Choosing a pair of sunglasses is a very important task. You need to be able to see clearly when you’re outside, but you also need to give some thought to the amount of protection that your eyes will receive from the sunglasses you choose.
Selecting a pair of polarized sunglasses is something that many people are starting to consider, thanks to the benefits of glare reduction. Glare is something that can harm your eyesight and make it difficult to remain safe during activities like driving.
The hope is that you will gain insightful awareness as you read through the following chapters. We have provided you with plenty of knowledge regarding what polarized sunglasses are, their benefits, the downsides to consider, what to think about when shopping for a pair, etc.
Sound interesting? Let’s get started!
Introduction to polarized lenses
Glasses are designed to help you see better, but there are many different kinds that you can use to improve your eyesight, keep your eyes safe, and remain comfortable whether you’re indoors or outside. Polarized glasses have lenses in them, reducing the amount of glare that you experience while preventing eye strain, but more on that later. If you spend a lot of time outside working or enjoying the great outdoors, you will want to prevent being blinded by an intense glare of reflected light. You could be putting yourself in a very dangerous situation by not using polarized glasses.
What is glare?
Light has the ability to scatter off a variety of surfaces, and it can bounce at all different angles off those surfaces. If you have a smooth surface, light will reflect at just one angle. If that light ends up hitting your eyes, you’re experiencing a glare. In many cases, that unexpected glare can cause you to quickly close your eyes or cover your eyes. If you’re driving or working, this could be dangerous, not to mention uncomfortable.
Two main types of glares exist, both of which you can experience when you’re outdoors. The first is disability glare. This type of glare involves sunlight that interferes and reduces the contrast of a visual image. This can occur when you have light bouncing off a reflective surface. There is also discomfort glare, resulting in eye pain or head pain. However, it doesn’t usually cause a change in the visual image that you’re looking at. This most commonly occurs from the sun being in a certain position during sunrise or sunset, the reflection of light off snow, or even bodies of water.
Polarized sunglasses are designed in such a way that they will prevent this glare from occurring altogether. Make sure that the polarized sunglasses that you’re using outside conform to both UVA and UVB standards. You should always keep them on when you’re outside, as UV light is still prevalent even when you’re experiencing cloudy conditions in your area.
Polarized definition
Polarized and nonpolarized glasses are pretty different in regard to how well you can see when you’re out in the sun. Polarized lenses are treated with a special coating that provides protection against haze and blurring. Your vision will actually be clearer with this product, acting almost like a set of blinds that are only allowing so much light to pass through.
By definition, polarization refers to the restriction of waves of light either completely or partially in one direction. Much like the reference to window blinds that we just talked about, polarized sunglasses work similarly. However, the light rays passing through the lenses will do so vertically. All of the horizontal light waves that are reflecting off a surface will be blocked.
What are polarized sunglasses?
Polarized sunglasses filter light thanks to a chemical application on the lenses themselves. The molecules within this chemical solution are lined up in a way that blocks some light from passing through. You’re not entirely blocking out all of the light, rather letting enough come through that you have an optimal field of vision. The images that you see will still be very clear, just with a little bit darker of a contrast.
Dealing with the glare of the sun can become tiring quite quickly. Switching over to a pair of polarized sunglasses is ideal whether you’re out driving, hiking, fishing, boating, or relaxing on the beach. Even if you’re out in the winter skiing or snowboarding, polarized glasses can help to protect your eyes and your field of vision.
Polarized lenses can be utilized in both prescription and non-prescription glasses and on transition lenses. They’re ideal for all demographics of people, including those who are very sensitive to light, patients that have just undergone cataract surgery, or people who are near bright sunlight frequently. Not only do polarized glasses work to keep you safe when there is the potential for glare, but you’re protecting the integrity of your eyes as well. It’s recommended that you put on sunscreen when going outside in order to prevent damage to your skin from UV rays. These same UV rays can damage your eyes if they’re not protected.
Of course, polarized glasses aren’t beneficial for all instances. You may not be able to see well if you’re wearing them while looking at your phone, car dashboard, or ATM machine. You may also find glare to be helpful in certain scenarios, and polarized lenses would only prevent that helpfulness. Glare can serve a purpose if you’re trying to spot ice on the road or you’re driving at night.
