Is It OK To Wear Polarized Sunglasses?.
Polarized Sunglasses: The Complete Guide for Beginners
Introduction
Sunglasses are an essential accessory for any outdoor enthusiast, but not all sunglasses are created equal. Polarized sunglasses are a special type of sunglasses that offer a number of benefits over traditional sunglasses. In this article, we'll take a comprehensive look at polarized sunglasses, including what they are, how they work, and the benefits of wearing them. We'll also discuss some of the drawbacks of polarized sunglasses and provide tips on choosing the right pair for you.
What are polarized sunglasses?
Polarized sunglasses are sunglasses that contain a special type of lens that filters out horizontal glare. Horizontal glare is the type of glare that is caused by light reflecting off of horizontal surfaces, such as water, snow, and the road.
Polarized lenses work by containing a thin film of material that is made up of vertically oriented crystals. These crystals block horizontal light waves, while allowing vertical light waves to pass through. This reduces the amount of glare that reaches your eyes, resulting in clearer, more comfortable vision.
How do polarized sunglasses work?
To understand how polarized sunglasses work, it's important to first understand what light is. Light is made up of electromagnetic waves. These waves travel in all directions, including horizontally and vertically.
When light hits a horizontal surface, it can reflect off of that surface in all directions. However, the horizontally polarized waves are more likely to reflect than the vertically polarized waves. This is because the horizontally polarized waves are aligned with the horizontal surface.
Polarized sunglasses block the horizontally polarized light waves, while allowing the vertically polarized light waves to pass through. This reduces the amount of glare that reaches your eyes, resulting in clearer, more comfortable vision.
Benefits of wearing polarized sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses offer a number of benefits over traditional sunglasses, including:
- Reduced glare: Polarized sunglasses are particularly effective at reducing glare from horizontal surfaces. This makes them ideal for driving, boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
- Improved clarity: Polarized sunglasses can also improve clarity and contrast, making it easier to see objects in bright light. This can be especially beneficial for athletes and other people who spend a lot of time outdoors.
- Reduced eye strain: Polarized sunglasses can help to reduce eye strain by blocking glare and improving clarity. This is especially beneficial for people who spend a lot of time driving or using computers.
- Protection from UV rays: Polarized sunglasses can also protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. However, it's important to note that not all polarized sunglasses offer UV protection. Be sure to choose a pair of polarized sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection.
Drawbacks of polarized sunglasses
While polarized sunglasses offer a number of benefits, there are also a few drawbacks to be aware of:
- Cost: Polarized sunglasses are typically more expensive than traditional sunglasses.
- Reduced visibility in certain situations: Polarized sunglasses can reduce visibility in certain situations, such as when driving at night or using digital screens.
- Compatibility issues: Polarized sunglasses can sometimes interfere with the operation of certain digital devices, such as GPS systems and aircraft navigation instruments.
Choosing the right pair of polarized sunglasses
When choosing a pair of polarized sunglasses, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Lens tint: The lens tint of your sunglasses will affect the amount of light that reaches your eyes. Lighter tints are better for low-light conditions, while darker tints are better for bright-light conditions.
- Lens material: Polarized sunglasses are typically made from either plastic or glass. Plastic lenses are more lightweight and durable, while glass lenses offer better optical clarity.
- Frame style: Polarized sunglasses come in a variety of frame styles. Choose a style that is comfortable and flattering.
- UV protection: Be sure to choose a pair of polarized sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection.
Conclusion
Polarized sunglasses offer a number of benefits over traditional sunglasses. They can reduce glare, improve clarity, reduce eye strain, and protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. However, it's important to be aware of the few drawbacks of polarized sunglasses before you buy a pair. Be sure to choose a pair of polarized sunglasses that are right for your needs and budget.
Here are some additional tips for wearing polarized sunglasses:
- Store your polarized sunglasses in a protective case when you're not wearing them. This will help to prevent the lenses from getting scratched or damaged.
- Clean your polarized sunglasses regularly with a soft cloth and lens cleaner.
- **Avoid using abrasive