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When it comes to effectively shielding your eyes from the sun, there are plenty of sunglass options to suit your specific needs, including polarized and gradient lenses. So, what is the difference between polarized vs gradient sunglasses?

Polarized sunglasses utilize a laminate filter that reduces glare and minimizes eye strain, whereas gradient lenses feature a gradual shift in tint from (generally) darker at the top to lighter at the bottom.

Before you purchase a new pair of shades, let’s explore the key differences between polarized and gradient sunglasses, and which option will suit you best.

Polarized vs. gradient lenses

Polarized and gradient lenses both offer plenty of benefits, but there are instances in which you’ll definitely want to reach for one over the other.

Here are some key considerations:

• Environment: Polarized sunglasses are best for high-glare settings, such as water, snow and pavement. Gradient lenses may be preferred for afternoon sun and daytime driving as they tend to block more glare from overhead.
• UV protection: Neither lens coating offers on its own is better at blocking the sun’s damaging UV rays, so look for UV400 protection, as nothing is more important in sunwear than safeguarding your vision.
• Cost: High-quality polarized lenses tend to be more expensive than gradient lenses, but price also will depend on the style and brand.
• Availability: Both polarized and gradient lenses are available in designer styles, as well as with or without a sunglasses prescription.
• Versatility: Gradient lenses are generally more versatile, while polarized lenses may be too dark in some settings.

Can you see through gradient sunglasses?

If glare reduction isn't a priority, go for gradient lenses. The darkest tint at the top of the lenses shades your eyes when the sun is overhead. The lighter tint allows you to see clearly when you're looking down or straight ahead.

How do polarized lenses work?

When polarized sunglasses are manufactured, a chemical laminate with a vertical pattern is applied to the lenses. When sunlight strikes flat surfaces, the reflected light beams travel in a horizontal direction, intensifying glare and reducing visibility.

Polarized sunglasses block the horizontal rays as they won’t fit through the vertical laminate pattern, similar to how window blinds work.

Because polarized lenses provide superior glare protection, they’re a great choice for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities especially around water and other glare-prone surfaces.

When wearing polarized performance sunglasses, harsh glare is eliminated and image details are easier to see clearly.

However, there are some instances in which polarized lenses aren’t beneficial. For example, polarized lenses can make it difficult to read LCD screens, such as auto dashboard screens.

Polarized lenses also can clash with certain tints on windshields, so they aren’t always the best choice for driving sunglasses. The darkened polarized lenses also may cause eye strain in low-light situations.

It’s best to use polarized sunglasses in high-light outdoor activities. But even then, there are instances in which gradient sunglasses could be a better choice.

How do gradient lenses work?

Gradient lenses are tinted, usually from the top down, with the darkest portion at the top gradually fading to either minimal or no tint at the very bottom.

There are also double gradient lenses with a darker tint on the top and bottom of the lenses and the lightest tint in the middle. There are also double- and triple-gradient options — these lenses don’t just fade from dark to light but from one color into another.

While polarized lenses are best for bright, high-glare activities, gradient lenses are typically the best choice for driving and time spent in overhead sunlight, as the lenses shield from the top while still allowing you to comfortably see through the middle of the lens.

Also, if you find that some polarized sunglasses are too dark, double-gradient lenses can shield your eyes from bright light and other reflective surfaces from the ground while maintaining less altered vision through the middle of the lenses.

Do polarized lenses offer better UV protection?

While polarized lenses may be the best option for minimizing glare and eye fatigue, it doesn’t mean they’re better at shielding your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. In fact, polarization has no effect on UV protection.

For maximum effect, it’s best to ensure your sunglasses, polarized or otherwise, offer 100% UV protection.

Also, while polarized has become synonymous with high-quality sunglasses, it’s always best to do your research before making a purchase as not all polarized lenses are created equal.

The best polarized lenses have the laminate applied between layers of lens, while the cheaper versions are laminated only on the back or front of the lenses, making them prone to wear and tear.

Can you get polarized gradient sunglasses?

If you’re torn between polarized and gradient lens coating options, gradient polarized sunglasses may be just what you’re looking for.

