Jul
28
Sunglasses definition list
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A brief glossary of eyewear related terms and definitions.
Sunglasses:
- Coloured or tinted lenses that protect the eyes from sunlight
- Polarized convex or concave lenses for eye protection
- An accessory to assist one in looking hip or cool
- An article used in disguises to cover the eyes
- An apparatus affixed to the face for sun protection and fashionable accessorizing
Eyeglasses
- Lenses affixed over the eye to assist in the correction of refractive errors
- Apparatus designed to correct vision problems
- Convex or concave glass or plastic lenses designed to focus light to the correct part of the eye
- Various shapes and designs of lenses for vision correction
- Fashionable accessories
Bifocals
- Vision correction apparatus designed to allow quick transitions for patients with both near and farsighted eyesight
- Meaning, having two foci
- Having two portions
- Invented by Benjamin Franklin
- To assist in the correction of refractive errors
Polarization
- A division of opposing factions
- wherein light exhibits various properties in various directions
- having to do with polarity
- Root words: Polarize and Action
- In political terminology- two opposing forces or extremes.
Tinting
- The colouring or fabric, glass or other man-made materials
- A hue, colour or ambiance of a person, place or thing
- Example: tinted sunglasses, the tint of the sky
- Root word: tint- ie- colour or hue
The act of colouring or otherwise altering an object
Lorgnette
- Eyeglasses held in place by hand from a long metal rod
- Antique eyeglasses without temple bars
- Often used for nearsightedness when viewing long distance events at length, for example in racing, operas or ballets
Prince-nez
- Eyeglasses clipped to the end of the nose and held in place by a spring or clamp
- Also called a pincer (to pinch)
- Common with fashion, low-recreation sunglasses
Jul
28
Why sunglasses are tinted
Filed Under Eyewear Knowledge | 42 Comments
Sunglasses are tinted to reduce the amount of light that reaches you eye, but various colours of tinting produce different overall effects on the way you see the world. Some shades will enhance contrast while others reduce glare, reduce eye stress or simply look classy. Knowing a bit about tinting will help you in selecting a great pair of sunglasses that fit your specific needs.

Please note that there are various degrees of tinting, regardless of shade. The degree of tint indicated what percentage of light penetrates the lens and reaches your eye. For example, a tint of 80-100% means roughly 80-100% of the light will reach your eye. On the inverse, a tinting of 45% means more than half of the light will be blocked. It is dangerous to drive with a tinting of over 60%, and such extreme tinting is usually reserved for extreme sun exposure- like skiing the Saharan dunes in July. The best option is to get a pair that works for you, but does not block too much light that your safety is in danger.
Yellow tinted sunglasses help increase contract and depth perception. Meaning, in poor or scattered light yellow and brown lenses will help you see distances with greater clarity due to enhanced contrast. This is why many hunters and other riflemen use this tinting shade. Hunters need to be able to distinguish a deer in light brown from the surrounding brown and green woods—increased contrast helps the hunter more easily spot an aberration. Practitioners of winter sports also wear yellow tinted goggles because they increase the contrast on the ice, making it easier to see slight bumps or ridges on the snow or ice.
Similarly, brown tinting helps to reduce glare, and is best in hazy sunshine. For this reason, brown tinted glasses are popular in water sports, where glare is a performance factor. Brown is also popular for skiers of summer slopes, where glare on the snow and ice can be hazardous and blinding.
Green is generally used to reduce eyestrain under bright lights, which is why accountants (stuck under fluorescent lights all day) wore neon green plastic visors. Green provides semi-enhances contrast in low light, though nothing matching the contrasting power of yellow-tinted lenses. One should use green tinted sunglasses if he or she plans to be under extremely bright light, or if the person gets reoccurring headaches induced from light.
Grey and black tinting does not add anything spectacular in the way of enhanced contrast, glare-reduction or eye comfort. However, these shades do tend to allow less light through the lens, and are thus somewhat more useful in terms of overall light reduction.