UV blocking vs. polarization
You should understand what features your sunglasses come with to really know what kind of protection you’re being provided with. While a pair of sunglasses may say that they protect against UV rays, this doesn’t mean that they are polarized. These are two different features that you can select when purchasing a pair of glasses.
UV blocking sunglasses will block both UVA and UVB rays from your eyes. If you allow this radiation to affect your eyes frequently, this can lead to issues like abnormal growths in the eye, vision loss, macular degeneration, and even cancer. You want to look for glasses that advertise they block 100 percent of UVA / UVB rays. Anything less can be very dangerous, causing your eyes to dilate in a way that actually lets in more UV exposure. If you wear contacts, you should still be purchasing a pair of non-prescription UV blocking sunglasses to wear over your contacts. Contacts don’t provide any kind of protection against radiation from the sun.
Polarized shades will remove the glare that’s being caused by the sun, allowing you to see things more clearly. The horizontal patterns of light that are reflecting off a surface are what cause the glare you’re experiencing, and the filters in your lenses will block these horizontal waves of light. Be careful with polarized lenses if you’re doing something like skiing in an icy area. You may not be able to spot those dangerous patches of ice until you’re directly on top of them. This is an instance where UV sunglasses would be a better option.
How to tell if sunglasses are polarized?
You might be wondering if a pair of sunglasses are polarized if you’ve pulled out an old pair or you’re shopping for something new. You can easily check your sunglasses by holding them directly in front of your face.
Look through the lenses at something like the screen of a computer or a smartphone. As you move your glasses up and down / left to right, you may notice a change in the image or a change in the brightness of the image you’re looking at. This would indicate that you’re looking through polarized lenses. If you don’t see a change in the quality of the image you’re looking at, it’s likely that you’re dealing with tinted lenses.
If you have two pairs of glasses, there is a way that you can check for polarization using both of them. Hold one pair of glasses directly in front of the other so you can see through both of them. Move one of the pairs to create a right angle with the glasses. Two pairs of polarized glasses would result in the lenses blending together to create a completely blackened effect.
Polarized reader sunglasses?
Regardless of what time of year it is, it’s never too early to start thinking about the nicer weather where you can spend more time outdoors. If you’re someone that requires the use of reading glasses in order to see clearly up close, there’s no reason why you should have to compromise your vision when you’re outside. Polarized reader sunglasses can provide you with the corrective lenses that you need while still being able to protect your eyes against UV rays from the sun and glare as well.
Polarized reader sunglasses are designed to reduce any glare that comes off a reflective surface while you’re trying to look at something up close. You’ll be able to see the dashboard of your vehicle while you’re driving, you can easily read a book, or you can do some fishing while being able to clearly see the line that you’re working on. Even if you have bifocal lenses on your glasses, you can still utilize a polarized coating to reduce glare.
Mirrored polarized sunglasses?
Mirrored sunglasses have a reflective flash coating on them that usually has color to it. This is another way of blocking some light from passing through your glasses to your eyes. A polarized pair of sunglasses usually doesn’t feature a mirrored coating. They most typically have a gray or amber color to filter out that horizontal light and glare that we talked about.
Compared to lenses that are just tinted, you can see a significant decrease in the amount of reflection that you experience with polarized sunglasses. When you utilize the mirrored lens, you’ll get both the benefits of mirrored lenses and polarized lenses. Typically, you’ll also get 100 percent protection against UV rays. Regarding how a mirrored pair of polarized glasses looks, you can usually choose from many different color options with different features such as:
- Full mirror
- Gradient
- Double gradient
- Semi-mirrored
- Flash coating
Just be sure that you’re careful with your mirrored glasses. They are a bit more prone to scratching, and you can often see those scratches on the exterior of your lenses. They also cost a bit more than your average pair of polarized sunglasses, so be prepared to dish out a bit more.
Polarized sunglasses use a chemical coating that helps to cut the glare that you experience when you’re outdoors. Blocking these light waves off horizontal surfaces is ideal in a number of scenarios. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, it might be worth the time and effort to talk to your eye doctor about your options for sunglass polarization. Not only will your eyes feel more comfortable in sunny conditions, but your eyes will also be protected.