The gradient tint will shield your eyes from overhead sunlight and the polarization will help eliminate road glare, making them a great choice for driving and other activities in bright sunlight.

While polarized and gradient lenses are widely available, polarized gradient sunglasses may require a little more searching.

POLARIZED, GRADIENT, OR POLARI

Reference:

• allaboutvision.com/eyewear/sunglasses/lenses/polarized-vs-gradient-sunglasses
• fostergrant.com/blogs/helpful-resources/polarized-vs-gradient-sunglasses

Polarized bifocal sunglasses are a great option if you wear bifocals and you spend time reading outdoors. Many people love to read outdoors and this is wear these glasses come in handy.

Additionally, many professions requiring employees to work outdoors need to wear bifocals in order to read various print or instruction.
Why Would Someone Want These Sunglasses?

Polarized bifocal sunglasses are a newer invention particularly aimed at people that read outdoors or need to see fine print when outside. It protects the eyes and helps the reader see the text more easily.

These are also useful for those that like working outdoors on their laptop. Netbooks are quite popular, but the text is smaller simply because the screen is smaller, so it makes it difficult to read the text without bifocals.

Who Normally Purchases these Glasses?

If you are 40 years old or older, you may have noticed that the fine print on your pill bottles you are no longer able to see. It is a normal part of aging and normally 40 years old seems to be the magic number when people begin having problems seeing small print.

Of course, bifocals can be purchased in many strengths at your local drugstore for very inexpensive, but they have no tint so they would only be helpful when indoors.

Polarized bifocal sunglasses since they are the newest invention on the market, cost a bit more, but they also include 100 percent UV protection.

What this means is you can read outdoors and ensure your eyes are protected from the sun's harmful UV rays.

What are other Reasons that Someone Would Purchase These?

Many truck drivers or those that drive for a living, use bifocal sunglasses because they often have to read maps and see the dash panel, which can prove difficult if you have a hard time seeing smaller print.

Moreover, those that go fishing find these sunglasses very useful because they can see the small hooks in order to bait their fishing lines.

If you have ever been outdoors with a regular pair of sunglasses on and struggled to see fine print, you obviously could benefit from these sunglasses.

What About Magnification?

Sunglasses with specialized bifocal lenses come in the same strengths you normally find at your local drugstore, such as 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 2.75, and 3.0 magnification. Always make sure you test them well before purchasing them.

It is a good idea to bring in a book or a newspaper with you so that you can test out the different magnifications.

Obviously, you want make sure they are the right strength because purchasing a pair with too high of a magnification can cause you to develop headaches or simply not be able to see any fine print.

Final Thoughts

The polarized bifocal sunglasses option are a great way in which to be outdoors, have UV ray protection, reduces the glare of the sun, and be able to see what you are reading. Try to find the anti-scratch variety because they will last much longer than those that do not have the coating applied.

Reference: sunprotectionandyou.com

The popularity in Outdoor Sports activities such as mountain biking, rock climbing, snowshoeing, kayaking, golfing and in-line skating, to name just a few, has created a niche for sport and performance-oriented sunglasses.

To meet the needs of the demanding sportsperson, eyewear manufacturers have invested much time and resources into technology research and investigated ways of providing the best possible sunglasses for all the different environments and conditions for which people need eye protection from the sun. From these efforts have come fantastic advances in durable and flexible materials for sunglasses which never fail to give the utmost performance to the casual sportsman or the professional outdoorsman.

Unquestionably the most significant feature to be developed in recent years of sports eye wear has been the optical clarity, panoramic field of view, and visual acuity of the lenses. There are many lens colors to choose from, each designed to be effective in some specific outdoor condition. The available choices range from brown, to green, gray, yellow, pink and, can you believe it, orange.

Even more phenomenal are the advances in polarized lenses. These lenses are in high demand because of their ability to lessen glare produced from flat surfaces such as standing water or a snow covered field. There are those who will argue that polarized lenses are not for everyone. For instance, downhill skiers need to see contrast and definition of the terrain to avoid holes and depressions to prevent falls and injuries.