Purple and blue tints are mainly cosmetic, and provide no additional enhancement and indeed block very little light. In fact, they very rarely block UV rays and such a large amount of light can penetrate through them that they are hardly worth wearing unless for a fashion statement. However, they do look extremely cool, and are suitable for wearing indoors, so they do have their place in the wide world of tinting.
Red tinted lenses are sometimes used by riflemen and the military because your eyes adjust most quickly between normal light and red light. Thus, flashlights used at night by the military are often red (which shows up less in night vision goggles). Red lenses are advisable for people in normal but not extreme light conditions who will need to switch between wearing and removing the glasses often, for example, fishing on a hazy day where you have to remove your glasses quickly when you net a resistant fish.
Jul
28
How polarized sunglasses work
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Polarization is the principle of glare moving on horizontal planes. Essentially, light is reflected horizontally. For example, look at the surface of a calm lake on a sunny day, often the lake will appear white, and you cannot see the stones and fish beneath the surface—this is caused by horizontal polarization.
Polarized lenses are unique in that they reduce light from glare without decreasing the intensity of your entire line of site, meaning you’ll more easily be able to see below the surface of the lake. Polarized lenses block all types of glare, from water to mirrors to windows to the reflection of light on metal (cars, for example). Therefore, polarized lenses are especially helpful when driving, fishing or playing any sport where there is metal that could potentially direct a blinding glare into your eyes (golf, tennis). Because they block glare they are also much better for your eyes, and offer a clearer overall image.
An additional benefit of polarized sunglasses is that they do not simply block the amount of light reaching your eye—instead they block harmful reflections and glare while only minimally tinting your vision (though still around a 50% light reduction). Therefore, a clear, beautiful day with polarized lenses will block unwanted glare and reflections, but may also slightly darken the overall image.
Arguments abound about the safety of polarized lenses in snow sports. Some claim that the lenses reduce glare to such an extent that it becomes difficult to distinguish between snow and ice. Other arguments hold that glare on the surface of choppy water helps sailors and fishermen gauge how dangerous the waves are, and how rapidly wind is changing based on the glare changes in wave ridges. However, one would simply advise the fishermen to wear them on calm waters (to see below the surface) and remove them on choppy seas.
Additionally, there have been reports that LCD lights are hard to see or invisible when wearing polarized sunglasses. One wonders why anyone would watch TV in the sunshine. However, this does apply to LCD screens mounted in your car, which could be quite annoying.
There are several ways to tell if your sunglasses are polarized. You can consult the company of origin, naturally, or you can test your sunglasses manually. Look through your lenses (holding them in your hands away from your face) at a window, TV screen or lake with intense glare. Rotate the glasses in a circle facing the glare. The intensity of the glare should change when you rotate your glasses. This is because glasses are meant to be worn in a certain way (on your nose) so the lenses are intentionally polarized vertically, which is how horizontal glare is reduced. When you rotate your lenses you are moving a vertical polarization off its vertical axis, and thus decreasing the efficiency of the polarization.
It is highly recommend that people suffering migraines or eye aches from exposure to light purchase a pair of polarized sunglasses. Often, light-eyed people complain of glares and reflections that are sudden and piercing, but dark-eyed people hardly register the flash or light. These splashes of light can be detrimental to the health of your eye, and indeed, reoccurring headaches caused from outdoor light can be greatly reduced with polarized lenses.
Jul
21
How to clean eyeglasses
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While there are many tips and tricks out there about how to best clean your lenses, this tried and true approach, you will find, works the best. The below suggestions have worked for me for years, and I have tried everything from the strangest of wives tales to the most mundane. As with most things in life- the simplest form is best!
Your skin excretes an oily mixture that can smear and smudge your lenses and make your frames slippery and dirty. To prevent this grime from getting into your eyes and causing discomfort or infection, and to prevent damage to your glasses you should wash your glasses weekly.
