Why Polarized Sunglasses are HOT this Season

Have you ever spent a bright sunny day on the water or in the snow? Your eyes probably felt tired or strained after a short amount of time. Why is this?

Simply put, as sunlight hits certain surfaces, it reflects and creates an intense glare that is exceptionally hard on our eyes; and, unfortunately, standard sunglasses won’t do much to reduce the glare and help you stop squinting.

Enter: polarized sunglass lenses.

Read on to learn how polarized sunglass lenses reduce glare and how they’re ideal for anyone who is irritated by a wide array of outdoor glare.

How Polarized Sunglasses Cut the Glare

We have all dealt with glare countless times.

Sunlight scatters in multiple directions. When it hits a flat or uneven surface, it reflects horizontally and becomes polarized – creating a glare. Our eyes have a hard time seeing past the extremely bright light.

As we all know, in addition to being on the water or in the snow, glare can be intense and dangerous while driving, and severely reduce visibility.

Polarized sunglasses reduce glare-causing reflections and can even help light-sensitive people (like an individual who has had cataract surgery) see clearly and comfortably.

Polarized lenses provide excellent glare protection because of a special filter that blocks reflected light and, thus, reduces glare and eye discomfort.

Polarized lenses also help reduce water reflections, helping the eye see objects below the surface of a stream, lake, or ocean.

Polarized vs Non-Polarized Sunglasses

Polarized: Polarized lenses reduce glare and enhance clarity and contrast in bright conditions using a special filter that’s built into the lens and blocks intense, reflected, horizontal light.

Non-Polarized: Non-polarized lenses reduce light and darken the landscape.

Polarized Prescription Sunglasses Can Help You Experience Summer in an Entirely Different Way

You certainly don’t need a prescription to benefit from polarized lenses, but for those who have a prescription, polarized sunglasses can help your eyes get the exact support they need and provide a solution to frustrating glare.

Just about any prescription can be made into polarized prescription sunglasses, but the first step in any decision with eyewear should be to consult with one of our doctors here at iCare Vision.

• Polarized sunglasses & progressive lenses: For individuals who need progressive lenses and spend a lot of time outside, polarized sunglasses are exceedingly advantageous.

• Polarized sunglasses & photochromic lenses: For individuals who need photochromic lenses and are frequently in and out of the sun, polarized sunglasses can increase the vision system’s performance.

• Anti-reflective coating: For top comfort and performance with polarized sunglasses when the sun is behind you, having an anti-reflective coating applied to the backside of the lenses will eliminate unwanted reflections from the back surface of the sunglasses.

Let us help you get the sun protection you need this summer:

Kids Polarized Sunglasses

Can kids wear polarized sunglasses? Absolutely! Kids’ eyes need glare protection, too!

When buying sunglasses for your baby or child, be sure the sunglasses are 100% UVA and UVB protected first and foremost. Polarization and UVA/UVB protection are not one in the same.

But, just like polarization in adult sunglasses, polarized lenses in your child’s sunglasses are a great idea. The lenses will reduce glare, make objects appear sharper, and deliver visual comfort for your child.

Let us help your child get the sun protection they deserve this summer:

Polarized Sunglasses Aren’t for Every Activity

Though polarized sunglass lenses improve comfort and visibility, certain individuals may encounter some instances when these lenses aren’t advisable.

• Downhill skiing, because bright patches of reflected light signal icy conditions.
• Viewing LCD screens – like ATMs and gas pump station screens – because polarized lenses reduce the visibility of images produced on the screens. Boaters and pilots, who need to see LCD displays on instrument panels, may have a hard time seeing all the information displayed on a screen.

Despite these exceptions, polarized sunglasses are ideal for anyone who spends a lot of time outside or needs to see clearly at work when glare is prevailing.

Are You Excited to See Summer in a Whole New Way?

We’ll help match you and your vision to the right pair of polarized prescription sunglasses.

iCare Vision offers shades for the entire family and for a wide array of lifestyles, such as daily wear, reading, sports, driving, and more.

Give your eyes the protection they need this summer and year-round.