What Are Polarized Sunglasses? Benefits and More

Glare on bright, sunny days can make it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and skiing. To make the most of your adventures, invest in quality sunglasses that protect your eyes and help you see clearly.

In this article, find out how these lenses work and why they stand out from other types of glasses. Let us explain the benefits, the technology behind them, and how they work to enhance your vision.

What Are Polarized Sunglasses?

Polarized lenses have been a popular choice in the eyewear industry since their invention in 1936 by Edwin H. Land, the creator of the Land's camera by Polaroid. Known for cutting hazardous glare off of flat surfaces like water, glass, and asphalt, polarized sunglasses are essential for reducing eye strain and improving visibility.

How Do Polarized Sunglasses Work?

Polarized sunglasses are specially designed eyewear that effectively reduce glare and enhance visual acuity.

By utilizing a unique filtering technology, these lenses are able to block out polarized light that is known to cause discomfort and potential vision impairment, particularly when reflected off surfaces like water, snow, or pavement.

The specialized coating on polarized lenses ensures optimal visibility in bright outdoor conditions by minimizing glare and improving overall clarity.

What’s The Difference Between Polarized & Non-polarized Lenses?

Though they both shield eyes from the sun, polarized and non-polarized sunglasses differ in many ways.

How Can You Tell If Lenses Are Polarized?

So, how do you know if a lens is polarized? Here are ways to check:

1. Monitor Brightness Chec

To test if your sunglasses are polarized, look at a computer monitor with your glasses on. If the brightness changes as you tilt your head, that indicates polarization. Polarized lenses filter light directionally, causing varying brightness at different angles.

2. Reflective Surface Check

Polarized sunglasses are excellent for reducing glare off of water surfaces, making them ideal for activities like fishing and boating.

These lenses can enhance your vision by minimizing glare, allowing you to see beneath the water's surface with clarity. Next time you're near water on a sunny day, try putting on polarized sunglasses and notice the difference.

3. Test Cards

When purchasing polarized sunglasses, be sure to check for a test sticker or card near the display. These items will show an image only visible through polarized lenses. If you cannot see the image while wearing the sunglasses, it means the lenses are not polarized.

What Are The Benefits of Polarized Sunglasses?

Polarized sunglasses have various benefits. Such as:

Glare Reduction

Glare from the sun can be distracting and dangerous, increasing the likelihood of traffic accidents, especially at intersections. By reducing glare, you can stay more aware of your surroundings and avoid accidents and injuries.

Improved Visual Comfort

Particularly made to lower glare, polarized lenses help to shield your eyes from strain and discomfort under strong light. By minimizing reflections and enhancing clarity, polarized lenses make it easier to see clearly without the need for squinting.

Reducing Eye Fatigue

Prolonged exposure to bright sunlight can cause eye fatigue, reducing your ability to focus. Polarized sunglasses eliminate harsh glare that leads to squinting and eye strain, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities for extended periods comfortably.

UV Protection

Polarized lenses not only reduce glare but also provide UV protection, safeguarding your eyes from potential damage caused by harmful ultraviolet rays. This added feature helps maintain optimal eye health and prevent long-term issues.

Aesthetic Appeal

Functional no longer means unfashionable when it comes to polarized sunglasses. With a variety of styles, such as aviators and cat-eye frames, there's something to suit every face shape and style preference. Protect your eyes in style with these trendy options.

Versatility

Polarized sunglasses are a versatile accessory for outdoor enthusiasts, enhancing your visual experience during activities like hiking, sailing, or even a casual walk in the park. Their benefits go beyond just sunny days at the beach or while driving.

Are There Any Disadvantages To Wearing Polarized Sunglasses?

Although polarized lenses have numerous advantages, they may not be suitable for everyone. It is important to weigh the potential drawbacks before purchasing a pair, such as:

Visual Disorientation

Some individuals may experience dizziness or disorientation when using polarized lenses, especially in regular lighting. On the other hand, some feel that these lenses enhance the 3D effect of objects, which could affect depth perception.

Interface Blurring

Blocking horizontal light can result in a slightly blurred appearance on liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and other digital interfaces, as these technologies are designed to modulate light directionally.

Nighttime Driving

While polarized lenses for nighttime driving may reduce glare, they also have a dimming effect that can hinder vision by blocking some light from entering the eye. This could impair visibility more than the glare from oncoming traffic.

Are Polarized Lenses Better For Your Eyes?

Deciding between polarized and non-polarized sunglasses ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use.

While some people gravitate towards the benefits of polarized lenses, others opt for the more natural view that non-polarized lenses offer. It's perfectly acceptable to own both types of sunglasses to suit different situations or activities.

When Should You Wear Polarized Sunglasses?

Polarized lenses offer numerous advantages, making them a valuable accessory when facing sunlight glare.

Optimal times to wear polarized sunglasses include:

• Fishing & Boating: Polarized lenses are ideal for fishing and boating as they reduce glare, enabling better underwater visibility.
• Driving: Polarized lenses are excellent for driving because they reduce glare from wet roads and other vehicles, especially on hot days when the road's surface is hot and the air above it is cooler.
• Skiing: Polarized lenses are essential for skiing as they significantly reduce glare from the snow, ensuring clear vision on the slopes.
• Golfing: Polarized lenses reduce glare on fairways in golf and can be removed when putting.
• Outdoor sports: Polarized lenses can improve visibility for athletes in outdoor sports, enabling them to navigate with greater clarity and safety.

When Not To Use Polarized Sunglasses

There are certain situations where it is advisable to avoid using polarized lenses. They are:

When looking at LCD (liquid crystal display) screens such as:

• ATM cash machines
• Car dashboard controls
• Smartwatches
• Cellular phones

• Seeing icy patches when seeing
• Seeing ice on the road when driving
• Driving at night

Find Your Perfect Pair

Don't forget your polarized sunglasses for both style and practical benefits like reducing glare, eye strain, and protecting your eyes from UV rays. Step out in the sun with confidence and enjoy the advantages they bring to your daily activities.

Elevate your visual experience with polarized sunglasses by visiting André Montana. Our diverse collection offers styles to complement every face shape and personal preference.

Treat yourself or a loved one to the gift of clarity and comfort with our impressive selection of polarized sunglasses. Your eyes deserve the best - make the switch today!