If your frames are metal or coated in metal you can let them sit overnight in a glass of lukewarm water with dish soap. The dish soap will break down oil and grease from your skin, whereas hand soap may not. This step is important as it removes dust and grime as well as body oils, all of which combined can result in scratches on your lenses. Be careful not to soak frames where water may harm the finish or remove the plastic coating, or rust the frames. If you are suspicious about the durability of your frames then skip this step and simply apply soap and water to your lenses by hand.
After you remove your soaked lenses, rinse them in warm water to flush away the broken-down grime. You can then dry them with a soft towel. Do not use a paper towel or tissue, as they tear apart and leave fibers on your lenses. Make sure the towel is clean and as soft as possible. Special eye-cleansing cloths are available at most pharmacies or shopping centers and are relatively cheap.
You will want to repeat the above cleaning regime weekly to prevent any build up and to keep the area around you eyes as bright and clean as possible. In addition, you can carry a small spray bottle of soapy water and a small cloth with you to remove buildup throughout the day. If possible, avoid cleaning your glasses on your clothing, which is often dirty simply because your clothing rubs against your body, removing dead skin and rubs against the outside world, collecting particles of grime.
A few other tips to preserving and caring for your glasses:
Always take off your glasses with both hands, at the temples. Do not pull from one side, as this will eventually loosen the hinges, or can bend or break plastic frames.
Do not apply any lemon juice or other wives tale remedies to your lenses. The acid in lemons tends to break down the coating on lenses, and could ruin your lenses if they are coated with any kind of finish. Some people suggest rubbing alcohol– this is a good idea if your lenses are not treated with any finish. Find out before trying this.
Do not lay your glasses face down- for obvious reasons. Many glasses each year are lost or broken from being temporarily set aside when a few extra seconds to put them in a case would have saved time and money.
Invest in a hard case for your glasses and sunglasses. Soft cases allow abrasions to penetrate the lenses and bend the frames. The only truly safe method is a hard case. You can find affordable cases on the internet. Do not try to substitute a glasses case for another hard case intended for another object. Glasses cases have special ridges to hold your lenses and frames in place and prevent any damage to them from interior movement.
There you have it—the best methods for cleaning your glasses and a few tips for extending the life of your current pair. Good luck!
Jul
21
Poker and Shades (and how to choose the best poker sunglasses!!)
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In recent years, poker (and especially Texas Hold ‘em) has become extremely popular. So popular in fact, that sports networks are now airing major tournaments in prime time slots. The game has gained so much popularity that the internet if jam-packed with poker tutorials, poker rooms, chat topics and even products designed to help players.
One of the main things you’ll notice about the poker players at the winners table is their affinity for sunglasses. They do not merely pick these up at the casino gift shop. No, these bad boys are methodically chosen to enhance the player’s game. Essentially, poker is a game of two things: numbers and psychology. One can learn the numbers aspect of the game by reading poker guides (of which the internet offers plenty). However, learning to read another person and guess what cards they have is a skill that will take years to acquire. When the experts face each other in the final rounds of a tournament they put on their A game, and, incidentally, their shades and headphones.
The shades are a necessity to block their expressions, so other players cannot glean their thoughts. Even the best player’s eyes give away a certain tell or a small dilation of the pupil, twitch of the eyebrow or twitch at the corner. Unless you are a hardened pro, you’ll want to find a pair of shades for your middle level games and tournaments. Remember, if the pros do it—it must work.
When choosing the best shades for your A game, consider the following tidbits of advice learned from years of poker playing.
1) Chose a pair of glasses that are not flashy, and do not attract attention. The last thing you want to do is point out that you are hiding something. Instead, find a pair that look natural on your face, and complement your appearance and blend in.
2) Try to find shades that are as tinted as possible, so that the movements of your eyes are not visible through the glass. Try several pairs and have someone with you, ensuring that nothing can be seen. Make sure you try the shades in strong light, and bar lighting.