Continue reading if you would like to learn more about what polarized sunglasses actually do compared to non-polarized lenses. You can also talk to your trusted optometrist or ophthalmologist about what your options are.
What do polarized sunglasses do?
When you are interested in buying a new pair of sunglasses for outdoor use, there are many different options that are available to you. Polarized sunglasses are just one of these choices. While they might not be suitable for what you need your sunglasses for, they’re beneficial for a lot of people.
A polarized set of sunglasses are manufactured using a chemical coating on the lenses that is intended to block some of the light that is trying to pass through them. The process of polarizing the lenses acts as a filter so that light isn’t being directed right into your eyes. You won’t experience glare coming off of objects in your field of vision.
Your eyes see the visions in front of you by light rays reflecting off of an object that you’re looking at. Depending on what you’re looking at and the type of surface that it has, light rays will bounce off that object in different ways. Smooth surfaces promote a much brighter object, while less reflection occurs off an item that has many angles. Glare occurs using light horizontally, so a polarized lens will block light from a vertical perspective to reduce the amount of glare you experience.
How polarized lenses work
The process of reducing glare by way of polarization is really quite interesting. This process was created all the way back in the 1930s due to a need for glare protection. A Polaroid filter was actually the method of applying polarization back then. Now we use chemicals to achieve the same results as we discussed earlier.
Glare is produced when waves of light reflect off various surfaces you’re looking at. These horizontal surfaces reflect light horizontally. The polarization will work to reduce glare through a vertical process that eliminates some of the light while still allowing you to see whatever it is that you’re looking at.
When polarized lenses are being manufactured, there is a special chemical coating applied to each lens that will polarize them. The chemical is applied vertically, which blocks some of the horizontal light that’s passing through it. What you’re looking at will appear darker through your glasses, but the image will still be clear to you, so you know what you’re looking at. This polarization process helps protect the eyes from light damage UV rays and reduces the risk of eye strain.
While polarization doesn’t necessarily provide the best results for every situation, this can be a nice option to have for certain scenarios, which we’ll take a look at shortly.
Polarized vs. non-polarized glasses
When you are shopping for a new set of sunglasses, you have a couple of different options available to you through your local eyeglass store or even online. You can opt for a regular pair of sunglasses that block varying degrees of UV rays, but a polarized set may be more beneficial for your eye health and safety. When you purchase a traditional pair of sunglasses that aren’t polarized, you’re getting a much cheaper option that doesn’t necessarily protect you from all UV rays, glare, etc. These mass-produced lenses scratch easily, they may not properly fit the frame they’re in, and they don’t block out dangerous glare. That being said, they’re sometimes helpful in situations where glare is welcome to some degree. For example, looking for patches of ice on the road while you’re driving. Polarized lenses would prevent you from being able to see the glare coming off the ice. You might drive right over it without being able to slow down or accommodate.
A lot of people think that they can simply choose a very dark lens, and this will provide them with the protection that they need when they’re in a sunny situation. In fact, really dark lenses can often mean that you’re going to have trouble seeing what’s in front of you while still not having any effect on glare. You may want to think about choosing a lighter lens with polarization included.
If you’re selecting a polarized set of sunglasses, make sure that you’re getting a high-quality polarizing product that will effectively protect against glare and won’t scratch off the lenses. The polarized coating or film should be nice and thick, preventing any glare from making its way through the lens.
There are two main types of polarized lenses. This includes the 0.75 mm lens variety and 1.1 mm lens variety. The millimeter measurement describes the overall thickness of the film that’s used for the polarization. The 0.75 mm option is good for things like sports and hiking. You would want to choose the 1.1mm polarized lens if you’re looking for maximum glare protection when driving a car or boat.
Polarized glasses can be purchased in all different styles, colors, materials, and lens types. You can learn more from the location where you’re purchasing your glasses. Depending on what millimeter polarization lens you choose, this will determine the overall cost. The thicker option provides more glare protection, but you’ll spend more on this variety.
