subject: Polarized Sunglasses Offer Big Benefits [print this page] For decades, boaters and fishermen have used polarized sunglasses to minimize the glare associated with light reflecting off lakes, ponds and the ocean. Nowadays, a growing number of outdoor adventurers are seeing the value of this eyewear, while other people are using these sunglasses to block the glare associated with driving.
What they do
When the sun refracts off flat roads or smooth water, it becomes polarized horizontally. This means, instead of scattering in all different directions, the light travels toward the pupil in a horizontal angle. Ultimately, this horizontal angling results in the glare we see when we are near sandy areas, flat roads, snow and water.
Polarized eyewear is made with filtered lenses that minimize the glare reflecting off surfaces, such as water, snow, vehicle dashboards and ice. To neutralize glare, the lenses block the vertical or magnetic waves of sunlight. By blocking these components, the eyewear helps the wearer see more clearly, while providing greater comfort and minimizing eye strain.
When they offer the most benefits
Polarized sunglasses are perfect for people who like water-based recreation. This includes river rafters, fishermen water skiers and boaters. With that said, polarized eyewear can also prove beneficial to those who participate in outdoor sports. Golfers, tennis athletes and skiers often use these sunglasses to see better. This can improve performance and enhance comfort by reducing eye strain.
Motorcycle riders and truck drivers also may find polarized sunglasses useful, since they help to minimize the glare produced when the sun reflects off smooth roadways, car windows and dashboards.
Considerations
In some instances, polarized sunglasses may cause minor problems. Skiers can sometimes have difficulty seeing hazards, because the lenses block the glare produced when sunlight refracts off of dangerous icy patches. With that being said, this usually isn't much of a problem at most ski resorts, where the snow is powdery and in good condition.
This type of eyewear may also make it somewhat hard to see liquid crystal displays found on automobile instrument panels. Additionally, they can make it difficult for wearer's to see automatic teller machines, some kinds of cell phones and GPS devices; however, most people are happy to remove their glasses when these issues occur.
