Sunglasses serve as your first line of defense against the sun’s, protecting your eyes from UV rays. Polarized sunglasses take this protection a step further by reducing glare and offering a more comfortable outdoor experience.
Determining whether your sunglasses are polarized is simpler than you might think. Hold them up to a reflective surface or an LED screen—if the glare disappears as you rotate your glasses, they’re polarized. At Visual Edge Optometric Group, we can help you choose the right polarized lenses for your lifestyle and eye health.
What’s the Difference Between Polarized & Non-Polarized Sunglasses?
When you think about sunglasses, your first thought is probably about blocking out the sun and looking good. While sunglasses do both of these things, the technology behind your lenses plays a significant role in protecting your eyes from more than just sunlight.
In addition to protecting your eyes from UV light, polarized sunglasses feature a special coating on the lenses that helps reduce glare. This makes them particularly beneficial in situations where light reflects off surfaces like water, roads, or snow, providing better clarity, sharper vision, and less eye strain.
Protecting Your Eyes from UV Light
Protecting your eyes is important, especially when you’re spending time outdoors in sunny conditions. Understanding the different types of ultraviolet rays helps explain why quality eyewear matters:
- UV-A rays: These are the weakest rays, but they pose a consistent threat, since they pass through the ozone layer without being absorbed
- UV-B rays: While some UV-B rays are absorbed by the ozone layer, they can still cause significant harm, especially over prolonged exposure
- UV-C rays: These are the strongest and most dangerous UV rays, but fortunately, they’re completely blocked by the atmosphere and ozone layer
Even if you aren’t directly looking at the sun, prolonged exposure to UV rays can damage the eyes. Over time, exposure to UV radiation may contribute to:
- Corneal damage
- Macular degeneration
- Cataracts
- Growths on your eyes (both cancerous and non-cancerous)
Regular eye exams and wearing proper eye protection can help prevent these issues and catch any potential problems before they worsen. Fortunately, both polarized and non-polarized sunglasses can protect your eyes from UV rays.
When to Wear Polarized Sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses are excellent for nearly any outdoor activity where glare is a concern. They are especially useful for:
- Driving: Reduces road glare, improving visibility and comfort
- Boating and fishing: Minimizes glare off water, allowing you to see beneath the surface and spot obstacles or fish
- Outdoor activities: Whether hiking, biking, or jogging, polarized lenses help with clarity and reduce eye strain in bright environments
When to Avoid Wearing Polarized Sunglasses
There are situations where polarized sunglasses may not be ideal:
- Driving in snow or ice: Polarized lenses may make it harder to spot patches of ice, which can be a safety risk
- Winter sports: For skiing or snowboarding, non-polarized lenses are better as they allow you to spot icy spots
- Screen use: Polarized sunglasses can make screens appear dark or even blacked out at certain angles
- Operating equipment: Polarized lenses can reduce visibility in low-light situations when using heavy machinery
How to Tell If Your Sunglasses Are Polarized
You might be wondering how to tell if your sunglasses are polarized. While the lenses may look similar to non-polarized ones, there are simple tests that you can perform to determine whether your lenses are polarized.
Reflective Surface Test
Hold your sunglasses in front of a reflective surface, such as a car window or a shiny countertop. If your sunglasses are polarized, you won’t see much of a reflection. When you rotate the glasses 90 degrees, the reflection should appear clearly.
LED Screen Test
Look at an LED screen (such as your phone or computer) through the sunglasses. If your lenses are polarized, the screen will appear to darken or even become completely black as you tilt the glasses at an angle.
If you bought sunglasses labeled as polarized but can’t seem to verify their quality, remember that not all polarized lenses are created equally. It’s important to purchase your eyewear from a trusted optometrist or optician.
Protecting Your Vision with Quality Eyewear
Polarized sunglasses make a significant difference in comfort, clarity, and eye protection, whether you’re on the water, driving, or enjoying the outdoors.
Visit us at Visual Edge Optometric Group to shop for the perfect pair or book an eye exam today to keep your eyes safe from harmful UV rays. Our team is here to help you find eyewear that matches both your lifestyle and your vision needs.
