Polarized Sunglasses – All You Need To Know

For people who are often near water, polarized sunglasses are never far away. And that is not surprising considering polarized lenses help to block glare from light reflecting off the water surface better than any other type of sunglass. But polarized sunglasses aren’t just for those who get in water often, it is also helpful when walking under sunny conditions and for driving since it reduces glare causing reflection from surfaces such as the hoods of vehicles and light-colored pavements. In this article, we’ll explore what polarized sunglasses are and how to get one.

What Are Polarized Sunglasses?

Polarized sunglasses are made to reduce the glare produced on flat surfaces like water, snow, or glass. Glare changes the true colors of an object, reduces visual clarity and contrast, causing eye strain and ocular fatigue. Polarized lenses have special filters that absorb horizontal light reflecting from various objects in the surroundings. These sunglasses improve vision and offer superior protection for the eyes, which is essential, especially when driving or doing certain sports.

How To Tell If Sunglasses Are Polarized?

You can determine if your current sunglasses have been polarized in several ways. These tips will help you save money and your eyesight and prevent macular degeneration.

• Perform a computer polarized test
  This is very easy as you just need to wear your sunglasses and get on your PC. While looking at your computer screen, you can tell if your sunglasses are polarized. The glare-reducing technology of computer screens are the same with polarized lenses. When looking at a computer monitor, move your glasses sideways and if parts of the screen become blank or dark, you are using polarized glasses. You’ll get the same with LCD display screens as well.
• Look at Water
  One major benefit of wearing polarized lenses is to cut down on glare, like the kind you get when the sun is reflecting off the water. With a polarized sunglass, you won’t just see the surface of the water, but you’ll be able to look through into the water below, and maybe catch a fish swimming past.
• Compare two pairs
  If you have a friend who uses polarized sunglasses, all you need to do is compare them with theirs. First, hold up your glasses and their glasses at the same time, and look through both of them at once. Then rotate one pair about 60 degrees. If both glasses are polarized, the are that overlaps become darker as they filter out excess light. However, there won’t be any difference if your pair is not polarized.
• Check the Label
  A sticker can be found on the lenses of most new polarized sunglasses that states that the glasses are polarized. But some companies take this even further and mark their polarized sunglasses permanently. Some etch the word “polarized” at the bottom of the left lens.

How Do Polarized Sunglasses Work?

Polarized sunglasses have lenses that come in many colors, depending on the material the lens was made from. The best polarization comes from darker colors. Sunlight can be absorbed or reflected in many different directions. Sunlight that bounces off horizontal surfaces like water, land, or the hood of a car typically reflects back in the same horizontal direction.
This reflection produces a source of glare that not only creates visual glare but can potentially create a temporarily blinding glare. This can be very dangerous, especially when driving.
Polarized lenses have a laminated filter that lets only vertically oriented light pass through. The horizontally oriented light is blocked so that glare is almost eliminated. Gray and brown are the most common colors of polarized lenses. However, many manufacturers use other popular colors like green, yellow, or black.

Why Polarized Sunglasses?

1. They enhance visual comfort
   Polarized lenses make your eye feel more comfortable under direct sunlight. Objects can be seen with more clarity as the polarized lens reduces how much glare you experience. Colors are clearer with polarized sunglasses. They are also contrasted which makes it possible for an improved viewing experience of your surroundings. With polarized lenses, you will also be able to see brighter and more colorful marine life underwater, which is why they are well-used for water sports.
2. They reduce the harmful effects of UVB/UVA
   If you expose your eyes to ultraviolet lights often, with time, your vision can become impaired. UV radiation increases the possibility of developing cataracts, which can damage the retina and cause macula degeneration. Polarized lenses help to filter the UVA and UVB rays from the sun, providing better eye protection and significantly reducing the risks of sun exposure.
3. They provide superior visual clarity
   Your eyes tend to see over-exposed objects when polarized sunglasses are not worn. Polarized lenses contrast colors better even with intense brightness, and this is due to the fact that it filters horizontal light patterns are filtered away. The enhanced color perception yields better visual clarity.

How To Remove Scratches From Polarized Sunglasses

Scratches on polarized sunglasses limit the ability to see well with them. Thankfully, there are simple home remedies to remove scratches on your sunglasses, which make them less noticeable. To do this, you’ll need the following:

• Petroleum jelly
• Furniture polish
• Toothpaste (non-abrasive)
• Scratch remover polish
• Dish soap
• Microfiber cloth
• Cotton ball

Scratched Plastic Lens

Open your warm water tap and place your polarized sunglasses under it, then apply some dish detergent to each of the lenses and rub around slowly. Then rinse the soap away and thoroughly dry the lenses with a microfiber cloth. Next, apply a coat of scratch-removal polish. If you don’t have that, use petroleum jelly, white toothpaste, or furniture polish. These products are capable of filling in the scratches. Making them less noticeable. Rub the coating in a circular motion around the lenses using the microfiber cloth for about 5 to 10 seconds and check to see whether the scratches can still be seen. If so, repeat the process.

Scratched Glass Lens

Take a dry cotton ball and squeeze some white toothpaste into it. Rub the cotton ball in circles over the scratch on your lenses for about twenty seconds. Wipe off the toothpaste using a clean and dry microfiber cloth. Dampen the unused side of the cloth and wipe down the lenses of the glass till all the toothpaste has been cleared off. Repeat this process until the scratches are minimal or invisible.
Note: With whichever method you use, avoid using abrasive cleaners on lenses as it will make the scratches worse and create new ones.

What is the difference between men’s and women’s polarized lenses?

To be honest, there is no difference. With us, at Mr. Woodini you can find polarized sunglasses for men and polarized sunglasses for women and as you thought – our lenses are suitable for everyone! Yes yes, also for your dog 🙂

Consider Wooden Polarized Sunglasses

Polarized sunglasses are much more than just comfort and beauty. If you are looking to be more environmentally friendly by contributing towards reducing plastic waste, embracing brands that encourage sustainable and ethical practices like producing sustainable polarized sunglasses is your best bet. These sunglasses are unique in that they not only enhance visual clarity, reduce eye strain, look fashionable, and match well with any outfit formal or casual, but are also environmentally friendly and are becoming very popular all around the world, especially now that people are beginning to take problems of sustainability and eco waste much more seriously.