Polarized sunglasses have a special chemical filter that counteracts glare from flat surfaces like water, snow or pavement. This type of glare can be distracting or even dangerous in certain situations.
Some activities that benefit from polarized sunglasses include fishing, driving and countryside hiking. However, polarized lenses can also make it hard to read digital screens and might distort colors slightly.
1. Reduce Glare
Polarized sunglasses are coated with a special film that eliminates the reflective glare our eyes see on flat surfaces, such as water or highways. This reduces eye fatigue and makes it easier to see on sunny days when the sun’s rays are most intense.
They allow fishermen to see beneath the surface of a lake or river; boaters to see clearly through sunlit windows and into the water’s depths; drivers to focus unhindered on the road ahead; and beach-goers to pick out the colors, contours, and contrasts of the sand and water. They also allow golfers to make better judgments about where the ball is on the fairway and to read the greens more easily.
However, polarized lenses may not be the best choice for people who wear their sunglasses around town. This is because they darken the appearance of some color tones, making them less than ideal for use in environments that require true color perception, such as a brightly lit office or a sunny day on the slopes. In addition, some digital screens emit polarized light and may not be properly displayed with polarized sunglasses.
Non polarized lenses, on the other hand, are ideal for these environments because they don’t darken the appearance of some color tones. In addition, they don’t interfere with LCD screens like those found on smartphones and GPS devices.
If you’re shopping for sunglasses, either polarized or non polarized, always look for those that provide adequate UV protection. UV radiation can damage the eyes, and even short-term exposure to high levels of UV radiation can lead to cataracts and skin cancer. To find the right sunglasses for you, consider your budget, lifestyle, and activities. Polarized sunglasses are a good choice for active outdoor enthusiasts, while non polarized sunglasses will work well in most everyday settings. They’re also a great option for anyone who wants to keep their eyes comfortable and healthy. For more information, contact an eye care professional at your local optometrist office. Their experts will be able to recommend the best sunglasses for you.
2. Block Ultraviolet Rays
A key benefit of polarized sunglasses is that they block harmful ultraviolet rays (UVA and UVB). These rays can damage the eye’s retina and cause permanent eye damage, including cataracts and macular degeneration. UV rays can also be absorbed by the lens of the eye and may cause photokeratitis, or sunburn of the eyes.
While both polarized and non-polarized sunglasses can offer UV protection, some are better than others. When choosing a pair of sunglasses, look for a label that says they provide full UV protection. Typically, you’ll see a UV rating on the inside of the frame or on the lens. The higher the rating, the more UV protection you’ll get.
If you’re not sure whether or not your sunglasses have UV protection, try them on and look at a bright surface such as a table or sidewalk. Do you notice any glare from the reflection on the surface? If so, your sunglasses are polarized. You can also test your sunglasses by holding them up to a LCD screen. If the screens appear faded or completely dark, then your sunglasses are polarized.
While polarized lenses offer superior clarity and UV protection, they can be more expensive than non-polarized lenses. Depending on your budget and needs, either type of sunglasses can protect your eyes from UV rays and glare.
If you’re interested in polarized sunglasses but aren’t sure which ones to choose, ask an optometrist for help. They’ll be able to recommend the best sunglasses for your unique situation. They can also help you schedule regular check-ups to make sure your eyes stay healthy and comfortable, whatever kind of sunglasses you wear.
3. Minimize Color Distortion
The color of your sunglasses has a big effect on how much they darken the view around you. In general, non polarized lenses are less likely to distort colors than polarized sunglasses. This is a good thing, as distorted colors can be distracting and they can make things look different than they actually are. This can make it harder to tell how bright or sunny it really is.
If you’re not sure whether your sunglasses are polarized, you can test them by looking at a reflective surface through them. Try to rotate the lens or the device by 90 degrees and see if the reflection brightens or darkens. If it brightens, then the sunglasses are polarized; if it doesn’t, they’re not.
Polarized sunglasses have a special filter on them that works like vertical slats in a fence or tightly packed bars on a window. This allows light to pass through the gaps, but blocks any long and horizontal wavelengths that cause glare. This makes polarized sunglasses a great choice for activities that involve water or snow, as they eliminate reflective glare and make it easier to see the landscape around you.
Sunglasses are also a must-have for outdoor adventures and sports, as they protect against harmful UV rays. However, glare can be a big distraction and may even cause eye strain. Polarized sunglasses minimize glare to reduce eyestrain and allow you to enjoy your outdoor adventures safely.
But there are situations where glare might be beneficial, such as when skiing in icy conditions where it’s important to be able to see patches of ice so you don’t slip and hurt yourself. In these situations, it might be better to wear non-polarized sunglasses so that you can see the ice better. It’s also worth noting that polarized lenses can sometimes make LCD screens (such as those on smartphones and GPS devices) appear darker, so they aren’t the best choice for activities where you need to be able to see an LCD screen. This includes activities such as downhill skiing, driving, or using machinery that requires clear vision.
4. Reduce Eye Fatigue
When light bounces off a flat surface, like the calm water of a lake or the smooth road you’re driving on, it can cause glare. This bright, irritating glare can cause your eyes to feel tired and sore. Sunglasses that have polarized lenses can help reduce this uncomfortable eye strain because the lenses filter out reflected sunlight and only allow vertically polarized light to pass through them. The rest of the light is absorbed by the lens’ chemical coating, eliminating much of the harsh reflection and reducing the amount of glare you experience while wearing sunglasses.
In addition to reducing glare, polarized sunglasses offer other benefits. They can increase contrast sensitivity and improve color perception, especially in situations where you may need to make rapid changes in your visual field. They are also a good choice for activities that require clear vision, such as downhill skiing or driving. In addition, they make it easier to view LCD screens, such as those on smartphones and GPS devices.
Non-polarized lenses, on the other hand, have less of a capability to eliminate reflected sunlight and often don’t work well in snowy or cloudy weather. They can also have problems with LCD screens, making them appear slightly faded or blacked out. They’re best used for general outdoor wear and to protect your eyes from UV rays.
While both polarized and non-polarized sunglasses have benefits, a pair with polarized lenses can be particularly beneficial for people who spend much of their time in or around water or roads. They can significantly reduce glare, which will reduce eye fatigue while protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays. They can also improve color perception, enhance contrast, and increase visual comfort while wearing sunglasses.
The only downside to polarized sunglasses is that they can sometimes have difficulty with LCD screens, such as those on smartphones and other digital devices. You can easily test this by placing a pair of sunglasses with polarized lenses in front of an LCD screen and looking at the screen’s brightness. If it appears dimmer, then the sunglasses are probably polarized.