Eyeglasses

What Are Polarized Lenses? How Do They Work?

What Are Polarized Lenses?

Lenses that improve clarity and reduce eye strain on sunny days called Polarized lenses, but they are not meant to be worn by everyone. When a ray of light bounces of a flat surface like calm water, it reflects at one angle and right into the eye but it varies at angles when the object is uneven. The reflection on uneven surfaces causes glares. This unevenness of the sunlight can be annoying and dangerous to the eyes but due to the modified technology the light glare can be reduced and the glass can provide safety from the sunlight by using polarized glasses.

 

How Do Polarized Lenses Work?

Polarized glasses have lenses with a special chemical applied to them, which filters the light entering them. The chemicals have molecules lined up in such a way that they block some light from entering when they pass through the lens. The chemical filter creates vertical openings for the light. They will only let the light rays approach your eye which is vertical, not horizontal. They reduce the shiny light from coming in thus the images are a bit darker than usual but they are clear.

 

Who Is Perfect For Polarized Lenses?

Polarized glasses are fit for anyone who spends time outdoors. If you perform high glare activities around water/snow then polarized glasses reduce the glare and provide a clear picture and protect the eye from sunlight.

 

Advantages of Polarized Lenses

 

1) Provides Visual Comfort

Polarized lenses enhance your visual comfort. The lenses keep your eyes more comfortable when you are outside (when you are in direct sunlight). The polarized glasses reduce the amount of glare you experience thus the objects you see are more clear. It is possible for the user to see the authentic colour because polarized lenses do not process horizontal rays with vertical ones.

 

2) Better Vision Clarity

Polarized lenses give superior visual clarity. With the help of these lenses, you can look at objects which are at a ground level clearly. The lenses make the image brighter and increase the colour contrast because the horizontal lines are filtered out. The enhancement of the colour increases the vision clarity which would not have been possible if the polarized lenses were not used.

 

3) Protection From Harmful Rays

A polarized lens reduces the impact of the harmful UVA and UVB rays. UV rays also known as ultraviolet rays can damage your vision if you are exposed to them frequently. The UV rays which come from the sun cause injuries in your eyes which can eventually result in harmful effects on the entire body. Polarized lenses that provide UV rays protection can reduce the risk of eye injuries from the sun.

 

4) Suitable For Underwater Use

Polarized lenses can also be used underwater.  All sports enthusiasts use these lenses when playing sports in the water. Sports like boating, fishing, water-skiing, or similar activities require wearing these lenses. The filtering actions take place where the polarized lens makes the person look clearly underwater. The lenses make you avoid the light reflection that occurs thus allowing you to see what is swimming beneath you.

 

5) Less Eye Strain

The amount of eye strain experienced is reduced by using these lenses. When you step out in the open, the bright sunlight can make you squint. By covering your eyes you can reduce the number of glares that you might experience. A polarized lens neutralizes the amount of light entering your eye thus making your eye feel comfortable and rested. The bright light can often cause fatigue, headaches, and irritation.

 

6) Works In Shady Areas

One of the best things is that they also work in the shade. Normal sunglasses tempt you to take them off as you enter a shady area but this increases your exposure to UV rays thus can harm your health. Using polarized lens will support your health as they still provide colour contrasts at beneficial levels in shady areas and in addition protects your eyes from UV rays.

 

7) Works In Winters

The lenses work well in the winter months. During the winter months, you are surrounded by snow which can make more than 80% of the UVA and UVB rays reflect into your eyes. During winter months exposure to UV rays becomes double thus wearing polarized lenses can reduce the glare and risk of your eye being affected by the UV rays.

 

8) Provides Visual Comfort

Polarized lenses enhance your visual comfort. The lenses keep your eyes more comfortable when you are outside (when you are in direct sunlight). The polarized glasses reduce the amount of glare you experience thus the objects you see are more clear. It is possible for the user to see the authentic colour because polarized lenses do not process horizontal rays with vertical ones.

 

9) Better Vision Clarity

Polarized lenses give superior visual clarity. With the help of these lenses, you can look at objects which are at a ground level clearly. The lenses make the image brighter and increase the colour contrast because the horizontal lines are filtered out. The enhancement of the colour increases the vision clarity which would not have been possible if the polarized lenses were not used.

 

10) Protection From Harmful Rays

A polarized lens reduces the impact of the harmful UVA and UVB rays. UV rays also known as ultraviolet rays can damage your vision if you are exposed to them frequently. The UV rays which come from the sun cause injuries in your eyes which can eventually result in harmful effects on the entire body. Polarized lenses that provide UV rays protection can reduce the risk of eye injuries from the sun.

 

11) Suitable For Underwater Use

Polarized lenses can also be used underwater.  All sports enthusiasts use these lenses when playing sports in the water. Sports like boating, fishing, water-skiing, or similar activities require wearing these lenses. The filtering actions take place where the polarized lens makes the person look clearly underwater. The lenses make you avoid the light reflection that occurs thus allowing you to see what is swimming beneath you.

 

12) Less Eye Strain

The amount of eye strain experienced is reduced by using these lenses. When you step out in the open, the bright sunlight can make you squint. By covering your eyes you can reduce the number of glares that you might experience. A polarized lens neutralizes the amount of light entering your eye thus making your eye feel comfortable and rested. The bright light can often cause fatigue, headaches, and irritation.

 

13) Works In Shady Areas

One of the best things is that they also work in the shade. Normal sunglasses tempt you to take them off as you enter a shady area but this increases your exposure to UV rays thus can harm your health. Using polarized lens will support your health as they still provide colour contrasts at beneficial levels in shady areas and in addition protects your eyes from UV rays.

 

14) Works In Winters

The lenses work well in the winter months. During the winter months, you are surrounded by snow which can make more than 80% of the UVA and UVB rays reflect into your eyes. During winter months exposure to UV rays becomes double thus wearing polarized lenses can reduce the glare and risk of your eye being affected by the UV rays.

 

Alternatives To Polarized Lenses

Polarized lenses are uncomfortable for some people. If you are unable to wear them due to any personal reasons who can have the following alternatives:

  • You can get an anti-reflective coating for your sunglasses.
  • Mirrored sunglasses can reduce the amount of light that enters your eyes.
  • Photochromic lenses can be used which automatically darken when exposed to bright light.

 

When Should Polarized Lenses Not Be Worn?

You can have difficulty viewing some LCD screens while wearing polarized lenses. Polarized lenses should not be worn when you are in front of an LCD screen such as:

  • Car dashboard controls
  • ATM machines
  • Cell phones

 

 

Polarized lenses are the most effective way to protect your eyes from the glares of the sun and the harmful UVA and UVB rays. Before buying polarized lenses you should always get a comprehensive eye exam. At our eye care centre-Eyemantra Care-we have experienced and well-trained eye doctors, who will take your comprehensive eye exam and give you the right consultations. Contact us today to book an appointment on Ph: +91-9711115191, We also offer various services like Retina SurgerySpecs RemovalLasik Surgery, Squint, Cataract SurgeryGlaucoma Surgery, and much more.

Related Articles:
Convergence Exercises for Strengthening Your Eyes
Tips to Protect Your Eyes from Pollution