What Do Polarized Sunglasses Do?

You may have seen the term polarized sunglasses but are not quite sure what that means. Do you need polarized glasses? This type of lens blocks reflected light better than traditional sunglasses and reduces glare. This eyewear type is excellent for anyone active outdoors, especially those who spend time on or near the water. If you are sensitive to light or tired of glare while driving, polarized prescription sunglasses may be the right choice for you.

What Does Polarized Mean for Glasses?

What sunlight hits flat surfaces, the light beams travel in a horizontal direction rather than scattering in various directions. This uniform, direct light source creates an intense and annoying glare, reducing visibility. Polarized glasses filter reflected light, increasing both your comfort and vision.

Do You Need Polarized Sunglasses?

Polarized lenses minimize the shine from light bouncing off reflective surfaces and improve your vision. Some people who may want to choose polarized lenses include:

• People aged 40 and over who spend time outdoors
• Anyone often active in the sun
• People who participate in skiing or other snow activities
• Those involved in boating, fishing, or other water pursuits

What Are the Advantages of Polarized Lenses?

A polarized lens option is excellent for prescription sunglasses that also have UV protection. This technology provides many benefits for people who spend time in high-glare conditions, such as:

• Minimized glare
• Visual acuity in bright light
• Reduced eyestrain
• Lessened color distortion
• Enhanced contrast

To ensure optimal performance, purchase glasses with an anti-reflective coating on the back of the lenses. This method eliminates problems from light reflections behind you. Be sure to look for sunglasses with UV protection, too, as not all polarized eyewear has this feature.

How Do Polarized Lenses Work?

Light usually scatters before it enters your eye by bouncing off varying points of uneven surfaces. When light hits a flat, smooth, reflective object like metal, water, or snow, it reflects directly into your eyes without first being dispersed.

A chemical coating applied to the lenses blocks some of the light passing through the glasses. This process prevents the glare from going straight into your eye. Sunlight moves in a vertical wavelength. When this light hits a smooth object, it bounces off horizontally and creates a more intense brightness. Polarized lenses block the horizontal beams of reflected light with a filter that only allows vertical light.

When Should You Not Use Polarized Glasses?

These specialized lenses are not suitable for every situation. There are some instances when you should choose a pair of glasses without this feature. For example:

• When you need to look at LCD screens
• If you are an airplane pilot
• When you operate heavy equipment
• Some skiing conditions, as it may be difficult to see the difference between ice, snow, and hills with a polarized option

If you spend significant amounts of time outside in bright conditions, you may want to consider polarized sunglasses. Polarized prescription sunglasses improve your vision with correction and glare reduction. And polarized options with UV protection keep your eyes safe from the sun's harmful rays.