Polarized Sunglasses: Learn More About Sunglasses with Polarized Lenses

 Hi everyone!

A few months back, I found out that one of my beloved eyes had developed a cataract...

Yep, thousands of hours in the 1970's sun without the proper eye wear has left me with yet another dilemma  to deal with someday. Now, I have learned that it is not just the wrinkles I am battling by improper eye coverage, but eye damage as well. For me, sunglasses are not only a fashion accessory, but an investment in my health! Polarized lenses aren't just for fishing anymore. They seem to be the key to our aging eye care.

 But there is hope. Now that we know better, here is some information you might find very handy this summer! Read more about what polarized sunglasses are and how they work. With the ability to reduce glare for more comfortable viewing outdoors and when driving, these may be a good choice when you’re looking for prescription sunglasses.

Polarized Sunglasses

If you’re in the market for sunglasses, you may have come across polarized lenses in your search. This specialized lens has grown in popularity over the years, particularly with outdoor sports enthusiasts. Are polarized sunglasses a good choice for you? Find out more about them to decide. 

What are polarized lenses?

A polarized lens is a special kind of glass or plastic lens material that blocks certain types of light waves. Polarized lenses are most often used on sun glass and camera lenses to block glare from surfaces such as water or car hoods. While the amount of brightness and glare are greatly reduced, you can still see clearly through a polarized lens. 

How do polarized lenses work?

When light bounces off a surface, it typically spreads in various directions. When it bounces off something like water, metal or certain road surfaces however, it will reflect horizontally, causing an intense glare that hits the viewer directly in the eye. Polarized lenses filter out this glare by selectively absorbing light waves. The polarizing effect acts like a Venetian blind, filtering out the unwanted light waves. They also sharpen details, increase depth perception and enhance color contrast.

Who are they best for?

Polarized sunglasses have long been popular with people who participate in certain outdoor sports or activities like boating, water sports, running and mountain biking. Fisherman in particular benefit from them because they make it possible to see objects under the surface of the water. Also, people who drive long distances use these sunglasses to reduce the glare coming from the road or car hood when it’s sunny outside. If you spend a lot of time doing activities like these and wear prescription sunglasses, getting a polarized pair may be a great fit for you. 

It’s important to note however, that polarized sunglasses aren't ideal for all outdoor activities. For example, polarized lenses will block the light reflecting off ice, making it difficult to see icy patches on snow, and creating a hazard for downhill skiers and snowboarders. They may also make it more difficult to see a cell phone, GPS or other device with an LCD screen.

Are they right for me?

Before investing in a pair of polarized sunglasses, you should think about your lifestyle and daily activities and weigh the pros and cons. If participating in outdoor activities is a big part of your life, these may be a good choice. And, since they can be made with nearly any prescription, you don’t have to worry about vision issues preventing you from getting a pair. You may also consider purchasing both a pair of polarized and regular sunglasses to fit your different needs.

Post is sponsored by LensCrafters