Polarized Sunglasses

It’s always calming and important for a healthy lifestyle to spend time outside. While soaking in the sun is one thing, protecting your eyes while you’re outside is crucial. You should choose polarized sunglasses if you enjoy being outside. When you’re working outside in a high-glare setting surrounded by water or snow, polarized glasses can assist minimize glare and offer better visibility. However, how does polarized glass function? Let’s first define what “polarized” means.

The sun’s rays disperse in all directions. However, when light hits flat surfaces, it has a tendency to become polarized, which causes the reflected rays to move in a more consistent (often horizontal) direction. This produces a grating, occasionally hazardous intensity of light that can impair sight.

When a lens is polarized, a filter that prevents strong, reflected light is already present in the lens. This intense light is known as glare. Glare reduction makes your eyes more at ease and improves your ability to see your surroundings.

When you’re carrying a pair of grey polarized sunglasses, everything could appear a touch darker than usual. However, the increased protection for your eyes from the sun’s rays and glare is the trade-off and difference from normal sunglasses. On a cloudy day, brown polarized glasses are preferable to grey polarized lenses because they can boost contrast. Darkened polarized lenses are ideal for outdoor activities and situations where there are a lot of glares. They’re not the best for hobbies like reading glasses though.

Our customer who use polarized sunglasses often report feeling less fatigued after extended periods of dealing with sun glare. Opting for polarized sunglasses can be an excellent decision for various everyday scenarios. Here are specific situations where polarized sunglasses can prove to be particularly advantageous:

1. Fishing: Anglers find that polarized sunglasses significantly reduce glare, allowing them to see into the water more clearly. This enhanced visibility assists in spotting fish and navigating underwater obstacles.
2. Boating: Spending a long day on the water can strain your eyes due to the intense sunlight. Polarized sunglasses can alleviate eyestrain and improve visibility, enabling you to see beneath the water’s surface more effectively. This becomes especially valuable if you are operating a boat.
3. Golfing: While some golfers express concerns that polarized lenses may hinder their ability to read greens accurately during putting, studies have not yielded consistent results on this matter. However, many golfers appreciate that polarized lenses minimize glare on fairways, offering better visual clarity. Moreover, should you prefer, you can remove your polarized sunglasses while putting. An additional benefit is the increased visibility of golf balls that inadvertently land in water hazards, making them easier to spot when wearing polarized lenses.
4. Snowy environments: Snow reflects a significant amount of light, resulting in intense glare. In such cases, polarized sunglasses are typically an excellent choice as they effectively combat glare and improve overall visibility. However, there are specific situations where polarized sunglasses may not be the ideal option in snowy environments (see below).

While polarized sunglasses are generally beneficial in the aforementioned situations, it’s important to note that they may not always be the most suitable choice in certain snowy conditions. For instance, when participating in winter sports that require the ability to distinguish icy patches or changes in terrain, non-polarized sunglasses might be more appropriate.

By considering the advantages and limitations of polarized sunglasses, you can make an informed decision regarding their usage in different scenarios, ensuring optimal eye protection and visual comfort.

You now know that the primary factor in polarized lenses’ somewhat higher price is their ability to reduce glare. However, how precisely does this filter perform? Always keep in mind that polarized sunglasses still offer UV protection, but their secondary benefit is the reduction of glare caused by horizontally oriented light.

You’ve probably seen this while strolling near naturally reflecting surfaces on a bright, sunny day. Lakes, gleaming sidewalks, or those chilly winter mornings when the light almost makes you blind as you struggle to drive with your eyes half-closed.

When sunlight falling from above reflects off these reflective surfaces, it is reoriented and condensed into horizontally aligned light, which causes glare. Polarized sunglasses are advantageous in this situation because they prevent this unwelcome and perhaps dangerous glare from going through your lenses. Non-polarized materials lack a polarizer layer, hence they are unable to carry out this task. So, if you want to protect your eyes from harmful glare, invest in a set of good polarized sunglasses.

Polarized sunglasses offer several benefits that make them a popular choice for many individuals. Here are the key advantages of wearing polarized sunglasses:

