Heard About Polarized Shades? Find Out More Now
You are probably already aware of the importance of wearing sunglasses when you are out in the sun, and that your sunglasses must offer you adequate ultraviolet protection. However, this may still leave you confused about the nature of polarized sunglasses.
Are polarized sunglasses the same thing as ultraviolet blocking sunglasses? If not, how are they different? Do I need polarized sunglasses and are they a better choice for me than ordinary UV-blocking sunglasses? Here’s what you need to know about polarized lenses for sunglasses, as we head into the dog days of summer.
What Do Polarized Lenses Do?
Polarized lenses are essentially designed to combat glare. Glare is a phenomenon where light, rather than scattering off various surfaces before it reaches your eyes, bounces right off a flat, reflective surface like water or a piece of metal and hits you snack in the eyes.
This can create a sudden blinding effect that can be distracting and even dangerous, especially if you are driving or engaged in some other complex activity. Ordinary sunglasses do not necessarily prevent the effects of glare, although it might reduce them. Polarized lenses, on the other hand, do.
How Do Polarized Lenses Work?
Polarized lenses work on the fact that glare is the result of smooth, horizontal light waves striking your eyes. These lenses are treated with a chemical that blocks some of the light that hits them, so that only light rays coming towards your eyes vertically will reach them.
Think of polarized sunglasses as being like window blinds for your sunglass lenses. The result is a slightly darker but clearer image, and eyes that are much less stressed by the effects of sun glare.
What Are the Benefits of Polarized Lenses?
If you spend a lot of time outdoors, polarized lenses are a great idea. The reduction in glare means less chance of being blinded by the sun, and considerably reduced eyestrain. They allow you to see more clearly in bright light, and provide better color contrast, too.
It is important to remember that UV protection and polarization do not necessarily go hand in hand. Make sure your polarized lenses also offer 100 percent UV protection if you plan to use them as sunglasses. You also may have difficulty seeing LCD screens clearly through polarized lenses.
Should You Wear Polarized Sunglasses at All Times?
You do not want to wear polarized lenses in any situation where sunglasses are not indicated, such as if you are driving at night or are in any low-light situation. Also, if your car windshield is already tinted, then your polarized lenses may interfere with the window tint and make it difficult to see out.
If this is the case, you definitely do not want to be wearing your polarized lenses while driving. If your windshield is not tinted, polarized lenses are often a good way to drive safely in bright sunlight.
Wearing Sunglasses With Full UV Protection
When it comes to protecting your eyes from the sun, the most important thing is having sunglasses with full UV protection. Using a wide-brimmed hat to block the sun’s rays that the sunglasses don’t is also a good idea. Polarized sunglasses are not necessary, but you will probably find bright outdoor vision much more comfortable, and they can reduce eyestrain, which is good for eye health.
To learn more about polarized lenses or to set up an eye examination appointment in the Portland metro area, contact Beaumont Vision now.