Green eyeshades ordealer's visors are a type ofvisor that were worn most often from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century byaccountants,telegraphers,[1][2]copy editors, and others engaged in vision-intensive, detail-oriented occupations to lesseneye strain[3] due to earlyincandescent lights and candles, which tended to be harsh;[4] the classicbanker's lamp had a green shade for similar reasons.[5] Because they were often worn by people involved inaccounting,auditing, economics, and budgeting, they became associated with these activities.[6]
Green eyeshades were often made of a translucent dark green- or blue-green-coloredcelluloid, although leather and paper were also sometimes used to make the visor portion. One manufacturer, the Featherweight Eyeshade Company, described their eyeshade as "healthful, color peculiarly restful to the eyes".[7] They retain some popularity in the gambling community.[8]
TheSociety of Professional Journalists annually recognizes deserving journalists working in theSouthern United States with its Green Eyeshade Excellence in Journalism Award.[9]
The phrase "green eyeshades" can be used as asynecdoche for individuals who are excessively concerned with financial matters or small and insignificant details.[citation needed]
Media related toGreen eyeshades at Wikimedia Commons