Explained: The Benefits of Polarized Lenses

Experts agree: If you wear glasses, they should be polarized. A polarized lens does what the others cannot; they block glares, enhance vision and block harmful UVA light.

Whether or not you need eyeglasses to help your vision, optometrists recommend that people who are exposed to sunlight for long periods of time should opt for a pair of polarized sunglasses. That includes driving during daylight hours, going to the beach and participating in any outdoor activities. If you’re an avid moviegoer or spend hours at a time on computers and smartphones, polarized lenses are right for you, too. Needless to say, polarized glasses have become an essential part of our daily lives!  

Ordinary tinted lenses only remove minimal glare from bright screens and the sun. But only polarized frames can block out harmful light completely. Read on to learn more about polarized lenses and their benefits.

How polarization works

Light waves that bounce off surfaces tend to be most dangerous when they recoil horizontally, vertically or diagonally.  Polarized lenses are made up of millions of tiny iodine crystals (or dichroic dyes), which is a metallic black mineral found in air, water and soil. In lenses, they are usually lined up in rows and block out harmful light – as much as 50% that pass through the lens.

The wearer of polarized glasses can still see clearly, but brightness is dimmed. Try thinking about how window blinds block the sun. It’s a similar concept, but with concentration on your eyes.

 

 

What are the benefits?

Besides blocking out harsh forms of light. Polarized lenses offer a host of other benefits, too.

1) They minimize glare and alleviate eye straining for drivers on long trips during daylight hours

2) Water-related activities, including fishing and parasailing can become more efficient because it helps to see objects beneath water surfaces.

3) Photographers can use polarized filters on camera lenses to enhance the images they shoot and intensify the range of shots they capture.

4) Polarized lenses can improve contrast and visual acuity.

What are you waiting for? Shop our collection and find the perfect fit for you – the polarization is on us!

 

*Please note: Polarized lenses are not the same as UV-protected lenses unless otherwise labelled.

Sources:

Healthline: What are polarized lenses?

Online Opticians UK: Polarized lens and sunglasses explained

Department of Justice: Iodine in Methamphetamine Production