NASA Scientists Release UV-Blocking Technology for SunTiger Sunglasses

Pasadena, California – SunTiger International, Inc. is proud to announce the availability of cutting-edge UV-blocking sunglasses from Elton Optical, including the iconic SunTiger Aviator sunglasses that first made waves in 1982. SunTiger, Inc., a pioneer in ultraviolet and blue light-blocking technology, holds multiple patents (Patent numbers: RE38402, 5177509, 4878748, 5400175) for its innovative lens technology. These lenses not only shield eyes from harmful sun radiation but also enhance vision in various lighting conditions, including fog, haze, and cloudy sunlight.

NASA-Inspired Vision

SunTiger’s advanced sunglass technology is a direct result of NASA research. Decades ago, NASA scientists began studying the superior vision of eagles, falcons, hawks, and other birds of prey. Their findings revealed that these birds produce an orange-colored retinal fluid that absorbs harmful ultraviolet and short blue light wavelengths, allowing them to see with greater clarity while being protected from intense sunlight. Inspired by this discovery, NASA researchers developed an organic dye with similar benefits for human vision, leading to the revolutionary SunTiger lens technology.

The harmful effects of UV and blue light on eye health have long been documented, with studies linking exposure to conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. SunTiger Avian lenses effectively block 100% of these harmful rays, significantly reducing eye strain and enhancing visual clarity. The SunTiger Avian® 515 lens, in particular, is engineered for high visibility, selectively filtering out ultraviolet and blue light to sharpen distant objects and reduce eye fatigue. This makes it an ideal choice for pilots and other professionals who rely on superior contrast and definition.

Patent Litigation

SunTiger Inc., a Calabasas, California-based company holding the rights to “blue-blocking” sunglasses technology, was awarded $2.7 million in damages in a patent infringement lawsuit against Scientific Research Funding Group. This case is notable as it marks the first instance where an infomercial marketer was found liable for assisting others in patent infringement within the direct response television (DRTV) industry. SunTiger is now seeking treble damages and attorneys’ fees from Scientific Research.

The blue-blocking technology, developed by NASA scientists, replicates a natural orange filter found in birds of prey that enhances vision by blocking blue light. SunTiger was endorsed by these scientists to market the technology in sunglasses. However, competitors, including Scientific Research Funding Group, began marketing similar products without licensing the technology. Despite obtaining licensing agreements with other companies, SunTiger was unable to reach an agreement with Scientific Research, leading to the lawsuit filed in March of the previous year.

UV-Blocking Innovation

SunTiger sunglasses have been trusted by a prestigious roster of users, including legendary astronauts such as Alan Shepard, Buzz Aldrin, Pete Conrad, Wally Schirra, Jim Lovell, Russ Schweickart, Stephen Trippel, Charles Duke, and Rick Hauck. Notable figures like former U.S. Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and First Lady Barbara Bush, as well as elite athletes Bruce Jenner and Terry Pendleton, have also donned SunTiger eyewear. Furthermore, SunTiger sunglasses remain a preferred choice for the United States Military.