We often hear or read ‘polarized sunglasses’ in most sunnies stores. But what does it mean? The most important question is, should you get one for yourself? For first time buyers of polarized sunglasses, this article is for you.
Polarized sunglasses mean reducing eye strain on sunny days. So, it improves your vision while outdoors. As the sun’s rays bounce on the surface, it can make anyone frown. Thus, polarized sunglasses filter the glare that can hit your vision.
This eyewear removes the potential harm of a bright shaft of sunlight. How does it happen? How does the filter work to block harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays? It’s what this post is all about. I know you have plenty of questions about polarising sunglasses. So, let me clear everything for you once and for all. See if these sunshades are for you.
What do Polarized Sunglasses mean?
Polarization happens once the light hits any surface. Most of the time, it reflects on anything that doesn’t emit light, which is almost all objects anywhere. Once it hits a thing, the sunlight reflects or bounces in different directions. It can be vertical or horizontal.
The problem with horizontally reflected light is that it’s dangerous to our eyes. We refer to this light as the ‘glare,’ and it is blinding to anyone who sees it. You can experience it when heading outdoors on a sunny day.
Have you tried going towards the pool or your car, and suddenly the sun’s reflection hits your face? It’s painful to the eye to the point that you have to use your hand as a shade to cover the light.
The reflection is visible on smooth and uneven surfaces. It can be on the road, your car’s bumper, and even water. For short, it can be everywhere.
Thus, we have the term ‘polarized’ sunglasses. It means a pair of sunnies is already prone to this effect. So it can give your eyes protection from glare. But how does it happen?
Polarise sunglasses use a filter that can block harmful horizontal waves. Thus, it can only send vertical lights to your eyes. It is the reason why you can still see clear as crystal without getting blinded by the sun.
But this filter only gives protection to the sun’s reflection and not when looking at it directly. Don’t worry. We’ll talk more about how polarized sunglasses work in a while.
How Polarized Sunglasses Work?
Polarized sunglasses work like mini window blinds. It only allows a particular light direction to pass through the windows. This filter has a special chemical that blocks horizontal light.
The chemical molecules line up vertically. This way, the harmful UV rays will not pass through your eyes. Whenever you put on a pair of polarized sunglasses, it reduces glare anywhere you look.
It allows you to see crisper and clearer objects. Thus, the sun’s glare won’t affect you that much anymore. If you want to feel less tired battling the sun’s glare when outdoors, then you need a pair of polarized shades.
Whether you’re going to travel or do other outdoor activities, you will not have a compromised vision. Polarization is a way of reducing glare and protecting against the sun’s UV light reflection.
Both prescribed and non-prescribed sunglasses can have this feature. But, polarized sunglasses are not for everyone. So, who can reap its benefits?
Where To Use Polarized Sunglasses?
Are you a frequent traveler? Do you spend most of the day outdoors? If yes, you need polarized sunglasses. It is an excellent option if you’re someone who spends a lot of time outside your home. Even for trips like fishing and skiing, these eyeglasses will benefit the user.
For anything that involves high-glare activities, polarized sunglasses come in handy. But notice that there are still a lot of other options to protect your eyes from horizontal lights. These sunglasses are only one way of doing it.
When Should You Not Use Polarized Sunglasses?
Polarized sunglasses are excellent to use. But there are instances when you should not wear them. First of all, you should not use it when looking at LCD screens. It’s because LCDs already have a polarizing filter, so they will only cancel each other out.
Avoid it as well if your job is all about flying or maneuvering a plane. Since pilots need to read LCD screens, they should only wear regular sunglasses. They must see the dashboard for safety and convenience. Otherwise, polarized lenses will compromise their jobs and passengers.
It is ideal to use this eyewear when driving, but not at night and in low-light situations. Plus, it doesn’t react so well in specific car tints. So when going in dark places or in the evening, make sure to remove it.
Do you have a sensitive vision? Before buying polarized sunglasses, make sure to try them out first. You may not be comfortable with how the lenses change their lighting.
Why Get Polarized Sunglasses?
When there’s too much light that enters your eyes, it becomes hard to manage it. Thus, you can have short-term blindness. But not with polarized sunglasses.
If you are an outgoer, you also need to protect your eyes. This eyewear gives you clearer vision under bright light situations. It is excellent in reducing glare and light reflections. So, you can see clear objects.
Are Polarized Sunglasses UV Protected?
Polarized features and UV protection of sunglasses are two different things. Remember that not all polarized lenses provide UV protection and vice versa.
Some regular sunglasses with UV protection are not as effective in blocking glare. You already know what polarized sunglasses can do. So, what is the difference between UV protection?
We all know that the sun has ultraviolet rays that are harmful to us. Without wearing proper protection, you’re exposing your eyes to its risks.
UV-protected lenses are your shield against harmful sun exposure. Like our skin, a direct hit of sunlight in our eyes can cause eye damages. It includes cataracts, short-term blindness, and macular degeneration.
So, any sunglasses need to have 99% or 100% UV protection. It is a kind of eyewear that most pilots wear since they are in a higher position, closer to the sun’s rays.
Polarized lenses are extra features that can help you, as mentioned, in reducing the glare. But it would help if you look for both attributes. Almost all polarized sunglasses have UV protection. But always read it to be sure.
Are There Other Alternatives That You Can Use?
If you find it uncomfortable to wear polarized sunglasses, there are other alternatives. Look for sunglasses with anti-reflective coating. It is common in most mirrored sunglasses. The manufacturer usually adds this coating on the lenses. It helps in decreasing the amount of light that can enter your eyes.
Final Thoughts
Polarized sunglasses means getting glare and light reflection protection. This glass can improve your vision clarity under bright conditions. But remember that it will not protect you if you stare at the sun directly. Do you want to see better when there’s an intense light in your surroundings? Then, you need polarized sunglasses.
