When light reflects off of flat surfaces, such as a lake, the light waves align in horizontal patterns, creating intense glare. The filters in polarized lenses block these horizontal light waves, substantially reducing blinding glare and its resulting eyestrain.
Polarized lenses utilize polarized filtering technology to diffuse the concentrated light waves. This filtering process eliminates 99% of the reflected glare.
There is some debate on the effects of polarized lenses on snow-covered surfaces. Some experts say they can reduce the intense glare that is caused by sunlight reflecting off snow. Others purport that the lenses are not satisfactory for sports such as downhill skiing because they may not provide the contrast the eye needs to distinguish ice patches or moguls.
In addition, polarized lenses may also react adversely with liquid crystal displays (LCDs) found on the dashboards of some cars or in other places such as the digital screens on automatic teller (bank) machines. The problem with LCDs is that when viewed through polarized lenses from a certain angle, they can be invisible.
However, for most other sports and activities, polarized sunglasses can offer great advantages. And today, many types of polarized lenses are available on the market.
The method used to polarize lenses affects both the optical-quality and cost of the sunglasses.
- Inexpensive casual styles have the polarizing filter applied as an external film coating.
- More durable and expensive sport styles sandwich the polarizing filter between layers of the lens.
- The newest high-end technology combines the polarizing filter with the lens material while the latter is in a liquid form. This allows the filter and lens to bond without the use of adhesives and sustains an exceptionally high optical quality.
Whether you spend your time boating or waterskiing, in-line skating or mountain biking, driving or jogging, polarized sunglasses are an excellent choice.
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