Although glass lenses are still available they are rarely used in sports eyewear. The exception is sunglasses used for golfing which provide superior optical excellence. However, many sportsmen involved in outdoor recreation avoid glass because of the inability of glass to really resist impact from hard objects or debris.

There are numerous sports-related eye injuries each year. Many could have been avoided if the athlete used protective eyewear such as goggles with polycarbonate lenses. Skiers know that goggles are a necessity. So too are baseball or softball catchers, hockey, football players and even paint ballers learning that polycarbonate face shields can prevent eye damage. Ultraviolet light and glare bounce off snow and ice even on overcast days making it necessary for skiers to always wear tinted goggles or Sports Sunglasses. eResearch by Navid Ajamin -- spring 2010

Fishermen and boaters also require protection from UV light reflected off the water. You might even find some contact lenses that also provide extra UV blocking. If you plan on using contact lenses also wear sunglasses since the contacts only provide protection for the center part of your eye and may not provide the necessary full eye coverage.

What does transparent mean in sunglasses?

An object which allows light completely to pass through them is called a transparent object. If the object blocks the light completely, which means it is an opaque object. The sunglasses allow some amount of light to pass through it and forms a grey image.

What do orange polarized lenses do?

Copper, orange, yellow/amber and brown/bronze lens tints make your environment appear brighter and are commonly used in low-light conditions. These lens tints block blue light and enhance contrast and depth perception making them helpful for overcast, hazy and foggy conditions.

What are orange lens glasses for?

WHEN TO USE: Great for use outdoors where glare is a factor.

ORANGE LENS: The orange lens is like the yellow lens, it offers a high level of contrast and effectively blocks out blue and green light that can cause haze and sharpness reduction.

WHEN TO USE: Great for use in low light conditions indoors.

What is the point of mirrored sunglasses?

As the name suggests, mirrored sunglasses are lenses covered in a reflective coating on the surface that reflects bright, direct light away from your eyes, allowing you to see clearly in outdoor settings.

Is polarized better than UV?

UV protection is more important in terms of the health of your eyes, so if you can't have both, it is generally recommended to opt for UV protection and make sure you wear them whenever you are outside, even on cloudy days.

Are mirrored polarized sunglasses good for driving?

However, the reflective, mirrored coating can sometimes cause the glasses to become too dark, making it difficult to see in low-light conditions, such as dawn or dusk. If you use mirrored glasses, they should not be polarized, as this combination may make visibility difficult.

Are polarized sunglasses better than non-polarized shades?

What color polarized lens is best?

Gray tint sunglasses are ideal for most outdoor activities. They provide good clarity in bright, high-sky sunny conditions. Gray lenses will not distort colors while providing light reduction like other colors of lenses.

How Polarized Sunglasses Reduce the Glare

o understand how polarized sunglasses work, we need to first recall that the light is emitted from any source is a large number of electromagnetic waves travelling through space. These waves are disorganized since they are oscillating in all possible planes perpendicular to the direction of propagation. The light stays unpolarized until it is, for example, reflected from the surface of the road and when this happens the polarized light becomes very intense which causes the glare. The reflected waves are mainly in the horizontal plane and if we use sunglasses with vertically polarized lenses, we would get rid of the intense light and enhance our vision. This is what polarized sunglasses do. They do greatly improve our vision, especially when driving for a long trip on sunny highways.

Notice on the picture that if we align two pairs of polarized sunglasses at 90° the plane-polarized light is blocked and we couldn’t see the jelly beans anymore.

The plane-polarized light is also obtained when the light passes through a sample of chiral molecule where one enantiomer is present in larger quantity than the other. This difference in the amount of the enantiomers is called enantiomeric excess which can be calculated using a polarimeter.

