Polarized sunglasses have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people turning to them as a solution to reduce glare and improve visual clarity in a variety of settings. From fishing and boating to driving and skiing, polarized sunglasses have proven to be an effective tool for enhancing visual performance and reducing eye strain.
What are Polarized Sunglasses?
Polarized sunglasses are a type of sunglasses that are designed to reduce glare from surfaces such as water, snow, and glass. The lenses of polarized sunglasses are coated with a special chemical film that filters out light that is polarized in a particular direction. This type of light is known as horizontal light and is responsible for creating glare on surfaces.
How Do Polarized Sunglasses Work?
Polarized sunglasses work by blocking the horizontal light waves that cause glare. This is achieved through a special chemical coating that is applied to the lenses. The coating contains millions of microscopic vertical lines that act like tiny filters, blocking out the horizontal light waves while allowing vertical light waves to pass through.
The result is a reduction in glare and an increase in visual clarity. This is particularly useful in situations where there is a lot of reflected light, such as on water, snow, or other shiny surfaces.
Benefits of Polarized Sunglasses
- Reduced Glare: The most obvious benefit of polarized sunglasses is their ability to reduce glare. This makes them ideal for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and skiing where there is a lot of reflected light.
- Improved Visual Clarity: Polarized sunglasses can also improve visual clarity by reducing the amount of scattered light that enters the eye. This can be particularly helpful for people who have difficulty seeing in bright light or who suffer from eye strain.
- Increased Comfort: Polarized sunglasses can reduce eye strain and fatigue by reducing the amount of glare that enters the eye. This can be particularly useful for people who spend a lot of time outdoors or who drive for long periods of time.
- Protection from UV Rays: Many polarized sunglasses also offer protection from harmful UV rays, which can damage the eyes and contribute to the development of cataracts and other eye conditions.
- Better Depth Perception: The reduction in glare provided by polarized sunglasses can also improve depth perception, making it easier to judge distances and see objects more clearly.
Choosing the Right Pair of Polarized Sunglasses
When choosing a pair of polarized sunglasses, there are several factors to consider. These include:
- Lens Color: Polarized lenses come in a variety of colors, each of which provides different levels of light transmission and visual clarity. Grey and brown lenses are the most popular and offer good all-around performance.
- Lens Material: Polarized lenses can be made from a variety of materials, including glass, polycarbonate, and CR-39. Glass lenses are the most scratch-resistant but are also the heaviest. Polycarbonate lenses are lightweight and shatterproof but are less scratch-resistant. CR-39 lenses are the most affordable but are also the least scratch-resistant.
- Frame Style: Polarized sunglasses come in a variety of frame styles, including aviator, wraparound, and sport. The right frame style will depend on your personal preferences and the activities you plan to use the sunglasses for.
Conclusion
Polarized sunglasses are a useful tool for reducing glare and improving visual clarity in a variety of outdoor settings. They offer a number of benefits, including reduced eye strain, improved comfort, and better depth perception. When choosing a pair of polarized sunglasses, it’s important to consider factors such as lens color, lens material, and frame style to find the right pair for your needs.