3) Avoid mirror shades; though some poker players use them in the pros, you are more likely to give away your cards in the reflection than to intimidate your opponent. For the same reason, avoid reflective frames, which may gave away even the color of your cards, which could cost you the hand.
4) Choose shades that cover your eyebrows, which are also often very full of expression. If not larger shades, than wear a hat or use your hair to cover your eyebrows. Remember that any expression, even a ploy- expression meant to trick your opponent, is bad to express. If your expressions are evident your opponent will know it is a trick, therefore there is no reason whatsoever to show facial expressions of any kind—especially for the intermediate or beginner players.
Jul
14
All about military eyeglasses
Filed Under Fun with Eyewear, Eyewear Knowledge | 1 Comment
This article is a random collection of information on US military eyeglasses and eye related products and news. The military is responsible, through Eisenhower, for the popularization of the now famous aviator style of shades. Its personnel, in their off duty hours, have made shades of all verities seem badass and hip when coupled with the camouflage of their uniforms. One wonders what occurs in the military optical world outside of the enlisted men’s affinity and passion for creative shades. This article acts as an update on random eyeglasses related military information.
The US military provides glasses for all soldiers who require vision correction implements to see at a 20/20 level. These glasses, affectionately called birth control glasses (BCGs) are the American GI issued eyeglasses of a distinctly unappealing design. They earned that nickname when servicemen started referring to the improbability of a soldier getting a date while wearing the frames. They were thick, brown framed glasses with extra long earpieces and nearly rectangular lenses. They are practical in that they are waterproof and purposefully designed not to interfere with a soldier’s line of sight. They are issued to new recruits at basic training camp and are to be worn until graduation, at which point the lucky recruit can hope to attract the until then unattainable date.
Partly in response to public distaste for the military issued BCGs, the Navy currently allows several civilian-like glasses options called glasses-of-choice frames to its active duty personal. This practice began in 1996, with new designs becoming available intermittently. They have been cheerfully received by military personal happy for the sudden and swift departure from BCGs.
The US Army currently has a combination of ballistic/laser protective goggles that are also sun, wind and dust resistant. They are, essentially, goggles that strap around the head that protect the eye and can also be built to match the soldier’s prescription. An estimated 10% of all casualties are eye injuries, of which 90% were preventable, yet the military has had extensive trouble getting soldiers to wear protective goggles or spectacles. In the past five years the military has offered more fashionable and hip versions of the goggles, which have been much better received. Additionally, it is a rite of passage and common trend for military men to done very cool, black shades after hours as one of the only slight ways a military person can express his or her fashion sense and personality.
US military servicemen are now given priority for laser eye surgery, as accurate vision is not only a necessity, but poor eyesight is an extreme liability.
Indeed, in the US droves of soldiers line up for laser eye surgery prior to overseas deployments. Contact lenses in the Middle East are difficult, as constant sand is driven into the eye by strong winds. Eyeglasses are liable to break, inspiring soldiers to carry extra pairs in the event of a problem with their primary pair. Of course, being on a battlefield without the ability to see is a soldier’s worst nightmare. The military has taken measures to have optometrists available with up to a 24 hour turn around for new glasses, yet soldiers tend to prefer the surgery.
In 2006 the US military signed a contract with Pixeloptics for the creation of super vision corrective lenses, which would allow a soldier to have better than 20/20 vision, perhaps up to 20/08. This could give the military an obvious strategic advantage.
Jul
14
Top Five Fashion Sunglasses of 2007
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In 2007 there were several surprising fashion trends in the optical world. Instead of new styles reaching the top fashion positions, they were remakes of old classics. I have outlined my opinions of the year’s most popular trends, acknowledging that it is biased to my own observations.