Reference:

• trans-antarctica.com
• allaboutvision.com/sunglasses/polarized-vs-non-polarized
• priverevaux.com/blogs/eyewear/best-sunglasses-for-driving
• chemistrysteps.com/how-polarized-sunglasses-reduce-the-glare
• libertysport.com/viewpoint/mirrored-sunglasses-vs-polarized-sunglasses
• ppeworksolutions.co.uk/pages/safety-glasses-what-s-with-all-the-different-lens-colours
• hi-techoptical.com/what-are-the-benefits-of-copper-orange-amber-yellow-and-brown-bronze-tints
• ninesoptics.com/blogs/nines-optics-blog/which-polarized-sunglasses-color-is-right-for-different-situations
• turito.com/ask-a-doubt/science-what-kind-of-objects-are-sunglasses-none-of-the-above-opaque-translucent-transparen

Polarized sunglasses are sunglasses that help diminish the glare of the sun. Polarized sunglasses provide incredibly clear, glare-free vision. These glasses were first worn by pilots to help them see when the sun was shining in different spots during the day. These days, many people wear polarized sunglasses when driving, golfing, and fishing. They look the same of other types of sunglasses, but deflect the sunlight in such a way so that it is not distracting when they are focusing on other things.

This causes the dramatic reduction in glare and increases visibility.

For those who drive a great deal during the day, these sunglasses will help keep the sun from becoming too distracting and help prevent squinting.

eople seem to get less tired, suffer less fatigue, and have fewer headaches on long trips.

Polarized sunglasses can make driving a boat or a car safer and improve outdoor sports performances.

When fishing, wearing polarized sunglasses will allow people to see into the water more clearly and accurately. When the sun is out, it can reflect off the water and cause the visibility to go down. When fishing, many people need to see into the water. Polarized sunglasses take a lot of the glare off the water allowing people to see what is below. This is helpful when boating also. In order to protect the boat from jagged rocks just below the surface, people can navigate the boat around these objects because they saw them ahead of time. These sunglasses can cave people from a wide variety of accidents both in the water and on the road.

Polarized sunglasses are not too expensive and come in a wide variety of styles and colors. They can be found wherever sunglasses are sold. At first, many of these sunglasses came with yellow tinted lenses, but these days the lenses are clear which many people are happy about. For those who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, hunting, and sports, a pair of these sunglasses will help them get the most out of their day. Buying a pair of these sunglasses will help a person enjoy being out in the sun and not having to worry about missing out on any part of it.

Polarized sunglasses are so lightweight; you'll almost forget you're wearing them. They also provide excellent coverage and protection from wind, glare, and dust. Though they cost a little more initially, the increase in vision is dramatic. They are well worth the investment, especially if they prevent just one accident. eResearch by navid ajamin -- summer 2008

When Should You Wear Polarized Sunglasses?

Glare can be dangerous, especially when driving because it distorts the true color of objects and makes objects harder to see. Glare has been linked to many pedestrian deaths and traffic accidents.

Polarized sunglasses can be especially helpful in situations like:

• Driving: This is especially true on extremely hot days when the combination of hot air near the surface of a road and less hot air above it causes a mirroring effect.
• Playing outdoor sports: Polarized sunglasses help athletes see with greater clarity so that they can safely maneuver while competing in full daylight.
• Water activities: This includes speedboating, sailing, fishing, and other water sports when glare can come from all directions as sunlight bounces off waves or moving water.

How Polarized Lenses Enhance Color and Clarity?

The polarization of the lenses helps to reduce glare, which in turn enhances color and clarity. The chemical treatment used in polarized lenses blocks out certain wavelengths of light, leaving other wavelengths unchanged. This reduces the light entering your eyes and makes colors appear more vivid and clear.

The color of the lens can also affect color perception and clarity. Different colors are better for different conditions, so it’s important to pick the right lenses for your needs.

Benefits of Improved Color Perception and Clarity

Some of the benefits of improved color perception and clarity provided by polarized lenses include:

Enhanced detail

You’ll be able to see details more clearly and accurately, making activities like photography or painting easier.

Vivid colors

Colors will appear sharper and more vibrant due to the reduced glare. This can make outdoor activities such as hiking or bird watching much more enjoyable.

Improved depth perception

Polarized lenses help create a three-dimensional effect, allowing you to perceive depth and distance better. This can be especially helpful for activities like golfing or skiing, where accuracy is important.

