If you’re a sunglass aficionado, you must have come across the term ‘polarized’ or ‘polarized sunglasses’.
If you think it’s just a fancy term used for marketing, then you need to think again because polarized glasses possess an actual function designed to benefit your vision.
Picking out sunglasses is hard enough before having to worry about whether to go polarized or not. Let us put your mind at ease and clear the glare air once and for all.
What does ‘polarized sunglasses’ mean?
Sunglasses with polarized lenses are called polarized sunglasses. These lenses are treated with a special coating that blocks the glare from the sun. Glare typically happens when light bounces off reflective surfaces, such as a lake or a car’s dashboard. When you are wearing polarized sunglasses, the surface blocks the glare and gives you a clearer vision.
This unique function makes polarized eyewear the premier choice of lens type for travellers, drivers, hikers, and athletes. So the next time you see the term ‘polarized lenses’, simply think ‘anti-glare’ and avoid confusion if any.
Benefits of Polarized Sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses have the ability to reduce the amount of glare you’ll experience in sunny environments.
With polarized sunglasses, your eyes will feel more relaxed in bright surroundings and will be relieved of eye strain. Apart from protecting your eyes from bright light, harmful UVA, and UVB light, they work as an added bonus by offering you visual clarity and comfort.
If you love to spend your day under the sun, then polarized sunglasses are a must for you. Let’s say you’re driving along, you turn a corner and BAM, the glare hits your dashboard and you can’t see a thing, even with your sunglasses on. Polarized sunglasses can help avoid such problems and make your driving experience smoother and less shocking.
Watch this short video that demonstrates the workings of polarized sunglasses:
They’re also great for hiking. Polarized lenses increase visual clarity and contrast, making your environment more enjoyable. And when you’re able to see better, you may be able to mentally determine what you’re seeing quicker, which can help improve reaction time and let you relish the scenery even more.
If you are a recreational or commercial fisherman or boater, polarized glasses can allow you to see below the surface of the water, so you catch more fish and manoeuvre the water safely.
Polarized lenses’ anti-glare and increased contrast traits can also help people who suffer from light sensitivity. If you have sensitive eyes or you find it challenging to see in a sunny environment, polarized sunglasses will be extremely useful.
But it has its limitation
Though they excel in functional aspects, polarized lenses have certain limitations, especially with regards to style and colour. These lenses do not have catalogues of colours as wide as the traditional lenses do. They’re usually darker in shade, thus if you prefer light or pastel colours then polarized sunglasses are not for you.
And it is difficult to see smartphones and LCD screens with polarized lenses as images can disappear when viewed from certain angles. This is why pilots are not supposed to wear polarized sunglasses while flying. It’s a big NO-NO for them.
Also, polarized sunglasses tend to be more expensive than ordinary sunglasses, given its unique function. It’s an investment for some people while just plain expensive for others.
Takeaway
There’s always going to be a question on whether to go for polarized sunglasses or not. At the end of the day, it all comes down to you – your preference and requirement. But it’s always better to have different pairs for different occasions and be ready for any kind of adventure that comes your way.
And for all your sunglasses needs, we are here!