Why Polarized Lenses May Be Right for You
Why Polarized Lenses May Be Right for You
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Your eyes are one of the most important organs in your body. For this reason, you must make sure you protect them from damage, especially from the sun.
Although you may not think it, spending extending periods outside in harsh sunlight without proper protection can have long-term negative effects on your eyes.
Sunglasses are a great first step toward protecting your eyes, but for people who are consistently exposed to harsh light regular sunglasses may not be enough.
If your eyes need extra help, then polarized sunglasses may be right for you.
But how do you know if you need polarized sunglasses?
In this post, we will go over some of the benefits of polarized lenses as well as how polarized lenses work for your eyes.
Benefits of Polarized Lenses
While it is true that all sunglasses offer some protection from UV rays, not all of them can cut through the harshest lights.
That’s where polarized lenses come in.
Ideal for those who spend extended periods outdoors, polarized lenses cut through high-glare reflections. For example, they are especially effective against reflections from flat surfaces like snow and water.
But before we get into how polarized lenses work, let’s look at some of the benefits.
The Benefits of Polarized Lenses:
- Clearer vision in bright light
- Increased contrast
- Minimal color distortion
- Reduced glare and reflection
- Less eye strain
Polarized lenses can be an excellent choice for those who work near water or shiny metallic surfaces (like those found on construction sites).
In the next section, we will discuss how polarized lenses work to protect your eyes.
The Secret of Polarized Lenses
Polarized lenses are very effective at protecting your eyes from harsh rays of light. A common misconception is that polarized lenses protect the eye from UV rays. While this is true (it’s true for all sunglasses) that is not what makes polarized lenses unique.
Before we can understand what makes polarized lenses special, we have to understand how light works.
When light shines down from the sun it hits surfaces on the Earth, then reflects into your eye. Most surfaces are multi-angular and thus light is scattered when it bounces off those surfaces. Examples include grass, rocks, and human skin.
However, some surfaces are flat and smooth. These types of surfaces are highly reflective and when light bounces off of them it reflects into your eyes without being scattered. This means that when this non-scattered light hits your retinas it is much harsher than scattered light. Long-term exposure to this type of harsh light can do long-term damage to your eyes.
Polarized lenses can cut through this harsh light. When lenses are dipped in a special polarizing chemical they can block some light as it passes through.
Polarized lenses have a vertical filter, meaning that only vertical light is allowed through the openings. Harsh light or glare is typically horizontal (since it bounces off flat surfaces like water) so the vertical filter prevents glare from entering your eyes, thus making it easier for you to see through harsh light.
Better Eyes for Better Vision
Nothing is more important on a sunny day than protecting your eyes. Sunglasses are a great first step, but polarized lenses take it a step further.
Polarized lenses cut through harsh light and glare and help you see better, especially around flat surfaces like lakes and snowbanks.
However, you can only do so much to look after your own eyes. For truly healthy eyes you need to schedule regular visits with an optometrist.
Schedule a visit to Family Vision Center in Oxford to have your eyes examined. Eye conditions that are allowed to linger can have long-term negative effects on your vision and quality of life.