Brand History

In 1979, Dennis Burns, founder of Gargoyles, revolutionized an entire industry with the invention of the Toric lens. Dennis noticed that flat sunglass lenses left the eyes more exposed to the elements and contemporary curved lenses were causing visual distortion and stress on the eyes. This innovation became the basis of a brand and an industry. His solution was the Toric Curve Lens. A shape that allowed light to transmit directly to the eye. No refraction, no distortion.

By the early 80’s, the Toric lens became the technology foundation for the Gargoyles Performance Eyewear collection. Precision-molded and hand-finished, the design provided 210° of wraparound protection. The Toric Curve Lens offered the ultimate solution. With precise geometry, the Toric Lens allows light to transmit directly to the eye. No refraction, no distortion. Light rays converge precisely on each retina, giving each eye its own center of focus and providing the viewer with clearer, sharper sight.Today we continue to offer the most advanced, optically correct sunglass lenses available worldwide, with realigned focus for work, sport, outdoor and military applications. The Toric Lens DNA continues to lead in optical quality and drive our collection’s originality, invention and spirit in more instrumental ways than ever before. The G7 Gargoyles True Vision System for example, is a newly introduced “off the charts” compilation of optical technology, packaged in the way our team always desired. Elements of G7 are now available in every product throughout the 2008 collection, guaranteed to enhance daily living or mission oriented pursuits. Gargoyles Ballistic Defense lenses offer extreme impact resistance that is 5 to 6 times greater than that of regular polycarbonate lenses. Developed from a superior blend of polymers by Carl Zeiss Vision®, our Ballistic Defense Lenses are designed for military, safety and sport applications and exceed all ISO and ANSI test standards. All Gargoyles sun lenses guard your eyes from 100% UVA, UVB and UVC light(Ultra Violet Radiation). All Gargoyles Polarized lenses absorb horizontally polarized light to eliminate glare. Glare is simply a blinding concentration of light reflected off surfaces like asphalt, sand, water, snow or ice. Glare impedes vision hampers concentration and can lead to problems such as headaches and eye fatigue.

Founded on Technology and innovation, Gargoyles delivers the most advanced optics for REAL people in Work, Sport, Military and Outdoor arenas, who transcend their field and become icons. Gargoyles is committed to delivering off the chart results with the G7 True Vision System. Anything that delays perception can cause a disaster. Most accidents happen with only tenths of a second to react and if you are not wearing the appropriate sun protection it can interfere with and lengthen your reaction time. Appropriate Optical protection can give you that extra tenth of a second advantage to prevent an accident or hazard.