The Sunny Benefits of Polarized Lenses:Why They're the Best Choice for Summer

How Do Polarized Lenses Work?

NASA developed polarized lenses to protect astronauts’ eyes from unfiltered light in space. You could say that the technology behind polarized sunglasses is out of this world! So, how do polarized lenses work? The polarized filter screens light waves traveling into your eye along a horizontal axis, where most glare is created. By filtering out horizontal light waves, polarized lenses reduce the interference of unwanted glare. Generally, polarized sunglasses are more effective than traditional sunglasses at blocking glare because they nearly stop all horizontal light rays from entering the eye. At Visionworks, an eye care expert verifies every pair of polarized lenses to ensure consistent light filtration in your sunglasses.

Will Polarized Lenses Protect My Eyes?

Polarized sunglasses are a great way to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of damaging UV rays and glare during the summer months. In addition to blocking 100% of harmful UVA and UVB light rays, they reduce glare that could lead to eye strain and discomfort. While polarized lenses offer great benefits during the summer months, it’s good to wear sunglasses during the winter, too. We often underestimate the amount of glare coming off snow and ice. The bottom line: polarized lenses help protect your eyes year-round.

Road Trips

Summer road trips are fun, but squinting to see down the highway to find your exit is not an ideal way to spend your time in the driver’s seat. Polarized lenses provide superior clarity and filter out glare that bounces off the road and into your eyes, helping to keep you safe while driving because you can focus on the road.

Fishing

Spending the day fishing on the lake sounds relaxing until you realize that the water's calm surface is basically a giant mirror reflecting the sun’s harsh rays into your eyes. How are you supposed to see your next catch when the blinding sun is reflecting off the water? Polarized lenses reduce the glare so you can see where to cast your line.

Poolside Lounging

Whether you’re lounging poolside to keep an eye on the kids, read the next chapter of your book or take in the view, you can’t let the sun’s glare distract you. Polarized lenses remove glare from water, so you can keep your eyes open while cooling off.

Hiking

You need to be aware of your surroundings when going on a hike. Polarized lenses help increase color contrast, meaning you can take in the sights without straining your eyes. Get the clarity you need to make it to the campsite in time for s’mores.

Color

The color of your polarized lenses goes way beyond just being stylish. Different lens tints have different functions! Ensure you’re picking the right color for your summer activity:

• Gray - Gray is a glare-reducing, multipurpose tint that helps improve visual clarity on roads and water.
• Brown - Brown tints help improve depth perception and color contrast, making them an excellent selection for picking out small objects in the distance.
• Green- Green tints filter out blue light and help reduce glare in bright sunlight, making them a favorite among golfers.
• Blue - Blue-tinted sunglasses provide increased color perception and work well in foggy or misty weather.
• Yellow - Yellow tints block out blue light while increasing object visibility, making them great for outdoor sports.

Gradient

Polarized lenses are available in solid and gradient finishes. While gradients add an extra layer of style, they provide different functions than solid lenses. Solid lenses evenly reduce horizontal light entering your eye, while gradients allow more light to come in through the bottom of your lenses. Gradients work well for driving and reading outdoors because you can look down at the dashboard or page with enough light to see clearly.

Mirrors

Polarized mirror finishes on your sunglasses are a great way to make a fashion statement and create an A-list look that shields your eyes from view (and the sun). Additionally, mirrored lenses help to reduce light even more, perfect for those extra bright situations on the water or in places where the sun is more intense.

Upgrade Your Sunglasses to Polarized Lenses this Summer

At Visionworks, we want to help you have the best summer while keeping your eyes safe from UV rays and glare. From eye exams to prescription sunglasses, our eye care experts can help you meet all your summer vision needs. Visit a Visionworks store near you or shop our sunglass collection online. With our help, you can simply have more fun in the sun!