Polaroid a history of innovation
Polaroid – a history of innovation
Inventor and innovator
Born in 1909 in Connecticut, USA, the founder of the Polaroid Corporation, Dr. Edwin Land, became captivated by light at an early age.
A fascination with kaleidoscopes and a desire to play with and control light led him to invent the world's first synthetic polarizer for commercial use, patented in 1929 at the age of 20.
Edwin established Polaroid Corporation in 1937, and the first pair of sunglasses went over the counter towards the end of that decade. Polaroid sunglasses became the biggest-selling sunglasses in history. He went on to pioneer a wide range of inventions and advances. Many of which are still around today.
The innovation continues
Edwin Land never rested on his laurels. And neither does the company he inspired. Polaroid Eyewear now produces UltraSight™ polarized lenses using our own bespoke process – Thermofusion™ Technology. Polaroid is the only company with the levels of optical engineering expertise to employ this advanced technology in the creation of high quality sunglass lenses. It has made us one of the market leaders in the polarized lens industry.
The difference is down to lens quality
Traditional manufacturers use vacuum forming to curve their lenses. This technique often results in lenses that warp the wearer’s perception of sizes, shapes and distances, potentially leading to eye strain. Others employ injection moulding techniques – which bring the polarizing lens layer into direct contact with the hot liquid lens material. The result is damage to the polarizer and its glare-blocking properties.
Thermofusion™ Technology ensures each
UltraSight™ lens is optically correct and blocks glare more effectively than other polarized lenses. Our polarizer is protected from direct heat by being locked inside each lens. Every
UltraSight™ lens is optically ‘fine-tuned’ while it is curved, creating lenses which are optically correct for all frame styles and curvatures. With
UltraSight™ lenses, Polaroid polarized sunglasses don’t just meet international standards, they exceed them.