What To Know
- When you wear polarized sunglasses, the vertical polarization of the phone screen aligns with the filter in your sunglasses, causing the light to be blocked.
- By tilting your head, you change the angle of the light hitting your phone screen, allowing some of the light to pass through the vertical filter of your sunglasses.
- By understanding the science behind polarized sunglasses and applying a few simple tricks, you can enjoy the benefits of polarized lenses without sacrificing your ability to see your phone screen clearly.
Ever found yourself struggling to see your phone screen through your polarized sunglasses? It’s a common frustration, especially on bright sunny days. But don’t worry, there’s a solution! Understanding how polarized lenses work and the science behind the glare can help you unlock the secret to seeing your phone with ease, even in the most intense sunlight.
The Science Behind Polarized Sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses are a lifesaver when it comes to reducing glare and improving visibility. But why do they sometimes block our phone screens? It all boils down to the way light behaves.
Sunlight, and the light reflected off surfaces like water or snow, is unpolarized. This means light waves are vibrating in all directions. Polarized sunglasses contain a special filter that blocks out light waves vibrating in a specific plane, typically the horizontal plane. This is why polarized sunglasses are so effective at reducing glare from horizontal surfaces.
The Phone Screen Dilemma
Phone screens, on the other hand, emit light that is polarized vertically. This means the light waves vibrate in an up-and-down direction. When you wear polarized sunglasses, the vertical polarization of the phone screen aligns with the filter in your sunglasses, causing the light to be blocked. This is why you might find yourself squinting at your phone screen through your shades.
How to See Your Phone with Polarized Sunglasses: The Solutions
Fortunately, there are a few ways to overcome this “phone screen blindness” while still enjoying the benefits of polarized sunglasses:
1. Tilt Your Head: The Simple Fix
The easiest solution is to simply tilt your head slightly. By tilting your head, you change the angle of the light hitting your phone screen, allowing some of the light to pass through the vertical filter of your sunglasses.
2. Rotate Your Phone: Finding the Right Angle
Another simple trick is to rotate your phone screen. This changes the orientation of the vertical polarization, allowing more light to reach your eyes. Experiment with different angles to find the sweet spot.
3. Choose a Different Pair of Sunglasses: Exploring Non-Polarized Options
If tilting your head or rotating your phone doesn‘t work, consider using a non-polarized pair of sunglasses or taking them off altogether. While non-polarized sunglasses won’t offer the same glare reduction, they’ll allow you to see your phone screen clearly.
4. Embrace the Technology: Using Your Phone’s Brightness Settings
Modern smartphones are equipped with adjustable brightness settings. Increase the brightness of your phone screen to compensate for the light being blocked by your polarized sunglasses. This will make the display more visible, even through the polarized filter.
Beyond the Phone: Understanding Polarized Light
Understanding how polarized light interacts with polarized sunglasses can help you make informed decisions about your eyewear. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Choosing the Right Sunglasses for Your Needs
When choosing sunglasses, consider your specific needs. For activities like driving or fishing, polarized sunglasses are highly recommended due to their ability to reduce glare from horizontal surfaces. However, for activities where you need to see your phone screen clearly, non-polarized sunglasses or a pair with a less intense polarization might be a better choice.
Polarized Sunglasses and Other Devices
Keep in mind that polarized sunglasses can also affect the visibility of other devices that emit polarized light, such as digital dashboards in cars or certain types of LCD screens.
The Final Word: Enjoying the Benefits of Polarized Sunglasses
While polarized sunglasses can sometimes make it difficult to see phone screens, they offer numerous benefits, including:
- Reduced glare: This improves visibility, especially in bright conditions, reducing eye strain and headaches.
- Enhanced contrast: This makes colors appear more vibrant and defined, improving your overall visual experience.
- Protection from harmful UV rays: Polarized sunglasses typically offer UV protection, safeguarding your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.
By understanding the science behind polarized sunglasses and applying a few simple tricks, you can enjoy the benefits of polarized lenses without sacrificing your ability to see your phone screen clearly.
A Few Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I wear polarized sunglasses at night?
A: While polarized sunglasses are great for daytime use, they can actually make it harder to see at night. This is because streetlights and car headlights emit polarized light, which can be further blocked by the polarized lenses, making it harder to see.
Q: Are all polarized sunglasses the same?
A: Not all polarized sunglasses are created equal. The quality of the lenses, the type of polarization used, and the overall construction can vary significantly. It’s important to choose a reputable brand and invest in high-quality polarized sunglasses for optimal performance.
Q: Can I use polarized sunglasses for every activity?
A: While polarized sunglasses are great for many activities, they may not be ideal for all situations. For example, if you’re working on a computer screen, polarized sunglasses can make it difficult to see the screen clearly.
Q: How do I know if my sunglasses are polarized?
A: There are a few ways to test if your sunglasses are polarized. One simple method is to look through the lenses at a reflective surface, such as a window or a body of water. If you see a dark, almost black, area in the reflection, then your sunglasses are polarized.
Q: How long do polarized sunglasses last?
A: The lifespan of polarized sunglasses depends on several factors, including the quality of the lenses, how often they are used, and how they are stored. With proper care, a good quality pair of polarized sunglasses can last for several years.