Big bug eyes, or Jackie O’s were massively popular in 2007, as the Olsen twins, Nicole Richie and even Angelina Jolie sported the face-covering frames. They are so fashionable that across the US it is difficult to find any other style of female frames. Personally, I think they look great on some women, but if you have a pointed chin, or sharp features the giant round glasses end up making you look like a child playing dress up. My personal distaste for this style, born out of jealousy no doubt, does not precluding these fashionable frames from the number one spot on the list of five most fashionable frames in 2007.
Geek chic was back in style in 2007, with black rectangle framed lenses all the rage for teenagers defying the Jackie O prep appeal. Bright and bold colors (especially turquoise and purple) as well as the ever-inspiring animal print patterns were especially trendy in 2007. Many late 30s are starting to wear the geek chic style as a way to look younger and remain professional. Along with the surge of geek chic frames was a surge in women’s haircuts with straight cut bangs. The essence of the geek chick look is a lack of fashion sense, so it is especially ironic that the geek look has become so fashionable. It takes great care and attention to appear as if you do not care, and yet this trend takes the number two slot for 2007.
Accessory matching was one of the major surprise trends in the fashion industry in 2007. It marked a resurgence in early 80’s style. Women in red shoes with a red handbag were donning red framed glasses in 2007 while women in blue shoes with blue bags were sporting blue frames. I personally found this fashion trend amusing, but somewhat impractical. I will, however, admit that I did purchase a pair of white and black frames to match with my more muted outfits, though owning a pair of frames in each color is somewhat of a long-term fashion goal. I think this trend goes hand in hand with the recent emergence of giant, bulky handbags of bold colors for young women.
All plastic, rectangle, wide temple frames became popular in 2007 with those over 40 years of age. Especially because the plastic frames are sometimes more economical and less likely to break as metal framed glasses. Additionally, they are quite a chic statement for a middle aged businessman or woman who wish to express a certain nod of approval for both utility and fashion. The temples (length of plastic extending from the lens to the ear) provide a small canvas for the artistically inclined. Plastic frames with designs on the temples were especially popular in 2007, with simple, sleek and abstract designs adorning the temple sides (inside and out). I think this trend is especially adorable on the elderly, as it shows a certain sense of acceptance of modernity.
Men’s glasses suddenly fashionable in 2007. It was apparent, more than ever before, that men are also concerned with, and a viable part of, the optical fashion industry. Especially popular in 2007 were rectangle and boxy men’s frames made popular by Tim Gunn, who popularized the very simple and yet chic frameless, lightweight and nearly invisible fashion frames. Randy Jackson, of American Idol, announced plans to release an eyewear line of two-toned rectangle frames with designs on the temples. Indeed, there were many more options for men in design, showing that 2007 truly was an interesting year for male optical fashion.
There you have it, the top fashion frames of 2007 for men and women both young and old alike.
Jul
8
Why Roy Orbison Wore Sunglasses!
Filed Under Celebrity Watch, Eyewear Knowledge, Designer Sunglasses | 1 Comment
Roy Orbison, for those who have been dwelling in isolated hermitage, was a legendary singer-songwriter and guitarist whose melodramatic love songs hit the tops of the charts over ten times. You’ll remember him as the deep tenor vocalist and guitarists responsible for such titles as, ‘Oh, Pretty Woman,’ and ‘Only the Lonely.’ He was renowned for his stage presence and self assurance, and trademarked by his black-rimmed sunglasses.
While stories about poor eyesight or lost glasses abound, these tales do not explain why Orbison chose the dark, large-framed design that epitomized his style. However, I will retell the roomers I have heard in relation to his glasses, though with the disclaimer that they are all indeed only roomers. First and foremost are the roomers of bright lights on stage bothering Orbison and forcing him to resort to sunglasses. This is logical, as many early actors and actresses resorted to sunglasses for the same reason when filming. Second, the story that Mr. Orbison got in a fist fight (cause unknown) before a concert and quickly grabbed the glasses to hide his bruised eye before running onstage. There is little basis for this claim. Third, and somewhat more likely, is the story that Orbison lost his prescription glasses while touring with the Beatles and was forced to use his only other pair of prescription glasses so he could see to be on stage—they happened to be black sunglasses. He then wore them the duration of the tour and was delighted by the fan-fair surrounding his ‘new image.’ Fourth, there are roomers that he was diabetic and therefore had extreme eye deterioration. There is little evidence both for or against this tale.
