What Are Polarised Sunglasses?

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By Anna MacGabhann
Reviewed by Sharlene Mckeeman
Sharlene Mckeeman

Reviewed by

Sharlene Mckeeman
Sharlene is a qualified dispensing optician with over 7 years optical experience, a member of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians and registered with the General Optical Council.
Learn what polarised sunglasses are good for and what the difference is between polarised and non-polarised sunglasses.
Polarised-sunglasses

Polarised sunglasses are high-functioning eyewear with many benefits for outdoor enthusiasts. If you’ve found yourself asking these questions and wondering whether or not polarised sunglasses are good for you, read on to find out more.

What are polarised sunglasses for?

Polarised sunglasses block out the horizontal blinding glare that causes you to squint. Light from the sun hits horizontal surfaces and is reflected back from them, which causes glare. Polarised sunglasses reduce this glare using polarised filters to create vertical openings for light to pass through.

Not only do they make colours more distinguishable, but they also add clarity to your vision by reducing bright sunlight. Glare from reflected light can be annoying and sometimes dangerous as it alters colours perception and causes visual discomfort, so wearing polarised lenses can help you to see more clearly.

How do polarised lenses work?

Polarised lenses have opposite layers aligned at the opposite polars. These molecules absorb horizontal light before it reaches your eyes but allows vertical light to pass through.

Polarised sunglass lenses also contain other coatings that protect your eyes from the harmful effects of direct sunlight.

The benefits of blocking horizontally reflected light, such as reducing eye strain, make polarised lenses worth the investment. You’ll notice this if you’ve ever looked at the water’s surface on a sunny day before and after putting on polarised lenses. 

Usually, you look at the surface of the water on a sunny day and see the light reflecting off the top of the water, but once you put on polarised sunglasses, you can no longer see this shine on the surface.

How to tell if sunglasses are polarised

With the qualities of polarised lenses in mind, you can determine whether your sunglasses are polarised by looking through the lenses in front of reflective surfaces, such as water or pavement.

Another way to test your sunglasses is to put them on and look at your phone or tablet when switched on. All you have to do to see your screen is rotate your device 90 degrees. If your screen is black, your sunglasses are polarised with a filter that blocks horizontal polarised light. Please note this does not work on all screens, only older models and the best way to tell is by putting them to the glare test as outlined above.

When can I use polarised lenses?

There’s a high risk of experiencing sudden blinding moments as a result of glare, which is very dangerous for activities like driving. Polarised sunglasses make life easier if you’re an outdoor sports lover, playing golf or fishing.

The technology of polarised lenses reduces the light that affects your eyesight on a sunny day. Whether you enjoy a day on the lake or s, there are a variety of sunglasses with polarised lenses that will be perfect for you.

What are the advantages of polarised sunglasses?

Polarised sunglasses can benefit anyone participating in activities under direct sunlight or near the water. Polarised sunglasses reduce glare, improving visual clarity and enhancing the world around us with vibrant colours. 

Polarised lenses can also enhance the colour contrast we see when exposed to the sun. This attribute benefits athletes, fishing enthusiasts and anyone who loves the outdoors and wants greater depth perception to enhance their performance.

Polarised sunglasses are perfect for time spent by the water, as they help eliminate the light that reflects from the surface.

Polarized-Sunglasses
Polarized-Sunglasses

Other added benefits include:

Many polarised sunglasses offer 100% UV protection, but always check the product description to ensure this. You can also add your prescription to polarised sunglasses to see clearly and protect your eyes simultaneously.

Are there any disadvantages to wearing polarised glasses?

While it is a matter of preference, there are some situations where non-polarised lenses might be more beneficial than polarised sunglasses. For example, polarised sunglasses are not recommended in the aviation environment. As it is more difficult to see electronic screens, so pilots are advised to wear non-polarised sunglasses while flying.

DID YOU KNOW

Polarised glasses are perfect for those who love outdoor activities. They make a great long-term investment for anyone looking to up their performance in a range of sports.

What is the difference between UV blocking and polarisation?

Regarding protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays, there are two options: UV blocking and polarization. While both types of lenses offer some protection, they work in different ways. UV-blocking lenses prevent UV rays from penetrating the lens material, while polarised lenses reduce glare by blocking horizontal light waves.

It’s important to note that not all polarised lenses offer UV protection, so make sure you’re wearing polarised sunglasses that also block UV rays. Regardless of which type of lens you choose, wearing sunglasses is an important part of protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.

Should you wear polarised sunglasses?

Regardless of whether you spend time outdoors or not, a polarised lens offers many advantages for everyday life. Having a pair of go-to polarised sunglasses is a no-brainer if you are serious about protecting your eyes from UV light. 

These lenses are amazing for providing optimum eye comfort and most polarised sunglasses lovers agree that once you go polarised, you will never go back!

However, if you need to view strictly digital screens for your job, for example, if you are a pilot, you should not wear polarised sunglasses. If you are still determining whether polarised sunglasses are right for your lifestyle, contact our online opticians for advice.

If you’re interested in learning about other lenses and their different qualities, visit our Lens Hub for information on prescription glasses and sunglasses. If you found this article helpful, you can find out more about eyewear and eye health at our Optical Centre.

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