Polarized sunglasses are eyewear made with special lenses that reduce reflected glare from surfaces such as water, snow, and glass. They are designed to help improve contrast and reduce the sun’s glare, making them useful for outdoor activities such as driving, fishing, and skiing. Here are some key points about polarized sunglasses:
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Polarization: Polarized lenses have a special chemical applied to them to filter light. The chemical’s molecules are lined up specifically to block some of the light from passing through the lens. The lenses block all the horizontal light waves bouncing off a smooth pond or a shiny car hood, for instance. As a result of this filtering, the image you see with polarized lenses is a bit darker than usual. But objects look crisper and clearer with polarized lenses, and details are easier to see.
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Glare reduction: Polarized sunglasses reduce glare and solve the problem of reflected light, which can cause eyestrain and even temporary blindness. The lenses work by allowing only vertical light rays to pass through, blocking horizontal light waves that cause glare.
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UV protection: Polarized sunglasses do not necessarily provide better UV protection than non-polarized sunglasses. However, many polarized sunglasses are made with 100% UVA-UVB lens protection, which can help protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.
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Best use: Polarized sunglasses are best used for outdoor activities involving water, such as fishing, sailing, and water-skiing. They are also useful for driving and exercising outside.
It is important to note that not all sunglasses are polarized, and that the UV protection offered by any given pair of sunglasses depends largely on the brand.
