Shades of the past: Life before sunglasses explored

Have you ever wondered what people did to protect their eyes from the sun before sunglasses were invented? With the abundance of stylish and functional sunglasses available today, it's hard to imagine life without them. But let's take a journey back in time and explore the different ways people coped with the sun's glare.

Use of Hats and Umbrellas

Before sunglasses, people used hats and umbrellas to shield their eyes from the sun. Hats were a popular accessory in the past, and people wore them not only to look fashionable but also to provide shade from the sun. Different types of hats were worn for different occasions, such as bonnets for women and top hats for men.

Umbrellas, on the other hand, were used by people of all genders and ages to protect themselves from the sun and rain. Umbrellas were made of various materials, including silk, cotton, and paper, and were often decorated with intricate designs.

Smoked Glasses

Another way people protected their eyes from the sun was by wearing smoked glasses. Smoked glasses were made by heating glass in a smoke-filled chamber until a thin layer of smoke adhered to the surface. This layer of smoke reduced the amount of light that entered the eyes, making it easier to see in bright sunlight.

Smoked glasses were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries and were worn by people such as artists and sailors who spent a lot of time outdoors.

Cataract Glasses

People with cataracts, a condition that causes clouding of the lens in the eye, have sensitivity to bright light. In the past, people who had cataracts wore special glasses that had dark lenses to reduce the amount of light that entered their eyes. These glasses were called cataract glasses.

Cataract glasses were also worn by people who spent a lot of time outdoors, such as farmers and fishermen. The lenses were made of glass that had been tinted to a deep yellow or amber color, which effectively blocked out harmful ultraviolet rays.

Conclusion

In conclusion, people have been finding ways to protect their eyes from the sun for centuries. From hats and umbrellas to smoked and cataract glasses, people have used various methods to reduce the amount of sunlight that enters their eyes. While sunglasses have become the go-to accessory for many people today, it's fascinating to see how people coped with the sun's glare in the past.