Are Polarized Sunglasses a Good Idea?

With so many distinctive features to choose from when buying sunglasses, it is understandable that you might become confused about what you should and should not look for. For example, you might have heard about polarized sunglasses, but you do not know what this term means or what they do in terms of sunglasses. There are some people that will buy polarized sunglasses because they think that these must be better than those without polarized lenses in terms of providing eye protection.

What are Polarized Sunglasses?

Sunglasses typically have a filter on the lenses that will block out UV light. But this does not mean that they are polarized. Polarized lenses have another filter that does not affect how much UV protection they offer, but it does mean that they will reduce the amount of light that can enter the eye through the lenses.

Polarized sunglasses can make it easier to see in strong sunlight because images can appear clearer and sharper. They are ideal for use when doing things such as swimming, fishing, or driving in strong sunlight that can reflect off roads and shiny surfaces.

Those who find themselves squinting even when wearing sunglasses might benefit from a pair with polarized lenses. These glasses make it more comfortable to see and can alleviate eye strain.

Should You Wear Polarized Sunglasses?

The good folk at Olympic Eyewear say that discount or designer sunglasses fitted with polarized lenses are ideal for those who spend a lot of time outdoors in close proximity to reflective surfaces. For example, they are ideal for fishermen as it allows them to see through the glare on the water when they are fishing (particularly in shallow waters).

Nevertheless, polarized sunglasses do have their disadvantages as well. In some cases, they can make it harder to see fine details, such as small fonts. They can also make it harder to see information on LCD screens, which can be an issue in some cars or in certain jobs where reading from these screens is essential.

You should also be aware that polarized sunglasses are more expensive than those with regular tinted lenses. It is important then to decide whether you will actually benefit from the reduced glare or not. If you are heading to the slopes, for example, you might want to choose a pair of polarized sunglasses or goggles to make it easier to see when skiing in strong sunlight. But the higher cost may not be worth it for those who rarely find themselves struggling to see in their sunglasses.

The Bottom Line

Polarized sunglasses are better for those who spend their time struggling to see because of sunlight shining on reflective surfaces. The lenses on these sunglasses have been fitted with a special filter that prevents the light from reaching the eyes. However, it is important to remember that just because a pair of sunglasses is polarized does not mean that it provides full UV protection.

There are benefits associated with polarized sunglasses. They make it easier to see in strong sunlight, making images clearer and sharper. However, reading fine print can be more difficult when wearing polarized lenses.

Polarized sunglasses tend to work best for those who are subjected to glare from flat surfaces such as water, snow, and roads. So, for people who spend a lot of time driving, these sunglasses are an excellent choice. Remember, polarized sunglasses are usually more expensive than those without this filter, so unless you really need glare reduction, they may not be worth the extra expense.