When to use polarized lenses
Polarized lenses are useful in regard to reducing glare, but they can also protect you from eye strain if you’re going to be out in the sun for a number of hours. If you like to be outside as much as possible when the weather is nice, polarized sunglasses are a great investment. This is especially true if you’re susceptible to headaches from light exposure or sensitivity.
Your polarized lenses will improve the clarity of an image you’re looking at by way of clarity. You’ll be able to clearly look at what’s around you without having to squint or avoid looking at certain things. Not only will this make an experience more enjoyable, but it can also equate to improved safety.
If you’re driving in a vehicle or navigating a challenging terrain on foot, your polarized lenses allow you to look directly at what you’re encountering. If you were to turn your head or quickly close your eyes because of a sudden issue with glare, this would slow your reaction time down if you were coming up to something that you needed to avoid.
Ideally, polarized lenses are going to be beneficial for people who are doing any amount of driving in sunny conditions, people who are out on boats, fishers, hikers, and people playing sports outside. If you’re anywhere near water, this will result in glare coming off the water that could impede your vision. Even when the weather turns colder, glare is a big issue off snowy surfaces. If you like to ski, snowboard, or winter hike, polarized lenses can make these experiences much more pleasant and safe.
There are different manufacturers that produce polarized lenses. There are also sunglasses with polarized lenses that are designed with specific sports and activities in mind. Always make sure that you try a pair of glasses on before you choose them. While the lenses are important, you also want to make sure that the fit is comfortable. Reducing glare is great, but you don’t want to be wearing a pair of glasses that are falling off your face or are causing you discomfort. This is a whole other distraction issue that can put you in danger.
When not to use polarized lenses
Polarized lenses aren’t going to be an optimal choice in all situations. After all, glare isn’t always a bad thing to some degree. There are certain professions and situations where you would want to be able to spot a reflection coming off a surface. Polarized lenses are very effective, meaning they wouldn’t let that glare through.
You’ll commonly find LCD (liquid crystal displays) screens on things like cell phones, automobile infotainment systems, clocks, etc. When you’re wearing a polarized lens, you may not be able to clearly see these surfaces. In certain situations, you would find it difficult to see the information. If you’re in a profession where you look at your phone a lot while you’re on the go, you may not want to choose polarized lenses. If you use your phone for navigation a lot while you’re driving, you may have a hard time seeing the directions on the screen of the phone while you’re trying to keep your eyes on the road as well.
Driving at night would be incredibly hard if you were wearing polarized lenses. Some light is being blocked along with glare. There are reflective surfaces on the road that are designed to alert you of where the lanes are located, where the shoulder is, directional arrows, etc. These things would blend right into the road surface if you weren’t seeing them clearly. While it might seem silly to be wearing sunglasses at night, there are people that wear them for some medical reasons.
Pilots are unable to use polarized lenses in their profession. They need to be able to clearly see their instrument panel screen (which is usually LED), the different objects that are blending into the clouds and sky around them as well as other planes that may be passing by in the area.
Make sure that you’re investing in a high-quality set of polarized sunglasses if you do decide to make the purchase. You can then purchase a separate set of sunglasses that would provide you with less polarization protection while still reducing some of the light that passes through your lenses. You can choose the pair of glasses you’re going to use based on the situation that you’re going to be in. If you’re unsure what your best option is, you can talk with a professional to see what information they can provide you with based on your personal sunglasses needs.
If you’re interested in purchasing a new pair of prescription or non-prescription sunglasses, opting for polarized lenses may be a good choice if you’re finding yourself in situations where glare is often present. You can choose from a large selection of stylish frames that will reflect your style and personality while protecting your eyesight and ensuring you can see clearly in all kinds of scenarios.
If you continue reading, we’re going to be talking more in-depth about the pros and cons of polarized sunglasses. If you’re still on the fence about whether or not they’re a smart investment for your lifestyle, this is something you won’t want to miss.
Pros and cons of polarized sunglasses
Now that we’ve learned a bit about what polarized sunglasses are and what they provide, it’s time to consider the pros and cons of this sunglass option. In this chapter, we’re going to visit the advantages and disadvantages of investing in a pair of sunglasses that utilize polarized technology.