Personally, I believe that whatever the initial cause for Orbison to wear the sunglasses, they became a fixture of his persona because of the experiences he had in his early career that made him darken both internally and externally. In the sixties and seventies, when Roy Orbison was ranking up the hits and touring the globe promoting his newest releases, several personal tragedies befell him. In 1966 his wife, Claudette, died in a motorcycle accident. Orbison was crushed, and claimed that his sons brought him his only remaining joy, aside from music. Two years later, while Orbison was touring in Europe, his family home burnt to the ground with two of his three young sons inside. Few words can express a loss of such magnitude.
Personal tragedies have haunted famous rock stars, as indeed all titans are struck down. Orbison’s friend Johnny Cash was abandoned by his family and left to wither away by the drugs that consumed him. Billy Holiday, whose image is somewhat parallel to Orbison’s, was felled in his prime aboard the same plane that took down legend Leonard Skinnard.
Some attribute Roy Orbison’s glasses to the tragedies in his life. Others claim that when Orbison met Cash on their Wink Westerners 30 minute weekly TV slot, he was moved to mock the star’s dark style—which was (in support of my argument) also driven by internal depression and tragedy. At this stage, Orbison was attending Washington State University, where he studied English and history. Their 30minute show on a local television station was visited only once by Johhny Cash, but he made such an impression that he convinced the Wink Westerners to sign with Sun Records, Cash’s producer’s label. Thus, the connection between Cash’s dark foreboding image and Orbison’s is evident.
It is unclear exactly why Orbison wore those dark glasses. Nevertheless, his sultry and steady legendary voice is more than enough to usher him into the hall of fame—rock star image not withstanding.
Jul
8
How Do Eyeglasses & Sunglasses Really Work?
Filed Under Sunglasses Trivia, Eyewear Knowledge, Designer Eyeglasses | 3 Comments
Corrective Lenses: Corrective lenses, which most often are used to correct near and farsightedness, work by modifying (through concave or convex lenses) the focal length of the eye. That is, problems occur when light reaches the eye at the wrong points within the eye, lenses with a specific shape like a bubble or a cup are used to bend the light and focus it on the correct part of the inside of the eye. That oversimplified explanation can be expanded on by reading my former article on how the eye works.
Sunglasses: Sunglasses work to reduce the amount of light that reaches the eye. Many people (especially those with fair skin and eye tones) complain of extreme headaches or pain caused by light. Sunglasses are used to reduce the amount of light to the eye, and thus are a necessary accessory for many blue and green-eyed people. Aside from this, they are used to block harmful UV rays from deteriorating the eye or otherwise harming or causing discomfort to the eye.
Sunglasses are simply a pane of glass that has been tinted. That is, they reflect back some light and only allow a certain degree to pass through the glass lenses. Polarized lenses further assist in dispelling light evenly across one’s line of sight, thus reducing the sharp effect light may have when concentrated in one area.
Contact Lenses. Contact lenses, first refined by Otto Wichterle, the inventor of the gel-like plastic used in their production, are said to be used by some 125 million people worldwide. Though their history dates back as far as the 16th century, the contact lens was not widely used, or indeed really usable, until Wichterle’s gel adaptation. The original inventors, independent and various as they were, intended glass or even miniature cups of water to be adhered to the eye to alter its shape or increase its magnification.
