Protect your Eyes

When light reflects off flat surfaces, it does so in a uniform, horizontal wavelength. Polarized lenses contain a special filter that blocks intense horizontally reflected light, reducing glare. They can be helpful for driving, too, because they reduce glare-causing reflections from flat surfaces, such as the hood of the car or the road's surface. Some light-sensitive people, including post-cataract surgery patients and those continually exposed to bright light through windows, may also choose to wear polarized sunglasses indoors.

Sounds great! Are there any limitations?

Though polarized sunglasses improve comfort and visibility, you will encounter some instances when these lenses may not be advisable. One example is downhill skiing, where you don't want to block light reflecting off icy patches because this alerts skiers to hazards they are approaching.

In addition, polarized lenses may reduce the visibility of images produced by liquid crystal displays (LCDs) or light-emitting diode displays (LEDs) found on the dashboards of aeroplanes, some cars or in other places such as the digital screens on automatic teller machines and self-service gas pumps.

However, for most other sports and activities, polarized sunglasses offer great advantages. And today, they are available in combination with other features that can enhance outdoor experiences.