Polarised Lenses: A Complete Guide

Polarised lenses can do what no other lens or lens treatment can do – block blinding glare. But this isn’t the only benefit, polarised lenses can enhance visual acuity, colour contrast, and visual comfort, and block 100% of harmful UVA and UVB light.

Usually, we regard glare as annoying and uncomfortable for our eyes, but when the angle of reflection is just right, it can become blinding and extremely dangerous while driving. Ordinary tinted sunglass lenses only reduce the amount of ambient light reaching the eye; they cannot block glare. This is not to say you cannot get sunglasses with polarised lenses.

 

What Is and What Causes Glare?

As with all things eyes, it’s a game of lights, waves, and reflections.

When light bounces off a surface, its waves travel in all directions, some vertically and others horizontally.

Typically, a surface absorbs or randomly reflects light waves. However, when light strikes a reflective surface, such as water, snow, cars, or a certain building, at the right angle, it becomes polarised.

When this happens, the surface absorbs the vertical light waves and reflects the horizontal ones, creating glare.

 

How Do Polarised Lenses Work?

Polarised lenses are laminated with tiny vertical stripes that only allow vertical light to enter the wearer’s eyes; therefore, horizontal light waves cannot bypass them, reducing glare. Think of polarised lenses as similar to venetian blinds.

Because of this effect, polarised lenses block up to 50% of the light passing through them. The person looking through the lens can still see clearly in most cases, but it reduces overall brightness.

 

Are My Lenses Already Polarised?

A quick test to see if your lenses are already polarised:

• Hold your sunglasses in front of a reflective surface and look through one of the lenses.
• Then slowly rotate the sunglasses 90 degrees to the right or left.
• If the glare increases, the sunglasses are polarised.

 

What Are The Benefits of Polarised Sunglasses?

Polarised sunglasses have lenses with polarised film, which reduces reflections from surfaces such as roads, water, and glass from reaching our eyes. Since polarised sunglasses reduce glare from these surfaces, they can be especially useful when worn during activities such as driving, fishing, and playing sports.

Polarised sunglasses are especially useful for people with certain eye conditions that make them more sensitive to light, such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and uveitis (a type of eye inflammation). These lenses are also helpful for protecting the eyes after surgery that may cause more sensitivity to light, such as cataract removal or laser correction.

At Opticare Opticians in Newark and Leicestershire, we offer a wide selection of polarised sunglasses tailored to your needs.

 

Polarised Sports Sunglasses

Polarised sunglasses can enhance sports performance by helping athletes see clearly and react quickly when needed. They’re often used for snowboarding, skiing, watersports, cycling, shooting, archery, and fishing. Polarised sports sunglasses typically have a wraparound frame to protect the eyes from injury during sports.

Interested in our range of sports frames? Speak to a friendly member of the Opticare team to discuss your options.

Polarised Sunglasses for Driving

According to the AA, glare is the leading cause of motoring accidents. Polarised sunglasses can significantly reduce the dazzling glare from vehicle headlights and light reflecting off wet road surfaces – improving visual comfort when driving.

 

When Not to Use Polarised Lenses

You should avoid using polarised lenses at night or in low-light conditions because their polarising stripes reduce the amount of light entering the eyes. Polarised lenses can also cause distortions in the way you see liquid crystal displays (LCDs), meaning some computer screens, phone screens, clocks, and other displays become unreadable. If you use LCD screens for high-risk or critical work, such as pilots or machine operators, you should not wear these lenses.

 

Final Thoughts: Are Polarised Sunglasses Better Than Non-Polarised Sunglasses?

Deciding whether polarised sunglasses are better for you depends on your individual needs.

Pros of Polarised Sunglasses

• If you often struggle with glare or do a lot of outdoor activities where an increase in colour perception or contrast is beneficial, polarised sunglasses could be worth a try.
• By reducing glare, polarised sunglasses can relieve eye fatigue and allow clearer vision, unlike non-polarised sunglasses.

Cons of Polarised Sunglasses

• Polarised lenses don’t add any extra UV protection compared to non-polarised lenses. Whether they’re polarised or non-polarised, always ensure your sunglasses offer 100% UV protection.
• Polarised sunglasses aren’t suited to night driving or to use with LCD screens, as they can cause dimming and blurring in these situations.

 

 

Ready to experience the difference polarised lenses make? Visit your local Opticare Opticians, or book an appointment, to try our range of polarised sunglasses with 100% UV protection and personalised fitting advice.

Or, view our other lens types available here.