Contact lenses can be used to tint the eye and thus alter its color and design, or they can be used as a corrective tool. As a coloring device one simply inserts the gel lens and the color of the lens is reflected when light hits the eye. Fashionable artistic work has been done in the development of the cosmetic lens. As a corrective tool, they can be used for both near and farsighted patients in the correction of refraction errors. In this capacity contact lenses work in much the same way as glasses, except that because of their proximity to the eye, the amount of correction needed may vary from your glasses prescription to your contact lens prescription. Contact lenses are also used in the treatment of various diseases of the eye, including diseases where the eyelid rubs and tears the eye itself. Additionally, lenses with tints are available that block light, for those with overly sensitive eyes.
Laser Eye Surgery. Laser surgery, or orogolomistician surgery (ocular for short) is a procedure performed on the eye to correct the eye’s visual ability. There are several types of surgery, the most common shapes the cornea’s surface to change the optical direction of light penetration. In the US, laser eye surgery is the third most common surgery with around 1.2 million recipients annually. Having known quite a few people who have undergone laser eye surgery, I am happy to report that they were all highly successful procedures. It should be noted that even after laser surgery your eyes may not return to 20/20 vision. Also, the surgery may need to be repeated as your eyes may return to their original condition with age. Therefore, if you plan to have laser surgery, be forewarned that you may need to keep those glasses around the house—just incase.
Jul
1
Super-heroes and Super-lenses!
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I must admit that the world of superheroes and supervillians is somewhat inundated with the covering of the eyes. This is fitting, considering the majority of our fictional superheroes live dual lives. Consider the most famous of all superheroes- Superman.
Superman works by day in the offices of a newspaper company. He wears glasses and appears to fit the typical nerd stereotype. Superman is the reverse of all other superheroes in that his disguise is the nerdy-bespectacled gentleman who fits loosely into the status quo. Most other superheroes wear a disguise when they are saving the world—or at least saving the day. Superman is unique in that he is himself when he is a hero.
The second most popular superhero, arguably, is Spiderman. Interestingly enough, Spiderman also works for a newspaper– as the photojournalist. He is also a nerdy youth, though this is his ‘real’ self and not the mask. To take action, Spidie must cover his eyes, which are, as we know, windows to the soul. His identity is only secure when his eyes are covered. Interestingly though he is blocking access to his expressions through the mask, the design inflates the size of the eyes and thus draws attention to their blankness.
Though not as popular as the aforementioned, the X-men have one among their group whose whole character is supported by lenses. Lasers shoot from his eyes and he protects the unsuspecting public by simply wearing sunglasses. How convenient for the unfortunately named Cyclops. You’ll notice that the rest of the crew (in the original comics and cartoons, not the real-life, Hugh Jackman rendition) also wear eye coverings. I ask myself, since mutants were openly known of in this fictional setting, why were they hiding their features? No on in any film or flick was ever confused about the source (Xavier’s School for the Talented) of this strangely-spandexed troupe.
The covering of the eyes to hide one’s identity seems ludicrous to me, whose friends recognize me with or without my spectacles and with or without a hat. However, Bruce Wayne’s friends must be somewhat less observant as they fail to recognize their wealthy comrade behind his sexy bat themed body-suit and partial face covering. Zoro, a hero from the south, is an ordinary man made powerful in justice as he battles an uncompromisingly cruel regime. This daring rouge masks his wealth and charm behind a tiny strip of fabric over the eyes and a hat and cape. If there were a modern day hero of this sort, I can rest assured that the media would discover his identity—black fabric eye coverings or no.
Though I personally have not fallen madly into the Harry Potter crazy, I think that his image as a powerful and dangerous character in the silly world of witches and brews is ironic, given his minute stature and ridiculous thick-rimmed glasses. There is no identity hiding for this ‘superhero,’ but he does follow in Clark Kent’s massive footsteps in terms of cutting an image of simplicity and innocence—at least until he face his arch rival no-nose.
The final hero in this silly diatribe is Stan Lee, whose square and tan lenses are a Hallmark of the comic industry. Indeed, he is the god of the superheroes and it is fitting that he himself wears a mask.