Polarization isn’t something that works for every situation. It’s really important that you think about what you’re planning to use the sunglasses for. This will ensure that you’re making a wise choice that will be safe while protecting your eyes.
Once you’re done reading, you’ll be able to have a knowledgeable conversation with a professional at your local eyeglass store so you can place an order for sunglasses.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of polarized sunglasses?
Polarized sunglasses utilize a special coating on each lens that will help to block out a great deal of glare. While this is a very effective process, it’s not always the best option. Let’s talk in more detail and the pros and cons of polarized sunglasses.
Benefits of Polarized Sunglasses
There are many benefits of investing in a pair of sunglasses that have polarized lenses. For example, polarized lenses provide better visual comfort for your eyes by reducing the amount of glare that you experience. You’ll be able to see images more clearly, even when it’s very bright outside. You can also improve the clarity and contrast of your vision with polarized sunglasses. Things generally appear much clearer when you’re using polarized lenses.
When you are exposing your eyes to glare, this can lead to eye strain. Even when wearing regular non-polarized sunglasses, you can’t protect your eyes very well. Putting unnecessary pressure on your eyes should be avoided at all costs.
Glare occurs when light hits an object or the ground, and it bounces back up to your eyes. This interferes with your vision. Your polarized sunglasses can correct refractive errors of vision.
Disadvantages of Polarized Sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses aren’t the most optimal option in every case. There are some disadvantages to consider before deciding what you want to invest in.
When you’re wearing polarized sunglasses, this can lead to some difficulty looking at surfaces like LCD screens. If you need to use your phone when you’re outside often, polarized lenses can make it uncomfortable to do so. You could also have trouble seeing the infotainment screen in your vehicle. An ATM screen would also be unclear. Many professions actually prohibit the use of polarized sunglasses because of this. Pilots and heavy machinery workers have to use non-polarized lenses.
Polarized lenses aren’t favorable for people who do a lot of skiing or snowboarding. When you’re out on the hill, you need to be able to spot icy patches that could pose a safety risk to you. It would be wiser to choose a non-polarized variety of glasses or goggles.
If you’re on a budget, it’s more expensive to invest in polarized lenses. Some people feel that this is a necessary investment. You may not feel the same.
To summarize, the pros and cons of polarized sunglasses include:
Pros
- They block glare from your field of vision.
- Provides visual comfort.
- Increases vision clarity.
- You can see colors more clearly.
- Reduces reflections as well as glare.
- You can safely perform activities like driving, boating, or hiking without having to worry about glare distracting you or putting you in an unsafe situation.
- Polarized sunglasses protect your eyes from UVA and UVB rays that come from the sun.
Cons
- Polarized sunglasses aren’t always the safest option of sunglasses available.
- Reducing glare can be dangerous if you need to spot something like ice. Reflection would be necessary in this scenario.
- It’s difficult to view LCD screens when wearing polarized sunglasses.
- Pilots and people operating large vehicles or machinery are not allowed to use polarized sunglasses for safety reasons.
- Polarized glasses are more expensive than a pair of sunglasses that are not polarized.
- They don’t work well with in-dash infotainment systems.
It’s always a good idea to know as much as you can about an item before investing in it. Polarized sunglasses fall into this category. You could easily sign off on having a pair of sunglasses polarized when you’re placing an order, but it’s a good idea to know what you’re getting yourself into. You don’t want to receive your glasses, only to find out that they’re not going to serve you well when you wear them. There are many different types of sunglasses that you can choose from, each with its own set of pros and cons.
Who should wear polarized sunglasses?
Now that we’ve determined the advantages and disadvantages of polarized sunglasses, it’s time to decide if you think they’re the right option for you. If you’re finding yourself frequently annoyed with glare when you’re out and about, it may be time to invest in a pair of these sunglasses for yourself.
Polarized sunglasses are designed to reduce the glare that you’re experiencing when light is reflecting off of surfaces like ice, snow, water, glass, pavement, etc. Preventing this visibility issue is ideal, and you can often protect yourself and your eyes a lot better when you’re not just using a standard pair of sunglasses. Regular sunglasses will darken the light that you see, but you won’t see a change in the amount of glare that takes place. If you don’t want to miss certain details that require glare (like being able to see ice), traditional sunglasses may be the better choice.
