Aviator sunglasses never go out of style. This is true. Since they were first introduced to the public during WWII, this style of sunglasses with large lenses under a flat rim has been a popular favorite for both men and women.
During WWII, aviator sunglasses were given to pilots so that they could avoid the harmful glare of the sun when they were flying missions. The sunglasses were not only practical, but they were also considered very dashing. So much so that they began to be worn by people who were not flying planes.
In the 1970s, women began wearing aviator glasses as well as men. This fad did not last that long and today, aviator sunglasses are worn almost exclusively by men. They generally have lightly tinted lenses of either yellow or blue. In some cases, they are mirrored.
Aviator sunglasses have wire rims that are very lightweight. They have a very masculine look to them which is probably the reason they have appealed to men since the 1940s. Today, you will see many film stars and other male celebrities wearing aviator sunglasses.
It is true that aviator sunglasses never go out of style, despite the reason for wearing them has changed. During WWII, the glare of the sun was a concern because it could prevent a pilot from doing his job properly. Naturally, these sunglasses were a necessity for pilots.
Today, sunglasses are still used to keep the glare from our eyes as we do things outside when the sun is out. The bright sunlight bothers most people and most of us find it very difficult to see when driving or performing a task when the sun is at its brightest. Like the pilots in WWII, many of us feel that it is essential to wear sunglasses when driving a car or operating heavy machinery to avoid injury to ourselves or others. However, sunglasses today are not just used to keep the glare out.
Eye cancer, macular degeneration, and cataracts are all linked to the ever-increasing ultraviolet rays from the sun. We owe it to ourselves to keep the sun out of our eyes not only so we can see, but so that we can see in the future. Although cataracts can be treated with laser therapy most of the time, eye cancer can be deadly. There is a form of melanoma that attacks the eyes and can cause blindness or even death. Skin cancers like melanoma are at an all-time high and are one of the few cancers that are growing at an alarming rate.
Macular degeneration can also cause weak eyesight and blindness. Why go through any of these problems when you age when you can avoid them by wearing sunglasses?
If you want to purchase a pair of sunglasses that will protect your eyes from the glare of the sun and also look good now and for ages to come, invest in a pair of aviator sunglasses. Unlike other types of sunglasses, aviator sunglasses never go out of style.
The author Kirk Bachelder runs a wholesale sunglasses company who manufactures the popular Aviator Sunglasses