If you spend a lot of time outdoors or driving, you may have heard about polarized lenses and their potential benefits, not only for blocking sunlight, but for your vision as well. But are polarized lenses actually better for your eyes, and should you consider them for your next pair of sunglasses?
Polarized lenses are specifically designed to help reduce glare, improve clarity, and reduce fatigue. Although not necessarily more beneficial than regular sunglasses, polarized lenses can be useful to those who spend a lot of time outdoors.
At Northern Lights Eyecare, we want to help you make the best eyewear choices for your unique eyes.
How Do Polarized Lenses Work?
Polarized lenses differ from traditonal sunglasses in that they have a special chemical coating that helps filter light. When sunlight reflects off surfaces like water, snow, or even roads, it creates horizontal light waves that cause glare. Glare can impair your vision, cause eye strain, and make it difficult to see clearly in bright environments. Polarized lenses can help block horizontal light waves, reducing glare and making it easier for your eyes to focus.
When considering polarized lenses, however, make sure you opt for 100%UV protection, as polarization does not protect against the sun’s harmful rays.
The Benefits of Polarized Lenses
Polarized lenses can offer advantages for those who frequently encounter glare, or spend time in bright, reflective environments, including:
- Reduced Glare: The biggest benefit that polarized lenses can offer is a reduction in glare making it easier to see clearly and reducing eye strain.
- Improved Comfort: With less glare to deal with, your eyes can feel more comfortable in bright conditions, reducing the need to squint or strain.
- Enhanced Clarity and Contrast: Polarized lenses can enhance colour contrast and improve visual clarity, especially helpful when you’re near water, snow, or shiny surfaces.
- Better Eye Protection: While polarized lenses primarily reduce glare to improve eye comfort, polarization on its own does not protect from harmful UV rays. Be sure to choose lenses that offer 100% UV protection when purchasing polarized lenses.
Who Should Use Polarized Lenses?
When considering eyewear, consider your lifestyle or profession, eye health, and preferred lesuire activities. Polarized lenses could make a difference when:
- Driving: Polarized lenses reduce glare from the road and other vehicles, improving visibility and safety when driving, especially during prolonged trips in sunny conditions.
- Outdoor Sports: Athletes, especially those who participate in watersports like fishing or boating, can benefit from polarized lenses. These lenses help reduce the glare that reflects off the water, making it easier to see beneath the surface.
- Winter Activities: Snow can create intense glare, making polarized lenses helpful for activities like skiing or snowboarding.
- Everyday Outdoor Use: Whether you’re hiking, walking, or spending extended periods outdoors, polarized lenses can help protect your eyes.
The Cons of Polarizared Lenses
While polarized lenses offer numerous benefits, they aren’t always the best option for every situation. For instance, pilots and people working with LCD screens may experience reduced visibility with polarized lenses. They can make it difficult to read certain screens, such as those found on planes, boats, and some cars, due to how they interact with the light emitted from the display.
If your job or hobbies involve frequent use of digital screens, you may want to opt for non-polarized lenses or consult with an eye care professional to find the best solution for your needs.
How Northern Lights Eyecare Can Help
Polarized lenses could be beneficial to your eyes if you spend a lot of time outdoors or driving, helping to improve your comfort and visual clarity. However, if you spend a lot of time around screens, they might not be necessary or ideal.
At Northern Lights Eyecare, we want to help you find eyewear that works for you and your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for lenses for driving, sports, or daily use, our team can help you find the perfect pair. Visit us today to discover your next lenses.
