GLOSSARY

NOS - is an abbreviation for “new old stock” is merchandise which was manufactured long ago and  has never been used.  The item may not be produced anymore and the new old stock may represent the only market source of a particular item. NOS also is referred to as deadstock.

ACETATE - is a plastic itself, but it is a little different.  Compared to a standard plastic frame ( usually Acrylic or Polyurethane), acetate frames are stronger, more flexible and generally lighter.  Acetate frames can come in a huge variety of colors and textures, and since the color is embedded in the material itself instead of painted on, the color tends to stay.  Vintage sunglasses tend to have a higher quality of materials used such as acetate.

OPTICAL GLASS LENSES - ground and polished to exacting standards to assure distortion-free vision. Optical glass is extremely durable and very scratch resistant. 

BLUE BLOCKER LENS - are a type of lens that is amber in color.  These lenses provide excellent contrast and depth perception. They work well in moderate light conditions because of their ability to amplify the available light. They are ideal for driving, snow sports and general wear on overcast days.   

POLARIZED - lenses have the polarized lens coating that cuts reflected glare. This reflective glare is very intense and has the potential to cause eye irritation, eye fatigue and in some cases restricted vision.  Polarized lenses, using horizontally aligned polarizing micro crystals, block all vertical light and protect your eyes from this glare.

TRANSITION LENS - is a type of lens that adjusts their level of darkness based on the amount of UV light they’re exposed to. They darken significantly within about a minute of exposure to bright light, and take  somewhat longer to clear without any sunlight exposure. This process takes places because there are  photosensitive molecules  embedded in the lenses.  When the molecules are  exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays, as in direct sunlight, the molecules undergo a chemical process that cause them to change shape and  absorb a significant percentage of visible light, i.e., they darken.  This process is reversible; once the lens is removed from the source of UV rays the photosensitive molecules return to their transparent state.   Photochromic lenses were made in popular in the 80's and the Sunglass Museum carries many styles with this cool technology.  Many of the transition lens sunglasses at the Sunglass Museum have Corning USA photochromic lenses.  

POLYCARBONATE LENSES - up to 10 times more impact-resistant than plastic or glass lenses and they provide 100% from UV rays.  They are also lightweight.  Originally, polycarbonate was designed for canopies covering cockpits in fighter planes.  Polycarbonate offered an impact-resistant, optically clear window.  NASA also began using the material for astronauts helmet visors and space shuttle

UV PROTECTION - All of our vintage sunglasses  at the Sunglass Museum are 100% UV protected.  You do not have to pay a premium for proper UV protection. UV protection is a coating on the lens that protects the eyes from harmful UV rays.  You can have any sunglasses checked for their UV coating within  minutes at your local optometrist for free.