Polarized lenses are a popular choice for those who spend a lot of time outdoors, as they offer several benefits compared to regular lenses. Here’s what you need to know about polarized lenses and why they are a great choice for outdoor activities.
What are Polarized Lenses?
Polarized lenses have a special filter that eliminates glare from surfaces such as water, snow, and glass. This glare reduction makes it easier to see and reduces eye strain, especially in bright sunlight. Polarized lenses are made by layering a polarizing film on top of a regular lens, and they are available in prescription and non-prescription form. This film is designed to block horizontal light waves, reducing the amount of glare that reaches your eyes.
Benefits of Polarized Lenses
Improved Vision: By eliminating glare, polarized lenses make it easier to see objects clearly, especially in bright sunlight. This can improve your ability to see fine details and make colors appear more vivid.
Reduced Eye Strain: Glare can cause eye strain and fatigue, especially in bright sunlight. Polarized lenses can reduce this discomfort, making them a great choice for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and driving.
Enhanced Safety: Polarized lenses can improve your visibility on the road, making it easier to see other vehicles and obstacles. This can increase your safety and reduce your risk of accidents.
Better Comfort: By reducing glare and eye strain, polarized lenses can improve your overall comfort, especially during extended periods of outdoor activity.
When to Use Polarized Lenses
Polarized lenses are especially useful for outdoor activities, such as fishing, boating, skiing, and driving. They are also great for people who spend a lot of time near water, as glare from water surfaces can be particularly intense. However, polarized lenses may not be suitable for certain activities, such as reading electronic screens, as they can cause the screen to appear dark or blurry.
Choosing the Right Polarized Lenses
When choosing polarized lenses, it’s important to consider the level of polarization you need, as well as the type of lens material and tint you prefer. Polarized lenses are available in different levels of polarization, with higher levels providing greater glare reduction. You should also consider the type of outdoor activity you’ll be participating in, as this may impact your lens selection.
Things to consider before buying
While polarized lenses are a popular choice for sunglasses, it’s important to note that they may not be suitable for all situations. For example, they can make it more difficult to see digital screens such as smartphones, GPS devices, and computer monitors. They can also interfere with the visibility of other important visual cues, such as road signs and traffic signals. If you’re considering purchasing polarized lenses, it’s a good idea to try them out in a variety of different lighting conditions to make sure they work for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, polarized lenses are a great choice for those who spend a lot of time outdoors, as they offer several benefits, including improved vision, reduced eye strain, enhanced safety, and better comfort. By choosing the right polarized lenses for your needs, you can enjoy the benefits of improved vision and comfort during your outdoor activities.
Lecturer (Nethradhama School of Optometry)
Moptom