Sunglasses
Sunglasses and Celebrities
Sunglasses have also often been associated with film stars. Certain brands and designs have even increased in sales after being featured in a film. The aviator sunglasses with their dark lenses and metal frames, were generally worn by pilots, but became popular in the mainstream after being worn by Tom Cruise in the movie Top Gun. Other popular celebrities or figureheads have also made sunglass designs popular, such as the wide circular frames worn by Jackie Kennedy Onasis, which were popular in the sixties and then made a resurgence after the year 2000.
Not Just for Sunlight
Sunglasses may also be worn for reasons other than protection. The dark lenses can hide emotion or give the impression of detachment to a circumstance. Professional card players, such as poker players, oftentimes wear sunglasses to disguise reaction to a hand of cards. This can be important while playing a game against opponents where bluffing is an essential tool for winning. Sunglasses may also be worn to disguise drug use or inebriation, in order to conceal the telltale signs of intoxication through eye movements and pupil dilation.
The Construct
Sunglass lenses are generally made from plastic or glass, and can be tinted and polarized to reduce glare from reflective surfaces including white reading materials and water. Glass lenses are heavier, and more susceptible to shattering, but provide the best visual clarity. Plastic lenses are lighter and more durable, but are prone to easy scratching. Frames may be constructed of nylon, plastic, or metal. Nylon frames are generally preferred for outdoor activity use due to their durability. The frames may hold the lenses by completely surrounding them, or by attaching to the lenses along the top and sides. Lenses may also be frameless, where only a small piece of framing material connects the lenses to each other and the ear stems.
Buying Sunglasses
Sunglasses may be purchased in department, optical, or specialty stores and shops. Their prices will differ greatly due to their design and popularity. Recently, celebrity and clothing designers have introduced lines of sunglasses. These glasses are generally more costly, and should be checked to verify they provide the proper eye protection necessary.
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