Protection from Harmful UV Rays

Polarized lenses also protect from harmful UV rays. These lenses are designed to block out UVA and UVB radiation, which can harm your eyes over time. This is especially important in skiing or hiking, where the sun’s rays can be strong.

How Polarized Lenses Block Harmful UV Rays?

Polarized lenses are treated with a special chemical that helps block UVA and UVB radiation. This treatment allows the lenses to filter out certain wavelengths of light while still allowing other wavelengths through. This reduces the amount of harmful rays entering your eyes and keeps them safe from long-term damage.

Benefits of Blocking Harmful UV Rays

The benefits of blocking harmful UV rays are numerous,

including:

Protection from long-term damage

The reduced amount of UV radiation entering your eyes helps to protect them from long-term damage. This can help you maintain a healthy vision for years to come.

Reduced eye strain and fatigue

Blocking UV radiation can also help to reduce eye strain and fatigue, which is especially beneficial during activities like skiing or golfing.

Long-term health benefits

In addition to providing eye protection, blocking out UV radiation can also help to reduce the risk of skin cancer and other diseases.

Polarised Sunglasses vs Normal Sunglasses:

Normal sunglasses offer basic protection against bright light & UV rays but only polarised lenses block blinding glare and can also enhance visual acuity, colour contrast and visual comfort, blocking 100% of harmful UVA/B light.

Different Types Of Polarised Lenses:

Lenses can be polarised to different degrees and in different ways. Most inexpensive polarised sunglasses have a thin film applied on one side of the lens. Many higher quality lenses have film laminated between two layers of lens material, preventing it from being scratched or rubbed off. In addition, the more dense the film is, the more polarisation it provides.

In most cases, polarised sunglasses don't look any different from regular sunglasses. While denser films tend to be darker, the colour of a lens does not determine how much polarization it provides.

A very dark pair of sunglasses with a light film will not block more glare than a lighter shade of glasses with a denser film. The colour of the lens is also variable; although they cannot be made clear, polarised lenses can be made in grey, brown, green, or other colours.

The Benefits of Polarized Lenses for Children

These lenses help reduce glare from reflective surfaces, improving visual clarity and reducing eye strain. This enhanced vision can improve safety in sports by allowing children to see more clearly and react more quickly to their surroundings.

How to Protect Your Child's Vision Outdoors

As parents, you want the best for your child, including their vision. Here are some tips to help keep their eyes safe during outdoor activities and sports this summer:

• Wear Protective Eyewear: Ensure children wear protective eyewear with UV protection, such as sunglasses with polarized lenses or sports goggles, to shield their eyes from harmful UV rays and potential injuries.
• Use Hats and Visors: Encourage children to wear hats or visors to reduce UV exposure and protect their eyes from direct sunlight.
• Choose the Right Gear: Invest in sport-specific protective eyewear that meets safety standards to protect against impact and debris for specific sports.
• Educate About Safety: Teach children the importance of eye safety, including avoiding direct sunlight exposure and the risks of rubbing their eyes with dirty hands, which can lead to infections.
• Regular Eye Exams: Maintain regular eye check-ups to monitor their eye health and update prescription lenses as needed, ensuring optimal vision.

Reference:

• streetdirectory.com
• verywellhealth.com/polarized-sunglasses-3422163
• popularmechanics.com/science/a28191/polarized-sunglasses-bells-theorem
• danielwalters.com/blog/benefits-of-polarized-lenses-why-theyre-worth-investing-in
• bethesdavisioncare.com/why-polarized-lenses-are-a-game-changer-in-kids-sports

Oblong, Square, Round, Oval, Diamond-Shaped, Heart-Shaped or Triangular Faces

The Benefits of Polarized Sunglasses

Polarized sunglasses have long been used by boaters and fishermen for their amazing ability to reduce the sun’s glare reflected off the water’s surface. The benefits of these lenses are quickly catching on as more and more people are using them for all their outdoor sunglass needs.

When light is reflected off a smooth surface, such as water or a road, the light is usually polarized in a horizontal manner.

Polarized sunglasses combat this glare by blocking light with their vertically polarized filters. This filter reducing the amount of light reflected into the eye and improves visibility and clarity of objects.

