Boaters and fishermen have been using polarized sunglasses for many years, as they help reduce the glare that reflects off the surrounding water. But in recent years the popularity of polarized sunglasses has expanded, as outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds discovered the benefits of using them. Skiers, golfers, bikers, joggers and anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors in the sun can benefit greatly from the elimination of glare.
Polarized sunglasses are also especially helpful for driving. They reduce the glare from long, flat surfaces like roads and car hoods. People with light sensitive eyes can use polarized sunglasses indoors as well. Post-eye surgery patients can prevent damage that can be caused by continual exposure to bright window light and fluorescent bulbs.
How do they work?
When reflected off smooth, flat surfaces, like roads or still bodies of water, light usually becomes horizontally polarized. Polarized lenses are vertically oriented, which means they block horizontally polarized light, which in turn results in the considerable reduction of irritating and dangerous glare.
Whether polarized sunglasses work on flat snow surfaces is still a matter some debate. There are some experts who claim that polarized lenses can in fact help reduce glare from sunlight reflecting off snow surfaces. Others, however, say that the lenses, despite their anti-glare benefits are not good for sports like downhill skiing because they reduce visual contrast, which is crucial for distinguishing snow patches and hazardous obstacles.
Polarized lenses might also be problematic when looking at liquid crystal displays screens, or LCDs. Such screens are used on dashboard navigation devices and the digital screens on ATMs and grocery store teller machines. From a certain angle, LCD screens can become invisible when looking at them through polarized sunglasses.
For most sports and outdoor activities, though, polarized lenses can provide you with a great advantage. Today, you find polarized sunglasses in any style you want. There is one for every kind of outdoor sports aficionado. And for people with very light-sensitive eyes, photochromic polarized lenses provide ideal protection, changing color from dark (for outside use) to light (for inside) and vice-versa. So whether you jog, boat, bike, or drive a lot, polarized lenses can help your time easier and safer.