Polarized Sunglasses: Benefits & Drawbacks You Need to Know

Polarized Sunglasses: Benefits & Drawbacks You Need to Know

You only get one set of eyes, which is why you should do everything within your power to protect them. One of the smartest choices you can make for eye protection is investing in a quality pair of sunglasses. Yes... a pair of sunglasses should be much more than a fashion accessory!

While you should find a pair that meshes well with your personal sense of style, when browsing between designs, keep in mind that there are other factors that should be considered.

For instance, you’ll likely have to make the choice between polarized sunglasses or a model that doesn’t have that distinction. Here are a few key things you need to know about polarized sunglasses and how to choose the right option for your lifestyle.

How Polarized Sunglasses Work

When light emits from a source, it scatters in all directions, including when it bounces off an object. If the various waves come together in multiple planes, the resulting light is called polarized. This effect can happen naturally, such as when sunlight reflects off of a lake’s surface, or artificially such as a 3D movie. A polarized lens is treated with a specialized film that only lets one plane through and blocks everything else.

What Polarized Sunglasses Can Do

If you’ve never worn a pair of polarized shades, you’ll immediately notice the difference when you put on your first pair. Glare from reflected light instantly disappears, which leaves you with a much clearer field of view. Since you’ll only be seeing luminous energy aligned in one direction, you could realize a number of different benefits:

• Fuller perception of color
• Clearer details
• A more comfortable image
• Minimal eye strain

Who Benefits Most From Polarized Lenses?

Since reduced glare is one of the biggest benefits of polarized sunglasses, people who deal with this problem should consider investing in a pair. The clearer view is exceptionally beneficial to drivers who might otherwise miss road obstructions hidden in the light bouncing off of the road. They can even help you see better through your own windshield and read reflective road signage more accurately.

Outdoor sports enthusiasts can also benefit extremely well from using polarized sunglasses. A clearer view can help golfers, boaters, fishermen, cyclists and other adventure seekers notice the minute details necessary to make quick decisions. Many photographers also use these types of sunglasses to get a better idea of a scene before composing a photo.

Drawbacks of Polarized Models

While polarized lenses do have a number of benefits, you should also know about the disadvantages so you can make an informed decision. For instance, these types of lenses don’t work well with LCD screens. This is a non-issue for most people, but worth mentioning for professionals who depend on displays for up-to-the-second information.

It should also be noted that while polarized lenses will reduce strain on your eyes and eliminate glare, polarization itself does not suppress ultraviolet radiation. For full protection, insist on a lens that offers both polarization and has a UV400 rating (the highest available) for blockage of both UVA and UVB rays.

Choose Your Perfect Pair

As you choose between polarized sunglasses and their non-polarized counterparts, it’s important to keep their differences in mind. For the vast majority of daily users, a set of quality polarized lenses offers the perfect combination of glare reduction and protection from ultraviolet radiation.

At Blackwood Premium, we have a full lineup of men’s and women’s sunglasses that feature 100% Polarized and UV400-rated lenses. So you can rely on us to find your perfect pair!