What To Know
- By reducing glare and improving visibility, polarized lenses can help enhance safety in various situations, such as driving in bright sunlight or participating in water sports.
- Hold your sunglasses in front of a reflective surface, like a computer screen or a window.
- By understanding the benefits of polarized lenses and choosing the right pair for your needs, you can enhance your sunglass experience and enjoy clearer, more comfortable vision in any environment.
Sunglasses are more than just a fashion statement; they protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and glare. But did you know that polarized lenses can elevate your sunglass experience to a whole new level? If you’re wondering how to get sunglasses polarized, you’ve come to the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, explaining the benefits of polarized lenses and how to choose the right pair for you.
What are Polarized Lenses and Why Do You Need Them?
Polarized lenses are a special type of sunglass lens that filters out glare by blocking horizontally polarized light. This type of light is reflected off surfaces like water, snow, and roads, creating a blinding effect that can make it difficult to see clearly.
Here’s why polarized lenses are essential:
- Enhanced Visibility: Polarized lenses significantly reduce glare, allowing you to see more clearly and comfortably in bright conditions. This is particularly beneficial for activities like driving, fishing, and outdoor sports.
- Reduced Eye Strain: Glare can cause eye strain, headaches, and fatigue. Polarized lenses help minimize this strain by filtering out the harsh light.
- Improved Color Perception: Polarized lenses enhance color contrast, making colors appear more vibrant and vivid.
- Protection from UV Rays: Most polarized lenses also offer UV protection, safeguarding your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.
How to Get Sunglasses Polarized: The Options
You have two main options when it comes to getting polarized lenses:
1. Buy Pre-Polarized Sunglasses:
This is the easiest and most common option. Many sunglasses brands offer polarized lenses as a standard feature or as an upgrade. Look for the “polarized” label on the lens or packaging.
2. Polarize Your Existing Sunglasses:
If you already have a pair of sunglasses you love, you can have them polarized. Many optical shops offer this service, where they apply a special film to your existing lenses.
Choosing the Right Polarized Sunglasses
Here are some factors to consider when selecting polarized sunglasses:
1. Lens Material:
- Polycarbonate: Durable, lightweight, and impact-resistant, making it a good choice for active lifestyles.
- CR-39: Offers good clarity and scratch resistance.
- Glass: Provides excellent clarity and scratch resistance but can be heavier and more fragile.
2. Lens Color:
- Gray: Offers neutral color perception and reduces glare effectively.
- Brown: Enhances contrast and depth perception, ideal for driving.
- Green: Reduces glare and provides good color perception.
- Yellow: Enhances visibility in low-light conditions.
3. Frame Style:
Choose a frame style that complements your face shape and lifestyle. Consider the fit, comfort, and durability of the frame.
4. UV Protection:
Ensure your sunglasses offer 100% UV protection, regardless of whether they are polarized or not.
The Benefits of Polarized Sunglasses
1. Enhanced Comfort and Clarity:
Polarized lenses significantly reduce glare, making it easier to see clearly and comfortably in bright conditions. This is particularly beneficial for activities like driving, fishing, and outdoor sports.
2. Reduced Eye Strain and Fatigue:
Glare can cause eye strain, headaches, and fatigue. Polarized lenses help minimize this strain by filtering out the harsh light.
3. Improved Color Perception:
Polarized lenses enhance color contrast, making colors appear more vibrant and vivid. This can be especially helpful for activities like photography and observing nature.
4. Increased Safety:
By reducing glare and improving visibility, polarized lenses can help enhance safety in various situations, such as driving in bright sunlight or participating in water sports.
How to Tell if Your Sunglasses are Polarized: The Simple Test
You can easily check if your sunglasses are polarized by performing a simple test:
1. Hold your sunglasses in front of a reflective surface, like a computer screen or a window.
2. Tilt your sunglasses slowly from side to side.
3. If the reflection darkens or disappears as you tilt the sunglasses, it’s a sign that they are polarized.
The Final Word: Embracing the Polarized Advantage
By understanding the benefits of polarized lenses and choosing the right pair for your needs, you can enhance your sunglass experience and enjoy clearer, more comfortable vision in any environment.
What People Want to Know
Q: Can I polarize any pair of sunglasses?
A: While many optical shops offer polarization services, it’s not always possible to polarize every pair of sunglasses. The type of lens material and its suitability for polarization will determine if the process is feasible.
Q: Are polarized sunglasses more expensive than non-polarized sunglasses?
A: Generally, polarized sunglasses are slightly more expensive than non-polarized sunglasses due to the additional technology involved in the lens production. However, the benefits of polarized lenses often outweigh the extra cost.
Q: Are polarized sunglasses necessary for everyone?
A: While polarized lenses offer significant advantages, they are not essential for everyone. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in bright conditions, polarized sunglasses can be highly beneficial. However, if you primarily wear sunglasses indoors or in low-light conditions, they may not be necessary.
Q: Can I wear polarized sunglasses while driving at night?
A: It’s not recommended to wear polarized sunglasses while driving at night. The lenses can reduce visibility in low-light conditions, potentially compromising your safety.