Polarizing lenses have atoms in them that are lined up like little picket fences. Light waves can only go through if their waves are vibrating parallel to the pickets.

Ordinary light has vibrations in every possible plane. It is unpolarized. After going through the polarizing lens, the vibrations are only parallel to the atomic picket fences. This light is said to be plane polarized.

If two polarizers are perpendicular, then the light cannot get through them both. These are called crossed polarizers.

Polarizers

Polarizers are optical components that only transmit light waves along an axis relative to the light’s incident polarization. In essence, they allow the flow of light to move through the polarizer along the desired axis while rejecting the light moving along other axes. Polarizers can be divided into three categories based on the way they filter light:

• Reflective polarizers transmit the desired polarization while reflecting the light waves on the other axes.
• Dichroic polarizers absorb light along a specific polarization, allowing the remaining light to be transmitted.
• Birefringent polarizers refract light from different polarizations, which allows users to select which polarizations they require based on the refraction index of the light waves.

Polarized sunglasses are perfect for most outdoor activity such as skiing, golfing, biking or even jogging. Anytime that you need to block glare a pair of polarized lenses can improve your outdoor sight. You can also get polarized lenses in various tints that will further improve your visibility depending on the lighting conditions.

Advantages of Polarized Lenses

Features

• Filters glare

• Enhances contrast

• Reduces squinting

• Constant density tints

• Backside AR compatibility

• Tintable and coatable

• Lightweight

• Thin

Benefits

• Reduces eyestrain, greater comfort

• Improves visual acuity, provides safety

• Eyes feel rested

• Realistic perception

• Reduces reflections and enhances visual clarity

• Certain lens materials can be darkened and provides limitless colour options

• Comfortable Attractive-looking sunwear

1: Two polarized sunglass lenses with polarizations parallel to each other. Polarized light comes through.

2: Two polarized sunglass lenses with one of the lenses rotated to a 90° angle relative to the situation in picture 1. Almost no light comes through due to all of it being blocked. This is described by Malus' law.

3: One non-polarized sunglass lens. Non-polarized light comes through.

4: One non-polarized and one polarized sunglass lens rotated to a 90° angle relative to their normal orientation in the sunglass frames. Polarized light comes through.

Sunglasses (or at least one of the lenses) are not polarized if the near complete blockage of light seen in picture 2 is not observed when one of the lenses is removed and rotated in front of the other lens.

Sunglasses known to be polarized can also be used to test other sunglasses in a similar manner by rotating them in front of the sunglasses being tested.

List of the Disadvantages of Polarized Lenses

1. Polarized lenses make it difficult to view LCD screens.
When you are wearing glasses that have polarized lenses, then the chemical agents added to the product to create the filtering mechanism reduce the amount of light your eyes process from an LCD screen. Although you can still see them when you have a direct line-of-sight, moving to different angles can make the screen disappear completely. It may also impact the amount of color that some people can perceive when looking at information or watching a show.

2. Polarized lenses can alter how you perceive the world.
Heavy machine users are often restricted in their use of polarized lenses because of the way the filtering process alters your vision. This equipment often operates with an LCD screen to inform the operator of current conditions, which the lenses would interfere with during operations. This disadvantage is in place for airline pilots as well since the modern cockpit comes equipped with LCD screens as well. Anyone that must use their phone for work consistently, have access to GPS equipment, or similar needs with their employment may find that this option is not suitable for their needs. eResearch by Navid Ajamin -- spring 2008

3. Polarized lenses can make it challenging to distinguish between white colors.
Downhill skiing enthusiasts sometimes try to avoid using polarized lenses with their googles or sunglasses because of the way the technology filters out the horizontal light waves. Because you have different variations of while on the typical mountain thanks to the snow, hills, and ice, it can be challenging for some people to differentiate between these outdoor elements. Since it only takes one mistake for a catastrophe to occur in this sport, this disadvantage usually keeps skiers away from the product.

