How are polarized glasses different?
The Difference Between Polarized and Non-Polarized Glasses
When wearing glasses, you may experience glare or have to squint in bright light, especially outside during the day. Fortunately, there are options to help you see better in these situations. Wearing prescription glasses with polarized lenses will allow you to avoid frustration and be able to see in bright light. Your sight is obviously a crucial sense, so you should not have to worry about being blinded by light. Continue reading to learn more about polarized glasses and their benefits.
What Are Polarized Lenses?
Polarized lenses are constructed in a way that minimizes the amount of light that comes through your lens so that you can see better and without being blinded by bright light. Specifically, wearing glasses with polarized lenses will allow you to avoid glare and see more clearly. When light bounces off of a smooth and shiny surface, like water or flat metal, the light will travel into your eye in a strong, dense ray of light. These strong rays of undispersed light are called glare. Polarized lenses help to protect you against glare.
Polarized lenses are made with a special chemical that coats the lens and filters out light. The chemical creates vertical openings in the lens that allow in light, similar to blinds in front of a window. This means that the lenses block out the horizontal light waves of glare, giving you uninterrupted, sharper vision. Polarized lenses create a darker image that also makes objects clearer and more detailed.
What Are the Benefits of Polarized Lenses?
Unlike regular lenses, polarized lenses minimize the amount of light that enters your eye from glare and make it easier to see in various situations. Having polarized lenses will make activities during the day easier. For example, driving during the day can be difficult when sunlight is constantly reflecting off of street signs or other cars. Polarized lenses will limit the amount of light that can enter through the lens and make it less difficult to see, making it safer for you to go about driving and other daily activities.
Additionally, when your eyes are overexposed to light for too long, they can become dry or tired. This is referred to as eye strain. Having polarized glasses will limit the amount of light coming in through your lenses from glare and keep your eyes comfortable throughout the day, even if you do not realize it.
If you spend a large portion of a day outside, your eyes will be taking in large portions of light throughout. Polarized glasses mean that your eyes will be protected throughout the entire day, preventing your eyes from quickly getting tired and allowing you to go about your activities comfortably.
Situations for Wearing Polarized Glasses
Wearing polarized glasses is a great choice for multiple activities. You should consider polarized lenses, particularly if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Some instances where they would be helpful include:
- When Walking in the City – If you are walking along city streets, the combination of cars with tall glass buildings or storefronts provides many possibilities for glare. Polarized lenses prevent you from having to squint as you move through the city and make it a lot easier to read signs and information.
- While Fishing or at the Beach – If you fish, you obviously spend a lot of time around the water. The right lenses will cut out the strong rays of light bouncing off the water and allow you to see into the water.
- In Snowy Environments – If you are from a place with a lot of snow, you know it is shiny and creates a lot of glare. Polarized lenses will shield you from the glare that is bouncing off the snow.
- Hiking – As mentioned, spending a long time outside in bright light can strain your eyes. When you are away from tall buildings and structures that can block the sun, polarized lenses can help provide some relief.
Altogether, there are many great instances where polarized glasses can help. Talk to your optometrist to see if they would be right for your lifestyle and daily activities.
