# Screen-Blocking Sunglasses The IRL Glasses Rethink How We Interact with Technology By Justin Lam | Published 2018-10-01 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/irl-glasses References: [fastcompany](https://www.fastcompany.com/90243681/block-screens-with-these-digital-detox-sunglasses?partner=feedburner&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=feedburner+fastcompany&utm_content=feedburner) & [kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ivancash/irl-glasses-glasses-that-block-screens?ref=563442&token=bf681ad9) Digitally detoxing can be a difficult thing in a modern world but the IRL Glasses aim to disconnect wearers by blocking out [LCD and LED screens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rayneo-air-3s-pro). Designed to give users full control over how and when they engage with screens, the sunglasses accomplish this with a specific type of polarization that came from a year of researching, prototyping and focus grouping. Created by artist Ivan Cash, the IRL Glasses draw inspiration from the 1988 cult classic film 'THEY LIVE,' where a magical pair of glasses block out ads. According to Cash, the glasses aren't just meant to block out screens but will hopefully "[spark] additional conversation and [inspire] people to rethink their relationship with technology, to screens." A beta version of the glasses are currently available on [Kickstarter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lightweight-ar-glasses) and are being sold as a means to garner interest in a final version of the screen-blocking sunglasses. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 26% | Activity: 40% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Life](https://www.trendhunter.com/life) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Screen-blocking Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunities lie in the development of advanced screen-blocking technologies that allow users to disconnect from digital devices. - **Digital Detox:** The growing need for digital detox presents an opportunity to provide products and services that help individuals disconnect from technology and regain balance in their lives. - **Tech-free Interactions:** There is potential for disruptive innovation in creating products or experiences that promote face-to-face interactions and reduce reliance on screens and digital communication. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Eyewear:** The eyewear industry can capitalize on the trend of screen-blocking glasses by creating fashionable, comfortable, and effective products that help individuals disconnect from screens. - **Wellness:** The wellness industry can provide digital detox programs, retreats, and services that cater to the growing need for individuals to disconnect from technology and prioritize self-care. - **Advertising:** As individuals become more conscious of their screen time, there is an opportunity for the advertising industry to explore alternative, non-intrusive forms of marketing that do not rely on digital screens. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Stylish Sleep-Improving Eyewear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-blue-light-glasses.md) - [Infrared-Blocking Eyewear Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/infraredblocking-eyewear.md) - [Cyclist-Targeted AR Eyewear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lawk-one-ar-glasses.md) - [Demure Display-Equipped Eyewear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meta-rayban-display-sunglasses.md) - [Smart Focus Glasses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phantom-journey.md) - [Adaptive Reading Sunglasses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/32n-sunglasses-by-deep-optics.md) - [Open-Source AI Eyewear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frame-glasses.md) - [Protective Connected Workforce Eyewear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vuzix-shield-3d.md) - [Screen-Projecting AR Glasses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/screenprojecting-ar-glasses.md)