Why you need polarised Sunglasses
Summer only means one thing: The sun is out, it packs a punch and it’s essential you shield your eyes with 100% UV protection sunglasses. But are all sunglasses created equal? A key differentiating factor goes unnoticed - polarisation. Polarised sunglasses offer an added layer of visual comfort and clarity, especially in bright and reflective conditions.
How Polarised Lenses Work
Polarisation technology tackles glare, an annoyance and also a potential hazard! It does this by blocking horizontal light waves that bounce off flat surfaces and refract into your eyes. The whole process is simple and involves having a special filter in the lenses that helps in reducing glare and improving visual clarity. Unlike regular sunglasses that darken the field of vision in the same way across the whole lens, polarised lenses selectively eliminate certain light waves, creating clear and glare-free vision.
Polarised Sunglasses vs Non-Polarised Sunglasses
While non-polarised sunglasses have the main purpose of reducing the intensity of light (almost like dimming a lamp) while preserving the balance of light waves, polarised sunglasses, on the other hand, with their unique filters selectively block glare causing light waves, which helps deliver a clearer and distortion-free view.
How Can You Tell If Sunglasses Are Polarised?
A simple way to see if sunglasses are polarised is by going through the 'polarisation test'. You look at a reflective surface through the sunglasses, then slowly rotate them at a 90-degree angle. If the glare decreases or increases as you tilt them, you have polarised sunglasses. Some brands also clearly mark their sunglasses as polarised.
Benefits of Polarised Sunglasses
Polarised sunglasses give you so many benefits: Improved visual comfort, reduced eye strain, enhanced contrast and visual clarity, and reduced glare. These benefits really come in handy when you’re doing outdoor activities like boating, fishing, driving (during the day only) or any other activity where light reflection can cause an issue.
• Glare Reduction: Polarised lenses significantly reduce glare from reflective surfaces, such as water, snow and roads. This is particularly beneficial if you are driving, skiing or fishing, where glare can impair your vision and compromise safety.
• Improved Visual Comfort: Polarised lenses reduce eye strain and fatigue, as they block out intense glare which means you can enjoy outdoor activities for longer durations without discomfort.
• Enhanced Colour Perception: Vivid colours and finer details that might be obscured by glare are better revealed by polarised lenses. This is particularly appealing for photographers, artists and nature enthusiasts.
• UV Protection: Most polarised lenses come equipped with built-in UV protection, shielding your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays.
• Clearer Vision: If you are into boating, fishing or other aquatic activities, polarised lenses help you see beneath the surface of water.
• Driving: Driving with polarised lenses is a game-changer! They reduce glare from the road and other vehicles which enhances your ability to detect potential hazards and improves overall road safety. However, please note that polarised sunglasses for night driving can do more harm than good.
• Outdoor Activities: Whether you're hiking, golfing or just lounging about by the beach, polarised lenses provide a more enjoyable experience by minimising glare and boosting visual clarity.
• Urban Life: Polarised lenses are also great in urban environments, reducing glare from glass buildings, car windows and other reflective surfaces.
Care and Maintenance
To make the most of your polarised lenses, it's essential to care for them properly. Here's how:
• Clean them with a microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the lens surface.
• Use a lens cleaner that is designed for eyewear and do not use harsh chemicals.
• Store your sunglasses in a protective case when they are not in use to prevent accidental damage.
Disadvantages of Polarised Sunglasses
Despite all the advantages we discussed above, there are still a few disadvantages:
• LCD screens can appear to 'disappear' at certain angles.
• The Lack of Contrast. Slight variations in contrast and height can be eliminated.
• Not all polarised glasses offer the correct amount of UV protection. Always look for the CE mark and the amount of UV protection offered.
• Saltwater. If you live in a coastal area, saltwater exposure can result in the coating used for polarisation eventually cracking, peeling, and failing.
• Human sweat on the lenses of polarised sunglasses can have the same effects over time.
Alternatives to Polarised Lenses
Photochromic lenses or transition lenses darken in response to sunlight and clear up indoors, and so could be used as a great alternative to polarised lenses. While they don’t really reduce glare as well as polarised lenses, they offer you mainly convenience and protection from UV rays.
Polarised Clip-On Sunglasses
Polarised clip-on sunglasses are a great invention that saves you from overbuying and money! They offer a convenient solution for prescription glasses users. They simply clip onto the existing frames, giving you the benefits of polarisation without the need for a separate pair of sunglasses.
Who Uses Polarised Lenses?
Polarised lenses are generally preferred by outdoor enthusiasts, drivers, fishermen, athletes or anyone who is left exposed to bright sunlight and reflective surfaces. These are generally recommended for light-sensitive individuals and post-cataract surgery patients.
Polarised sunglasses are a fantastic choice to safeguard and enhance your vision in various lighting conditions as they offer enhanced clarity, visual comfort, and reduced glare. Whilst they may have some limitations, their benefits significantly outweigh their disadvantages.
