Polarized sunglasses are a type of eyewear made with special lenses that reduce reflected glare from surfaces such as water, snow, and glass. When sunlight reflects off a smooth, flat surface, it reflects in one direction, causing distracting and potentially damaging glare. Polarized lenses have a special chemical applied to them to filter light, and the chemicals molecules are lined up specifically to block some of the light from passing through the lens. The filter creates vertical openings for light, so only light rays that approach your eyes vertically can fit through those openings. 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, and details are easier to see. Polarized sunglasses are excellent for driving, exercising outside, and any outdoor activities involving water, such as fishing, sailing, and water-skiing. They can also be a good choice for most everyday situations, and they may give you a more accurate portrayal of colors than non-polarized sunglasses. Polarized lenses will not protect your eyes from UV damage more than standard 100% UV lenses, but they can give you clearer, more accurate vision and alleviate some eye strain.