4. Polarized lenses need to have built-in UV protection.
Sunny days are always nice to experience, but the prolonged exposure to unfiltered sunlight can cause numerous health issues. The UV radiation can increase the risk of developing cataracts later in life, lead to damage to the retina, and even cause macular degeneration to begin. These injuries are cumulative over the lifetime of an individual, so polarized lenses must have UV protection if they are going to be an effective product. Since some products do not have this feature, you must look for stickers on your product which contain the following information.

• Verification that the lenses block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
• The lenses are said to meet ANSI UVA/UVB blocking requirements for Z80.3.
• It states that the lenses provide UV400 protection when worn correctly.

5. Polarized lenses can cause you to see window grids.

When you wear polarized lenses with your sunglasses, then you can sometimes see a grid pattern appear on the windows of automobiles. Some houses can have this issue with their reflective surfaces as well. What you are seeing in these stripes or grids in the glass is an issue that occurs during the tempering process. These intentional stresses make the glass a stronger product, allowing it to have a predictable outcome if you happen to be in an accident. The pattern that you see is a reflection of the arrangement that the flames or heating elements cause during this process.

If you find that these grid patterns become too distracting while driving, then you can take the polarized lenses off. Then you are left with the problem of glare once again, so it becomes a lose/lose situation for some drivers.

6. Polarized lenses cost more than standard products.
If you want to take advantage of what polarized lenses can offer, then you can head to your local Walmart to purchase a pair of sunglasses for $15 (or less) with this technology. Most lenses that contain polarization filters will cost up to 30% more than if you bought a standard lens instead. Some people see this as an investment in their future, but it could also be an issue that takes the product out of the range of affordability.

You will also find that some of the cheaper lenses that are available today meet the industry standards for complete protection, while the premium products do not. That is why it is essential to review every product specification before finalizing your purchase.

7. Polarized lenses can have durability issues.
Instead of applying the chemical process to the plastic lens itself, cheaper sunglasses and goggles often apply a film over a basic lens to create the polarization effect. When you wear glasses with this design, then you will experience issues with flaking, peeling, and bubbling over time with the product. Users who are near the coast or live in high precipitation geographic areas typically see this problem the most often. High levels of sunlight exposure can cause the chemical film to begin fading too, which can minimize the protection you would receive when wearing your glasses.

8. Polarized lenses can be ineffective under specific circumstances.
Because the design of polarized lenses works to filter horizontal light waves, your positioning can reduce the effectiveness of this technology. You will encounter this issue most often during sunrise and sunset. When the sun is directly overhead, there can be some problems with this lens option as well. Some users may see artificial light differently as well, like when you attend a sporting event during the evening with the lights coming on. You can even miss obstacles in the road if the color of the object is similar to what is available in the surrounding environment.

9. Polarized lenses might provide too much filtering for some people.
Whether you are unable to wear polarized lenses because of your work or the way that it changes your vision makes you uncomfortable, there are some alternatives to consider that can still provide help your vision. Glasses with an anti-reflective coating can help you to see through the glare without the same vision alteration experience of polarization. Mirrored sunglasses decrease the amount of light that enters your eyes, which can reduce the impact that horizontal light waves have on your vision. Certain photochromic lenses will automatically darken when they receive light exposure as well.

A Final Thought on the Pros and Cons of Polarized Lenses

It is important to remember that UV-protected lenses and polarized lenses are not the same thing. If you do not see UVA or UVB protection labels on the sunglasses or goggles you wish to purchase, then they will not provide the service that you may want. Many of the polarized sunglasses on the market include a UV protection coating, but it may also peel off as the product ages or receives exposure to extreme conditions.

These lenses are a good option to consider for anyone who spends a lot of time outside. It reduces the bright reflections, eliminates unwanted glare, and can improve your vision under challenging circumstances. Don’t just consider your outward appearance when selecting the best lenses for your eyes because you need full coverage to 100% protect your vision. Some products do not offer that service.

The pros and cons of polarized lenses are typically more about one’s personal preferences. Some people prefer to wear them for the added clarity they receive when outside. Others feel like the filters are distracting when they are taking care of their business each day. If you work with LCD screens regularly, then this item might not even be an option to consider. The good news is that if you are interested in using this lens option for your sunglasses or goggles, then they are priced competitively with non-polarized items.

