rays was given any serious consideration. At that time, U.S. optical company, Foster Grant, began to develop the idea further, until finally, later that same year, the first ever pair of sunglasses were sold from a Woolworth’s store on the Atlantic City boardwalk. Look how far weve come from there.

Recognizing that the new technology could be beneficial to their pilots, the U.S. Army Air Corps asked another prominent American company, Bausch & Lomb, to develop glasses that would protect the eyes from the dangers of the glaring sun, when flying.

It was U.S. eyeglass company, Ray-Ban, who really ran with the concept. In 1936, using the newly available polarized lenses, and a wide frame that offered maximum protection from the sheen of an instrument panel, Ray-Ban began to produce a lens that banned the sun’s rays. Some three years later, this model of sunglass so popular with pilots, became readily available to the American public. Ray-Ban ‘aviators’ were born. And of course everybody wanted a pair.

As Americans came of age, so too did their eyewear. Throughout the war years Ray-Ban continued its working partnership with the Air Force, creating Gradient mirror lenses that managed to be both highly practical and fashionable at the same time. There was something about that American flyer in his tough brown leather flight jacket, whose sunglasses hid his eyes. Ray-Ban had just made sunglasses sexy.

Ubiquitous in the 1950’s, sunglasses became more than just eye protection. Worn by A-list celebrities in Vegas and Hollywood -stars whose every move was scrutinized and emulated all over the country- sunglasses became a fashion accessory, and Ray-Ban was quick to accommodate the growing trend for new designs and colorful frames, which they marketed to women in particular.


Sunglasses and Eyeglasses for Summer

September 30, 2017

Sunglasses

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August is a lazy month of sun and fun and with all the hours that people tend to spend outside this month, they should know how to best protect their eyes against the suns harmful rays. Here are a few tips and facts for protecting your eyes!

Its been a hot summer so far and as we step into August, there is no sign of dropping temperatures. As always when thinking of summer, we think of the sun. In order to be best prepared for outdoor excursions, we need to remember that the sun has its vices and we need to protect ourselves and our eyes against its harmful rays.

Protecting our eyes against the sun is not something new. Back in prehistoric times, the Inuits wore flattened walrus ivory type “glasses” to block the suns rays, but the first documented lens that protected against the suns glare were discovered in China in the 12th century. But fast forward to the mid-18th century when James Ayscough actually tinted lenses for the first time; only to be produced on a big scale in 1929 by Sam Foster who brought mass-produced sunglasses to the beaches of America.

With all the health warnings that have been issued over the past few years, you should already be well-aware that aside from its Vitamin D benefits, the suns ultra violet rays are not only dangerous but can prove to be deadly when they work within your body to cause a wide variety of illnesses, the worst being cancer – including skin and eye cancers. Its simple: Do not step outdoors without appropriate protections against the suns harmful UVA and UVB rays.

The experts suggest wearing sunglasses that reflect or filter out 99-100 percent of UVA and UVB rays, with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers. Therefore, you should always try to buy sunglasses labeled as “UV400”, which offer more protection than the standard protection sunglasses. Plus, they filter out 99-100 percent of UVA and UVB light, with wavelengths up to 400 nm, as opposed to the 95 percent protection offered by standard sunglasses.

Your sunglasses frames should fit close to your face, like glasses, yet not touching your eyes. This ensures that no light is able to peep through from any angle; while still providing your comfort and visual ease. The frame you choose should fit your lifestyle (for example, titanium for active personalities), as well as be wide enough to cover your whole eye area.

If you regularly wear eyeglasses, then you should invest in a pair of prescription sunglasses and then alternate your eye wear when you are inside and out. Dont like the idea of switching? Consider photochromic lenses – also known as Transitions lenses – which lighten inside and darken outside, depending on UV exposure. This negates the need for separate prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses. If you dont wear prescription eyeglasses then a regular pair of sunglasses will work just fine.

You should also know that “the darker the lens the more protection it offers” is not the case here. The protection lies in the makeup of the lens; not the color. In fact, sometimes, lighter lenses can provide even stronger protection when manufactured correctly. On that note, also understand that expense does not equal quality or better protection. If it is affordability that youre after, buy your glasses online in order to ensure that you are buying discount eyeglasses without skimping on quality and ensuring that even though affordable, you are receiving top quality eye protection.



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