The Scientific Explanation for Polarized Sunwear
Polarized sunglasses have become a popular choice for those who spend significant time outdoors. These innovative eyewear pieces offer a range of advantages, particularly in reducing glare and improving visual comfort during various outdoor activities.
To determine if a pair of sunglasses is polarized, simply hold them to a polarising surface, such as a computer monitor or LCD TV, or rotate them while looking at a reflective object or surface. If the sunglasses darken, they are likely polarized and provide UV protection.
The magic behind polarized sunglasses lies in their unique design. Polarized lenses contain a vertical filter or a layer of vertically aligned liquid crystals that only allow vertically oriented light waves to pass through while blocking horizontally polarized light waves. This is particularly useful, as it is horizontally polarized light—often reflected from flat surfaces such as water, roads, snow, or glass—that causes intense glare.
By blocking these horizontal light waves, polarized sunglasses eliminate or greatly reduce glare. This leads to sharper contrast and clearer vision, truer color perception, reduced eye strain and fatigue, and improved safety and comfort during outdoor activities such as driving, fishing, skiing, or boating.
For instance, anglers can better see beneath the water surface to spot fish, drivers can detect hazards on glare-reflecting roads earlier, and outdoor enthusiasts experience enhanced visual clarity in bright, reflective conditions.
Polarized sunglasses are beneficial for a wide range of individuals, not just athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Anyone who spends much time outdoors or on the water, such as beachgoers, boaters, and those who work outdoors, can benefit from the enhanced contrast, brighter colours, and decreased glare provided by polarized sunglasses.
However, it's important to note that while polarized sunglasses are effective at reducing glare, they do not offer protection against UV rays. To ensure full protection, it's crucial to apply sunscreen and wear UV-protective sunglasses.
When choosing a pair of polarized sunglasses, consider consulting a VSP network eye care professional. They can help you find a pair that fits your needs, including options with bifocal or progressive lenses and anti-reflective coatings for maximum performance.
In summary, polarized sunglasses are a valuable tool for enhancing visual comfort and clarity in outdoor environments. By selectively filtering out horizontal light waves responsible for glare, they offer significantly improved visual comfort and visibility without compromising colour or brightness. Whether you're an avid outdoorsperson or simply enjoy spending time in the sun, polarized sunglasses could be a valuable addition to your wardrobe.
[1] American Optometric Association. (2021). The Benefits of Polarized Sunglasses. American Optometric Association. https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/good-vision-for-life/vision-problems/uv-protection/the-benefits-of-polarized-sunglasses
[2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Polarized sunglasses: Do they really work? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-eyes/expert-answers/polarized-sunglasses/faq-20057869
[3] National Eye Institute. (2021). Protect Your Vision from the Sun. National Eye Institute. https://nei.nih.gov/health/sunglasses/sunglasses_facts
[4] Prevent Blindness. (2021). Polarized Sunglasses: Why They're Important. Prevent Blindness. https://www.preventblindness.org/polarized-sunglasses-why-theyre-important
Science has shown that polarized sunglasses are beneficial for various medical-conditions related to eye-health, such as reducing glare during fitness-and-exercise activities or when working outdoors. Regular use of polarized sunglasses can aid in health-and-wellness by reducing eye strain and fatigue, thereby improving overall visual comfort and clarity.