Invest in a pair of polarized sunglasses if you’re someone that spends a lot of time doing outdoor activities like fishing, golfing, hiking, bike riding, driving on road trips, or playing outdoor sports like tennis. The benefits will be especially noticeable during activities like driving. You’ve probably experienced a glare coming off a vehicle’s windshield driving near you or had the sun reflect off a window that you’re driving by. The results can be painful and dangerous.
You should also consider polarized sunglasses if you are very sensitive to light. Some people are just more affected by the sun’s glare than others. This is especially true if you’ve recently undergone eye surgery like cataract surgery.
What is the best color for polarized sunglasses?
In addition to the option of polarizing a pair of sunglasses, you can also choose the color of lens that you’re going to utilize. Sometimes the color you choose will be based on fashion. Other times, the color will really depend on the type of activity you’re going to be predominantly doing.
Gray Tint
It’s beneficial to choose a gray tint if you’re looking for a very versatile pair of sunglasses that will serve you well for different outdoor activities. Gray is a good tint for bright conditions, and they don’t distort the colors that you’re looking at like a lot of other colors do. Gray is also ideal when you’ll be wearing your sunglasses for many hours at a time.
Amber Tint
Amber tinting works well for outdoor conditions that have varying light. This includes overcast conditions. Amber lenses also work to increase your depth perception and enhance the overall contrast that you see in your field of vision. Some people find it’s more versatile than gray lenses.
Yellow Tint
Yellow lenses work the best if you’re going to be in low light conditions but still want to be able to clearly see what you’re doing while reducing glare. This is a good option for days when the skies are gray.
We hope that you feel more knowledgeable regarding the advantages and disadvantages of using polarized sunglasses. Coming up next, we’ll talk more about some tips and tricks that you can use to find the right pair of sunglasses.
Tips and tricks to buy the right sunglasses
Now that you know what type of sunglasses you want to invest in, there are some tips and tricks that you can use to buy the right pair. Not every brand is high quality, not every pair will fit you correctly, and you might not be getting a pair of sunglasses that are going to provide you with ample UV protection. In this chapter, we’re going to learn more about what you should pay attention to when you’re doing your shopping.
Pay Attention to UV Protection
The amount of protection that you receive from a pair of sunglasses will vary based on the pair that you’re looking at. You’ll want to look for sunglasses that advertise that they provide 100 percent UV protection. It may also be labeled as UV400 protection. When you have 100 percent protection from UV rays, the lenses of your sunglasses will absorb a full spectrum amount of UV wavelengths. This includes both UVA and UVB. Less UV light will be able to reach your eyes, and you will be more protected. A reputable manufacturer will indicate what level of protection their glasses provide.
The fit of the sunglasses also contributes to the overall UV protection that you get. If you have a pair of sunglasses that don’t cover your eyes properly or they have a very loose fit, this could compromise your safety. Your sunglasses should cover your eyes as well as your eyebrows and temples.
You may want to invest in a new pair of sunglasses every few years if you find that the pair you’re using is starting to become damaged or worn. The quality of your current pair of sunglasses can affect the UV protection that you experience.
Do a Lens Quality Check
If you’re interested in checking a pair of sunglasses to see if they have been manufactured properly, you can do a lens quality check of your own.
- Take the sunglasses you’re considering and look at something that has a rectangular pattern to it. This could be the floor, tiles on a wall, etc.
- Cover one of your eyes, and hole the sunglasses slightly away from your face.
- Tip the glasses up and down, side to side, and look through the lenses while you do so.
- You’re looking to see if the rectangular lines in your vision remain straight while you move the glasses. If they do, the lenses have been properly manufactured. If the lines appear wavy to any degree, you’ll want to move on to a different pair.
Consider Investing in Impact Protection
All of the sunglasses that are manufactured within the United States must meet very strict safety standards that have been set by the Food and Drug Administration. The goal is to manufacture lenses that are unable to be broken, but obviously, there will be scenarios that lead to you having a broken lens (or two). If you’re looking for something that is less likely to break, plastic lenses are the better option. This is what’s usually used for nonprescription lenses.
