Introduction
Sunglasses do more than make you look stylish; they also protect your eyes from harmful light. When shopping for sunglasses, you may notice a term that pops up often: “polarised.” Many people wonder what polarised sunglasses do and whether they are worth the extra money. This guide will explain how they work and help you decide if you need them.
What Are Polarised Sunglasses?
Polarised sunglasses are designed to reduce glare from surfaces like water, roads, and glass. They contain a special chemical filter that blocks intense reflected light. This glare is different from regular sunlight. It bounces off flat surfaces and can be uncomfortable or even dangerous, especially while driving or doing outdoor activities.
When you wear polarised lenses, your vision becomes clearer and more comfortable. These sunglasses are particularly helpful in bright conditions, making them popular among drivers, boaters, and outdoor sports lovers.
How Do Polarised Lenses Work?
Polarised lenses are made with a special film that is applied vertically. This vertical filter blocks horizontal light waves, the ones responsible for glare. By cutting out this type of light, the lenses help you see better and more clearly.
This filtering system allows only useful vertical light to pass through. That means you get a clearer view without the harsh brightness that causes squinting and eye fatigue.
Key Benefits of Polarised Sunglasses
1. Reduced Glare and Eye Strain
These lenses reduce intense brightness that can tire out your eyes, especially on sunny days or near reflective surfaces like water and glass.
2. Better Visual Clarity and Contrast
Polarised sunglasses enhance sharpness and color contrast. Everything looks more vivid and detailed, making them perfect for outdoor tasks.
3. UV Protection
When combined with UV-blocking materials, they offer strong protection against harmful sun rays, helping prevent long-term eye damage.
Best Situations to Use Polarised Sunglasses
These sunglasses are most useful in situations where glare is intense and distracting:
- Driving: Reduces glare from roads, car hoods, and windshields.
- Water Activities: Great for fishing, swimming, or boating because they cut glare off the water’s surface.
- Snow Sports: Helps reduce the brightness from the sun reflecting off the snow.
- Everyday Outdoor Use: Perfect for general outdoor wear when the sun is bright.
When Polarised Sunglasses May Not Be Ideal
While helpful in many conditions, polarised lenses aren’t right for every situation. They can make it difficult to see LCD screens clearly, such as on phones, dashboards, or bank machines. Some pilots or people in tech-heavy jobs prefer non-polarised lenses for this reason.
On cloudy days or in low light, polarised lenses may also feel too dark, reducing visibility.
Polarised vs. Regular Sunglasses
Regular sunglasses reduce the overall light entering your eyes, but they don’t block glare from flat surfaces. Polarised sunglasses, on the other hand, go further by filtering specific light waves that cause discomfort.
Also, not all regular sunglasses include UV protection, while most polarised sunglasses do. It’s important to check product labels when choosing a pair.
How to Tell If Your Sunglasses Are Polarised
To test if your sunglasses are polarised, try this simple method:
- Hold the sunglasses in front of a phone or digital screen.
- Rotate them slowly.
- If the screen turns darker or changes colors at certain angles, your lenses are polarised.
You can also confirm by checking product labels or asking the seller directly.
Conclusion
Polarised sunglasses are a smart choice for anyone who spends time outdoors, drives frequently, or wants better visual comfort in bright light. They cut glare, protect your eyes, and improve clarity all in one. If you prefer a glasses-free solution for vision correction, Contact Lenses are also a great option for outdoor activities. For high-quality and affordable options, explore the range of polarised eyewear available at Feel Good Contacts. Your eyes will thank you for it.