Polarized vs. non-polarized sunglasses

Why polarized sunglasses? For certain activities, including daytime driving, water sports and winter sports, you may benefit from wearing polarized sunglasses — especially if light is bouncing off surfaces and into your eyes. Both polarized or non-polarized lens types can help you see more comfortably in bright light, but you’ll want to consider polarized lenses for activities and situations that require a reduction in glare.

Daytime driving

Polarized sunglasses can really come in handy when you’re driving on sunny days. Their anti-reflective coating helps mitigate light bouncing off reflective surfaces in your field of vision — these surfaces include windshields, roads, snow and even the hood of your own car. This makes for a safer driving experience free from distractions or even the temporary blindness that can be caused by particularly intense glare.

However, if you find yourself more frequently driving in overcast conditions, non-polarized sunglasses might be for you. They tend to allow for better vision in low-contrast conditions. Just as you should wear sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays even on cloudy days, you should also wear UV-protection sunglasses when it’s cloudy as long as you can safely see.

For driving on snowy or icy days, it can actually be safer to wear non-polarized sunglasses. In these cases, you want to be able to see the reflected light that alerts you to ice on the road.

Nighttime driving

If you have trouble seeing the road due to the glare of street lights and headlights, you may be wondering if polarized glasses can help you with nighttime driving. The answer is no: You should never wear sunglasses in low-light or dark conditions. While they might be able to address the issue of reflection from headlights and street lights, they’ll ultimately cause more issues by making it too dark to see anything else.

There are anti-reflective night driving glasses made specifically for seeing better in low-light conditions. However, like polarized sunglasses, these can actually inhibit your vision rather than providing more clarity as intended. If you wear prescription glasses, opt for clear lenses with an anti-reflective coating to make sure the glasses themselves aren’t causing glare issues from headlights and streetlights.

Outdoor activities

Polarized lenses can be useful for outdoor activities, particularly when outside light is intensified by glare — when you’re on the road, for instance, or on a body of water. However, there are also outdoor activities for which polarized glasses are not recommended.

Instances where polarized sunglasses can be helpful include:

• Fishing: When you’re on or near a body of water, polarized lenses can help you see more clearly by cutting down on the glare from the water’s reflection. This also means you’re better able to see past the surface of the water, which provides a huge advantage for fishers.

• Water sports: If you’re sailing, kayaking or canoeing — or doing any number of other water sports — polarized lenses can ease the strain on your eyes from the water’s glare. Plus, they’ll help you see more underwater wildlife.

• Hiking: Polarized lenses are ideal for scenic views, as they help enhance colors so you can see vibrant landscapes more clearly.

Polarized sunglasses may not be the best choice for other outdoor activities, such as:

• Winter sports: While you may think polarized goggles or glasses would be helpful while skiing or snowboarding, not being able to see the glare from snow and ice during these activities can actually be detrimental. That’s because this reflection alerts you to dangerous icy patches, which allows you to avoid them.

  

• Bicycling and running: Using polarized sunglasses comes down to personal preference. Some cyclists and runners wear polarized shades to filter both ambient and reflected light, while others feel safer maintaining the ability to see reflected light.

Most LCDs, such as your smartphone and tablet, use a polarizing filter to help you see the screen in bright sunlight. But so do polarized sunglasses, meaning the two essentially cancel each other out, causing your LCD screen to appear dark or completely black when you look at it.

Reference:

• connectusfund.org
• spectacleworld.co.za
• sunglasses.lifetips.com
• commons.wikimedia.org/wiki
• evaporatedcoatings.com/polarization-in-optics
• aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/polarized-lenses
• allaboutvision.com/eyewear/sunglasses/what-are-polarized-sunglasses
• allaboutvision.com/eyewear/sunglasses/lenses/polarized-lenses-and-lcd-screens
• smartbuyglasses.com/optical-center/what-you-need-to-know-about-driving-with-polarized-sunglasses
• brightside.me/articles/7-reasons-thatll-convince-you-to-choose-polarized-over-regular-sunglasses-808091