The sun may be beautiful, but that doesn’t mean it’s harmless. It’s essential to always protect your eyes from UV radiation to keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear. But if you’ve ever thought about picking up a new pair of sunglasses, you’ve probably noticed words like “polarized” and “non-polarized.” What does this mean? What makes polarized sunglasses unique?
Polarized sunglasses are designed to reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and pavement. They have a special filter that only allows certain light waves to pass through the lenses, reducing glare and reflections to make your vision more comfortable.
Protecting Your Eyes from UV Radiation
When you spend a lot of time outdoors, you’re constantly exposing your eyes to UV radiation. These rays, emitted by the sun, aren’t just bright and warm—they can have significant long-term effects on your eyes. Prolonged UV exposure increases the risk of:
- Cataracts
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Cancer
- Photokeratitis (a sunburn on the eyes)
- Abnormal tissue growth
- Corneal damage
Fortunately, a proper pair of sunglasses can go a long way. A pair of UV-blocking sunglasses is ideal; they block the sun’s rays before they reach your eyes and filter out 100% of the harmful radiation.
However, there’s a bit of a catch. Not all sunglasses are created equal. You’ll need to consider plenty of factors, like size, shape, comfort, and more. One of the most important things to take into consideration is polarization.
What Are Polarized Sunglasses?
Polarized sunglasses have specialized lenses that filter out the intense glare caused by reflections. Whether you’re near water, snow, ice, or even asphalt, these reflections can be uncomfortable and frustrating. This is where the polarization comes into effect.
Polarized sunglasses have a special coating that blocks horizontal light waves while allowing vertical light waves to pass through. This results in a clear, crisp view of your surroundings while improving contrast and reducing that irritating glare.
Many polarized glasses enhance colour perception while improving your overall visual quality. This makes them ideal for people who love spending time outdoors; you’ll likely see colours more vividly and be able to properly distinguish the difference between minute shades.
However, it’s important to note that not all polarized sunglasses block UV protection. The polarization coating itself doesn’t do anything to prevent UV rays from reaching the eye, so you’ll need to look for a pair that clearly offers both polarization and UV protection.
Then, with something as simple as a pair of proper sunglasses, you can significantly lower the risk of all kinds of eye conditions—all while enjoying the benefits of polarization!
Polarized vs. Non-Polarized Sunglasses
Knowing the effects of polarization is an essential step toward making an informed decision about your eye protection. However, remember that not all sunglasses are the same—there are also non-polarized sunglasses, and they’re worth considering for many people.
Non-polarized sunglasses focus primarily on reducing UV exposure and protecting your vision, but they don’t target glare. However, this doesn’t make them less valuable than polarized sunglasses; it just makes them a little different.
Over time, the polarization coating can also wear off, adding obvious wear and tear to the physical appearance of your sunglasses. However, not all polarized sunglasses are created the same.
By purchasing polarized sunglasses from your optometrist, you can get polarized lenses where the polarization is embedded within the lens. That means the polarization won’t wear away over time and impact the appearance or effectiveness of your sunglasses.
When to Wear Polarized Sunglasses
If you spend a lot of time outdoors, polarized sunglasses can be an excellent choice. They’re versatile and can be worn in all kinds of settings.
They’re particularly helpful for people who enjoy:
- Boating
- Fishing
- Skiing
- Hiking
Even if you’re just lounging at the beach, polarized sunglasses can be a great way to protect your eyes.
Where to Get Polarized Sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses are more than just a stylish accessory; they’re a crucial part of protecting your eyes and improving your outdoor experiences. If you’re looking to get your hands on your own pair of polarized sunglasses, contact our team here at Westmount Optometrists.Our team is here to help you find the right fit. Book an appointment with us today, and take the next step towards enjoying the summer in style.
