Polarized Sunglasses

As promised, and well overdue, today's topic will be polarized lenses. There are many different colors available in a polarized lens, however, I'll be focusing on the sunglass colors and tints.  I'm sure we all have heard the term polarized but are not sure how they really work.  A polarized lens will virtually eliminate glare when compared to just a darker tinted lens.  Glare would accurately be defined as reflected light from the sun.  We see glare off water, snow, car windshields, windows, sand on the beach, or an asphalt road while driving.  To see what a polarized lens will do for you, visit the Vision-Ease Co./Coppertone Lens website for a demonstration.


A polarized lenses is not just a tinted lens.  It's 2 clear, thin lenses (the first lens is usually 0.5mm to 1.0mm thick, the second lens will have a minimum center thickness of about 1.0mm), wafered in the middle is a tinted, polarized filter.  This filter will block out horizontal light, similar to that of blinds for a window.  The colors typically used are dark grey  or dark brown.
Is one color  better than the other?  In my opinion, I feel color is a personal preference.  While both lens colors will reduce light, grey will keep everything its normal color, just darker.  Brown lenses will tend to give everything a slight red hue.   Both lenses will filter light in the visible color spectrum (290-320nm) and UVA and UVB light (320-400nm), the latter being most harmful to the eye and skin. Brown lenses will also filter out "Blue Light'' or High Energy Visible light. (440-490nm).  This may be a bit technical, but  UVA and UVB light exposure is considered a major contributor to cataracts, eyelid cancer and forms of skin cancer.  The High Energy  or Blue Light can damage the retina over time, leading to macular degeneration..


Fun Facts about polarized lenses...


-About 25 years ago or more, polarized lenses were marketed to fishermen as lenses that would let you see over 12 inches below the surface of the water.  It seemed like a miracle, but it simply got rid of the glare on the surface to allow that person to get a clear look into the water.
-While wearing polarized lenses, if you look at an LCD readout, such as a wrist watch or at a gas pump, you'll see only a black spot.  The numbers won't be visible unless you tip your head to the side approximately 35-40 degrees.
-Also, while wearing polarized lenses, you will be able to see "stress" patterns in tempered glass. (Store front windows, car windshields and some glass lenses)
-Well, I hope I've been able to help you choose your next pair of sunglasses.  Make sure you click the follow tab at the top, or even share this with your Facebook friends!