What are polarized lenses & do you need them?

Have you ever found yourself lost in a sea of styles and types when browsing through countless sunglasses?

Choosing the right pair can feel overwhelming sometimes! With so many options and technical terms—like “polarized lenses,” for example—it’s hard to know what’s worth the investment. “What are polarized lenses?” is a question we get a lot from patients. Let’s break it down and find out if they are right for you.

What makes polarized lenses so special?

Polarized sunglasses include a unique chemical filter in the lens. This is designed to block horizontal light waves, which reflect off flat surfaces such as water, snow, and tarmac into your eyes.

These reflected rays cause harsh glare, making it difficult to see clearly. While all shades reduce overall brightness, only polarized sunglasses target and eliminate this glare, making them a go-to choice for many outdoor activities.

The benefits of polarized lenses

Here’s how polarized lenses can improve your visual comfort and safety:

Sharper visual clarity and contrast: By cutting glare, colors appear more vibrant, and heightened contrast means details become easier to distinguish, whether you’re out fishing on the lake or strolling down the street.

No more squinting or eye strain: Squinting in bright sunlight can lead to headaches and eye fatigue. By eliminating glare, this lens provides more comfortable, relaxed vision.

Improved depth perception: When glare is cut, your brain can better process spatial depth, which is especially useful during activities like playing golf or cycling.

Enhanced safety when driving: Road surfaces or car bonnets sometimes reflect glare straight into your eyes. Polarized lenses help keep drivers’ vision sharp in bright, sunny conditions, reducing the chances of their vision being obscured and, therefore, minimizing the risk of accidents. However, polarized sunglasses can make it difficult to read LCD screens, so this must be considered when driving.

UV protection: They also act as UV protection sunglasses, providing 100% shielding from the sun’s rays for dual protection.

Who should use polarized lenses?

While sunglasses are the ultimate practical and stylish accessory for sunny days, polarized lenses may only benefit certain situations. However, they can prove incredibly useful to:

• drivers – especially those who frequently drive during the day
• boaters and fishers – the best polarized sunglasses for fishing help anglers see more clearly beneath the water’s surface by cutting through surface glare
• outdoor enthusiasts – from golfers to dog walkers
• anyone sensitive to light or prone to squinting in bright environments

Specialty shades for you

We offer a wide range of prescription and non-prescription polarized sunglasses, tailored to suit your lifestyle and vision needs.

Don’t know where to start? Our expert teams would be happy to guide you through your options and narrow down your choices – Visit us to get personalized advice and enjoy a stress-free, relaxing sunglasses buying experience!