A polycarbonate lens that is used for sunglasses is durable, and they can have an anti-scratch coating added to them. This is an extra layer of protection to consider if you feel like you’re hard on your glasses. It’s also a wise choice if you’re going to be wearing them for outdoor activities, sports, or even when you’re roughhousing with your children at home. There may also be warranty coverage that you can utilize or an extended service coverage plan for unexpected situations where your sunglasses become damaged.
Price Doesn’t Always Equate to Protection
While you might be tempted to invest in a very expensive pair of sunglasses in order to receive the best protection possible, price doesn’t always equate to a high level of protection. A lot of times, you’re spending a large sum of money on a designer pair of frames. The price doesn’t have anything to do with the lenses that are in the glasses. If you upgrade the lenses to a set that advertises they provide complete UV protection and provide you with the features you’re looking for, this would be worth the investment.
Keep in mind you could invest in a pair of non-prescription sunglasses on a rack at the grocery store for $10, and they might provide better protection than a pair of sunglasses that you buy from an eyeglass store for hundreds of dollars. Also, research what you’re buying.
Dark Lenses Don’t Mean You’re Getting More Protection
Many people assume that the darker the lens you choose, the more protection you’re going to receive in regards to glare and UV rays. Dark sunglasses lenses don’t really have anything to do with protection. Darker sunglasses will decrease the amount of light that passes through the lenses, but that darkness has nothing to do with polarization. Always pay close attention to the UV protection that sunglasses provide, and make sure that you’re investing in a high-quality polarization coating for the best protection and results.
Lens Color Doesn’t Impact Sun Protection
Sunglasses come in a variety of lens colors for fashion purposes, but the color that you choose doesn’t have anything to do with the amount of sunlight or glare that is passing through your lenses. Some people prefer a dark lens to look stylish, but you should really be paying more attention to the lenses that you’re investing in.
If you’re concerned with contrast, we recommend brown or rose-colored lenses. This is an ideal lens color for things like sports or very detailed activities. Mirror finishes can be beneficial for decreasing the amount of light that hits your eye, but they don’t necessarily provide polarization or UV protection.
There are Benefits to Certain Lens Colors
Polarization is a feature that can be added to sunglasses to reduce the glare that you experience. However, you can also consider the lens color that you’re selecting. The color you choose has a lot to do with the activity that you’re going to be participating in. Let’s take a look at some of the main color choices.
Gray Lens Color
A gray tint is beneficial if you’re looking to invest in something that’s very versatile for a number of activities. Gray works well if you’re in very bright conditions. You’ll notice that the colors of the items around you aren’t negatively affected in a way that distorts what you’re looking at. If you’re someone that wears sunglasses for a good portion of the day, then we recommend trying a pair of sunglasses with gray lenses.
Amber Tint
Amber lenses are useful when you have different degrees of light outside. This can be because it is overcast outside or the weather conditions are changing rapidly. Amber lenses work well when you’re trying to prevent a change in your depth perception. If you’re outdoors hiking or looking at the scenery, amber tint lenses are ideal.
Yellow Tint
Some people choose to wear sunglasses in lower light conditions where they still feel that they need to protect their eyes. Yellow lenses will filter out less light, but you’ll still be able to reduce glare by way of polarized lenses.
Think about Protection, Tint and Style When Shopping
Picking out a pair of sunglasses involves considering a few different factors before making your final purchase. Many people think about style first, but you may want to think about the lens type that you’re interested in before going further. The lens type may affect the kind of frame that you can use. If you’re confident that polarized lenses will provide you with the glare protection that you are interested in, we recommend moving on to the tint choice and then the overall style of the frame. Don’t forget you want maximum coverage on your face covering your eyes.
Hopefully, our tips and tricks for buying the right sunglasses have helped you on your search for the perfect pair. You can always come back and reference these tips as needed. Coming up in the next chapter, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best-polarized sunglass options for women.
Polarized sunglasses for women
Shopping for sunglasses can be a daunting task if you’re a woman that cares about fashion along with functionality. Not only do you want to invest in a pair of sunglasses that will look good on you, but they should also provide you with UV protection and other features like polarization. The internet provides a convenient method of shopping for sunglasses, allowing you to look at all of the latest styles and trends. In this chapter, we’re going to take a look at some products you can consider purchasing if you’re a woman in the market for a new pair of polarized sunglasses.
