Green eyeshade

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Visorlayout

Green eyeshade is a type of visor that was once commonly worn by accountants, telegraphers, copy editors, and others engaged in vision-intensive, detail-oriented occupations to lessen eye strain caused by early incandescent lights and candles, which tended to be harsh. These visors were typically made of a green-colored transparent celluloid or other materials that could filter the light. The choice of green was believed to alleviate eye strain and provide a suitable contrast without the glare associated with white or clear materials.

History

The green eyeshade dates back to the 19th century when artificial lighting conditions were far from ideal, and professionals spent long hours poring over documents, ledgers, and telegraphs. The use of green eyeshades became a stereotypical image for accountants, symbolizing meticulousness and an old-fashioned approach to business. Despite their practicality, the advent of better lighting solutions and advances in office technology led to a decline in their use.

Design and Material

The classic green eyeshade is a simple device, consisting of a peak or visor made of green-tinted transparent material, often attached to an adjustable headband. The visor was designed to shield the eyes from overhead lighting, reducing glare and preventing eye fatigue. The material used for the visor was usually celluloid, a type of plastic that was easily molded and dyed but could be made from other transparent materials as well.

Cultural Significance

In popular culture, the green eyeshade has become an iconic symbol of the diligent, if somewhat antiquated, worker. It evokes images of the early-to-mid-20th-century office life, a time when business was conducted without the benefit of computers or modern lighting. Characters in literature and film set in this era are often depicted wearing green eyeshades, underscoring their industrious or bureaucratic nature.

Decline and Legacy

With the improvement of office lighting, the introduction of computer screens, and the shift towards more modern office equipment, the green eyeshade has largely fallen out of use. However, it remains a powerful symbol of a bygone era of American business and is occasionally used for thematic purposes in parties, costumes, or period films.

See Also

• Office equipment
• History of accounting
• Visual ergonomics