History Behind the Style

Gauze-cup Eye Protector 

Outdoor Spectacles for those exposed to the elements.

Protective eyewear became popular in mid-1800s America propelled by advancing technology, westward expansion and the need for eye protection and comfort while traveling.

Steam trains, horse-drawn carriages, steamboats and Clipper ships all presented a certain degree of eye discomfort.

Standard colored glass spectacles were used to protect the eyes from bright light and glare but were less effective against cinders, dust, insects and wind.

‘Double Eye’ spectacles with additional swing-out side lenses served the same purpose with some added protection, although neither was as effective against flying debris as a face- contacting goggle. 

Goggles were extremely effective eye protection but tended too ‘overheat the eye’.  Sweating and discomfort were a problem in warmer climates.

Around 1840 the Gauze-cup eye protector gained popularity due to its light weight and protective, vented side shields that allowed air flow to cool the eye while eliminating cinders, dust, flying debris, insects and a degree of wind and glare reduction.

In America Opticians advertised ‘Wire Gauze spectacles,’ and  ‘Driving spectacles with gauze screens’ to describe this type of eyewear.

In England polar exploration use led to the term ‘Snow Goggle.’ 

‘Gauze cup goggles,’and ‘Eye Protector or Dust Spectacles’ were also terms used by English Opticians.

Early versions of the Gauze-cup eye protector were available with a thin spring steel curl temple. This temple type was an improvement over earlier temple types holding the spectacles firmly in place. Their downside of their secure fit was cutting into the ear causing great discomfort.

We have chosen to use the later version wrapped-cable-design for increase comfort and durability. Visually they are indistinguishable from the spring steel curl type when worn.