1. Reduced Glare: One of the primary benefits of polarized sunglasses is their ability to significantly reduce glare caused by reflected light. Glare occurs when light bounces off smooth surfaces like water, snow, glass, or pavement, leading to visual discomfort and decreased visibility. Polarized lenses have a special filter that blocks this horizontally polarized light, resulting in reduced glare and improved visual clarity.
2. Enhanced Visual Comfort: By minimizing glare, polarized sunglasses provide enhanced visual comfort, especially in bright outdoor conditions. They help to reduce eye strain, fatigue, and squinting, allowing you to enjoy activities such as driving, water sports, or skiing with improved comfort and reduced eye discomfort.
3. Improved Contrast and Clarity: Polarized lenses enhance contrast and clarity by selectively filtering out certain light wavelengths. This can make objects and details appear sharper and more defined, particularly in high-glare environments. The improved contrast can be particularly beneficial for outdoor activities, such as fishing or hiking, as it allows for better perception of depth and objects in the surroundings.
4. Better Color Perception: Polarized sunglasses preserve the natural colors and true color perception of objects. By reducing glare and filtering out certain wavelengths, they help maintain the original color integrity of what you see. This makes polarized sunglasses a preferred choice for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and those who appreciate accurate color representation.
5. Improved Safety: Glare from reflective surfaces can be a safety hazard, particularly when driving or engaging in outdoor activities. By reducing glare and improving visibility, polarized sunglasses enhance safety by allowing you to see clearly and accurately judge distances, objects, and potential hazards. This is especially important in situations where precise vision is crucial, such as driving on wet roads or participating in water sports.
6. Versatility: Polarized sunglasses are available in a wide range of styles and designs, making them suitable for various activities and fashion preferences. Whether you’re engaged in sports, leisure activities, or simply enjoying a sunny day outdoors, polarized sunglasses can provide both functional benefits and a stylish accessory.

It’s important to note that polarized sunglasses primarily address glare reduction and enhanced visual comfort. While they provide some level of UV protection, it’s essential to ensure that the polarized sunglasses you choose also offer adequate UV protection, such as UV400, to safeguard your eyes from harmful UV rays.

Overall, polarized sunglasses offer a combination of improved vision, reduced glare, and enhanced eye comfort, making them a popular choice for those seeking optimal visual performance and protection in bright outdoor conditions.

While polarized sunglasses offer numerous benefits, it’s important to consider some potential disadvantages as well. Here are a few drawbacks associated with polarized sunglasses:

1. Limited Visibility of LCD Screens: The polarization of lenses, particularly when blocking horizontal light, can cause a slight blurring effect on certain digital interfaces. Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and other technologies with directional light-modulating properties may appear fuzzy or distorted when viewed through polarized lenses. This phenomenon occurs due to the interaction between the polarization of the lenses and the specific properties of these displays. These lenses may cause the screen to appear darker or create a “rainbow effect,” making it challenging to view devices such as smartphones, GPS units, or dashboard displays. This can be inconvenient, especially when using electronic devices while wearing polarized sunglasses.
2. Reduced Visibility in Low-Light Conditions: Polarized sunglasses may reduce overall visibility in low-light or dimly lit environments. The specialized filtering of polarized lenses that blocks out glare can also dim the overall light transmission. As a result, wearing polarized sunglasses in situations with limited lighting, such as during sunset, dusk, or nighttime, can hinder visibility and make objects appear darker. Therefore, nighttime driving can be an issue. While there are polarized lenses specifically designed for nighttime driving, it’s important to note that they have a dimming effect. These lenses restrict some light from entering the eye, potentially impairing vision even more than the glare from oncoming traffic. Therefore, using polarized lenses for nighttime driving may not be the best choice as they can further reduce visibility in low-light conditions.
3. Difficulty Reading Certain Surfaces: Polarized sunglasses can sometimes make it challenging to read or see specific surfaces. For example, viewing LCD screens on instruments or bank ATMs, reading digital watches or mobile phone screens, or seeing the shiny surface of a wet road might be more difficult due to the polarization filter. This inconvenience can be experienced in certain situations where clear visibility of these surfaces is necessary.
4. Higher Cost: Polarized sunglasses generally tend to be more expensive compared to non-polarized sunglasses. The additional polarization technology and manufacturing processes involved in producing polarized lenses contribute to their higher price point. This cost factor might deter some individuals from choosing polarized sunglasses, especially if they do not have a specific need for glare reduction.
5. Limited Effectiveness Against Glare from Vertical Surfaces: While polarized sunglasses effectively reduce glare caused by horizontally polarized light, they may not eliminate glare originating from vertical surfaces. Glare reflected off tall buildings or other vertical structures may not be fully blocked by polarized lenses. This means that in certain situations, such as urban environments with reflective glass buildings, polarized sunglasses might not provide complete glare reduction.
6. Visual disorientation: Some individuals experience feelings of dizziness or disorientation when looking through polarized lenses, especially in normal lighting conditions. The lenses may create a heightened sense of depth perception, making everything appear more three-dimensional. This effect can potentially interfere with accurate depth perception, leading to visual discomfort for some people.

It’s important to note that the disadvantages of polarized sunglasses may vary based on personal preferences and specific usage scenarios. Some individuals may find these drawbacks negligible compared to the benefits provided by polarized lenses. It’s always a good idea to consider your specific needs and evaluate whether the advantages outweigh any potential drawbacks before choosing polarized sunglasses.