Sunglasses are much more than an accessory, but an attractive pair can help complete your entire ensemble. Think of your sunglasses as you would a new pair of designer shoes or a beautiful handbag. You can make more of a statement than you realize.
Sunglasses have the potential to take your outfit and look to a completely new level. You can dress up a pair of jeans with a t-shirt into something much dressier when you have the right pair of sunglasses on your face. When it comes to professional attire, the sunglasses you choose can either look too casual or complete the look you’re trying to achieve.
There have been plenty of women in history that have a reputation for always wearing the right pair of shades. We are all aware of Jacqueline Kennedy’s iconic shades. You can turn heads as well when you have a good pair of polarized sunglasses on. A classic pair will serve you well for a number of years, no matter what you’re wearing. A more stylish pair like aviator sunglasses might not be in-style for quite as long.
Think about the shape of your face when you’re shopping for sunglasses. Sunglasses should always be big enough that they cover your eyes properly. They should extend above the eye to cover the lower part of the brow. If you have a very round face, you can shop for polarized sunglasses that have more of a rectangular shape to complement your features. If you have very squared features, a rounder pair of sunglasses may look better on you.
Let’s take a look at some popular women’s polarized sunglasses options that will allow you to stay trendy while protecting your eyes and field of vision when you’re outside in the sun.
Polarized sunglasses for men
Selecting a new pair of sunglasses doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Most men don’t like to spend a lot of time shopping for anything, let alone sunglasses. However, it’s important that you put a little bit of time into finding the right pair of polarized sunglasses. You want to make sure that you look good, they feel good, and that they’re going to protect your eyes. Polarized sunglasses will also help by reducing the glare that you see when you’re out in the sun.
You can view a lot of different sunglasses online, making it convenient to find the pair that works well for you. Make sure that you know what the UV protection level is. You should be as close to 100 percent UVA and UVB protection as possible. You can also add on features like polarized lenses, a scratch-resistant coating, etc. If you’re a male looking for a new pair of polarized sunglasses, we’re here to help by pointing out some really great pairs to take into consideration.
Everybody has a different sense of style and personality. We know that prescription polarized sunglasses are completely necessary for people who need corrective lenses to see. Some people simply wear sunglasses because they provide a bit of shade from the sun while looking stylish. Whatever your reason for purchasing polarized sunglasses, there are different styles you can look at. You’re likely drawn to a certain style more than another. After all, your sunglasses can make quite a statement about who you are.
Think about what kind of clothing you wear the most. If you’re only investing in one pair of sunglasses, you’ll want to make sure it’s a practical pair that matches with a lot of what you put on. If you’re going to purchase a couple of pairs, you may want to invest in a classic pair of polarized sunglasses along with something trendier that you can wear when you’re in jeans and a t-shirt for the weekend or going out on the town with your guy friends. For work, you should have a professional pair of sunglasses to wear.
Sunglasses give you a boost in confidence if you’re wearing the right pair. You’ve seen plenty of musicians, actors and famous people wearing their shades, looking sophisticated and fashionable. Some even keep them on indoors to carry on that look. You too can turn heads when you purchase the right pair of polarized sunglasses.
Here are some popular polarized sunglasses options for men if you’re in the market for a new pair.
Conclusion
Now that you are a polarized sunglasses expert, we encourage you to share your knowledge with others who require sunglasses as well. This is an eye protection option that works for a lot of people. When choosing your polarized sunglasses, hopefully, you will look back on this information to ensure that you’re choosing a pair that fits properly, provides ample UVA and UVB protection, and looks great on you.
Don’t be afraid to re-read this information as needed. Picking out a new pair of polarized sunglasses may take some time. You may need to remind yourself of what you should be considering when you do your shopping. You may even be drawn to one of the pairs we suggested to you in our last two chapters regarding polarized sunglasses for women and men.
If you liked it, share this post with your family and friends. And leave a comment to let us know what you think regarding polarized sunglasses!