To determine if sunglasses are polarized, you can try the following methods:

1. Rotate the Sunglasses: Hold the sunglasses in front of you and rotate them at a 90-degree angle. Look at a reflective surface, such as a car window or a water body. If the sunglasses are polarized, you should notice a significant reduction in glare as you rotate them. The polarization filter in the lenses blocks horizontally polarized light, which is the type of light that causes glare.
2. Use a Polarized Test Card or Image: Some stores or eyewear retailers may provide a polarized test card or image specifically designed to check the polarization of sunglasses. These cards or images typically have patterns or lines that become more visible or change when viewed through polarized lenses. Hold the sunglasses in front of the test card or image and observe if any changes occur. If there is a noticeable effect, it indicates the presence of polarization.
3. Use a Polarized Test Tool: Specialized polarized test tools, such as polarized film or polarizing filters, can help determine if sunglasses are polarized. These tools can be purchased online or at optical stores. Simply place the polarized film or filter in front of the sunglasses and observe if there is a reduction in glare or a change in the visibility of certain patterns or images.
4. Consult the Manufacturer or Retailer: If you’re unsure about the polarization of your sunglasses, you can contact the manufacturer or retailer for clarification. Reputable brands and retailers should be able to provide information regarding whether the sunglasses are polarized or not. They may have labeling or documentation indicating the presence of polarization in the lenses.

It’s worth noting that the darkness of the lenses does not necessarily indicate polarization. Non-polarized sunglasses can also be dark or tinted. Therefore, it’s essential to use one or more of the methods mentioned above to determine if your sunglasses have polarized lenses.

Remember that polarization is a feature separate from UV protection. Sunglasses can be polarized and provide UV protection simultaneously, but it’s essential to ensure that your sunglasses have adequate UV protection as well to safeguard your eyes from harmful UV rays.

You cannot simply rub off this protection with whatever you can find since it requires care. Polarized lenses need to be cleaned properly and with care. So, to help you, here is a guide:

1. Never simply wipe on your spectacles. This is because, throughout the day, dust particles adhere to the surface of the glasses. Use a lens cleaner, apply it evenly throughout the lens, and then wipe the lens with a cloth.
2. Utilize a microfiber cloth or a lens cleaning product made especially for polarized lenses. The lens polarization coating can be damaged by common glass cleaning or soap and water.
3. Additionally, you should be cautious about the kind of lens cleaning you purchase. Extreme pH cleansing will also be harmful. So, be sure to check the cleaner’s pH before buying it. It should range from 5.5 to 8. Additionally, alcohol is bad, so stay away from cleansers that include alcohol.
4. Do not use anything that might cause the lenses to be scratched, including your fingers. Ensure that you are just holding the glasses by their sides.
5. Wipe the lenses gently using a circular motion, beginning in the middle of each lens and moving outwards toward the edges.
6. Use warm water to rinse off all of the soap at this point. This will clean the sunglasses of all their oiliness and dirt. After shaking it just a little to remove the water, dry it with a microfiber towel.
7. When not in use, keep your polarized sunglasses in a case to avoid scratching the lenses.

Whether polarized sunglasses are worth the investment depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider when determining if polarized sunglasses are worth it for you:

1. Outdoor Activities: If you frequently engage in outdoor activities such as driving, boating, fishing, skiing, or spending time at the beach, polarized sunglasses can be highly beneficial. They effectively reduce glare from reflective surfaces, providing enhanced visual comfort and clarity in bright sunlight. If glare reduction is essential for your outdoor pursuits, polarized sunglasses are worth considering.
2. Eye Comfort and Fatigue Reduction: Glare from sunlight can cause eye strain, fatigue, and discomfort, leading to squinting and reduced visual acuity. Polarized sunglasses significantly reduce glare, allowing your eyes to relax and minimizing eye strain. If you experience discomfort or fatigue in bright environments, polarized sunglasses can offer improved eye comfort, making them worth the investment.
3. Driving Safety: Glare from the sun or reflected surfaces can be a safety hazard while driving. Polarized sunglasses help to reduce this glare, enhancing visibility and allowing for better judgment of distances and objects on the road. If you spend a significant amount of time behind the wheel, investing in polarized sunglasses can contribute to safer driving conditions.
4. Outdoor Aesthetics: Polarized sunglasses are available in various stylish designs and lens colors, allowing you to find a pair that matches your personal style. If you prioritize both functionality and fashion, polarized sunglasses can be a worthwhile investment as they offer both glare reduction and a trendy accessory.
5. LCD Screens and Digital Interfaces: It’s important to consider that polarized lenses can affect the visibility of certain LCD screens and digital interfaces. If you frequently use electronic devices with screens that are sensitive to polarization, such as smartphones, GPS devices, or dashboard displays, you might experience reduced visibility or distortion. In such cases, you may need to tilt or remove your polarized sunglasses temporarily to view the screens properly.
6. Cost: Polarized sunglasses tend to be more expensive than non-polarized sunglasses due to the additional technology and manufacturing processes involved. The price difference can vary depending on the brand and features of the sunglasses. Consider your budget and whether the benefits of glare reduction and enhanced visual comfort outweigh the higher cost for you.

Ultimately, the decision to invest in polarized sunglasses depends on your specific needs, activities, and preferences. If glare reduction, enhanced eye comfort, and improved visual clarity are significant factors for you, and you are willing to invest in sunglasses that provide these benefits, then Shari Dionne polarized sunglasses can be a worthwhile purchase.