Polarized sunglasses: everything you need to know

Are sunglasses a matter of aesthetics? The fact that there are advances such as polarized glasses proves otherwise. Sunglasses are a necessity for eye health, and when it comes to polarized sunglasses the benefits are even greater.

If you like to enjoy the outdoors, choosing sunglasses is an important decision. Are you a boater, do you enjoy fishing, snow or water sports? If so, polarized glasses are the first item you should pack. Read on and find out why.

What are polarized sunglasses?

Polarized glasses have a chemical treatment that reduces or absorbs excessive glare produced by some surfaces. For example, when the sun's rays reflect off water, hot asphalt, snow, glass or metal.

The chemical treatment of polarized glasses, consisting of hydrocarbon molecules, only allows electric fields vibrating in a certain direction to pass through and the disturbing light disappears.

If we wear polarized glasses, what happens is that the light is filtered in a certain direction, attenuating the reflections. For this reason, polarized sunglasses will help your eyes feel more relaxed during and after exposure to the sun.

How do you know if your sunglasses are polarized?

The first recommendation is to use common sense. If you know that polarized sunglasses filter light reflections, try looking at a reflection with them. If you still see the reflection with the same intensity, they are certainly not polarized.

It is also recommended that you compare "polarized" sunglasses with normal sunglasses. See if there are differences in the vision of the glare on the surfaces, that will indicate that both glasses are the same, or not.

Generally good polarized sunglasses have a "P" or say "Polarized" on one of the temples. This indicates that the glasses are polarized and certified, so you can wear them with confidence.

Best polarized sunglasses brands

In the last two centuries we have seen an impressive advancement in optical science. Many eyewear brands have improved their quality standards. This makes us find good products in the market at low cost.

There are excellent brands of polarized glasses with affordable prices. We have prepared this list of four of the best brands of the moment:

• Oakley: An American brand that has managed to earn a place in the market by offering a very good technology in their designs and materials of sunglasses, especially for athletes.

• Ray-Ban: Who doesn't know this brand? It is already a classic of sunglasses, and if we talk about polarized also occupy a good place. It offers good quality and exceptional models.

• Maui Jim: This sunglasses brand was founded in Hawaii, although today its products are manufactured in Italy and Japan. It has been able to gain the trust of the public due to its great quality, and in recent years also to the updating of its designs.

• Serengeti: There is no doubt that this is one of the best brands of polarized sunglasses, its innovation in ecological and resistant materials proves it.

Advantages of polarized sunglasses

Knowing the advantages of polarized glasses will give you a better understanding of the practical function of wearing them. Here are some benefits of wearing glasses with polarized lenses:

• They reduce damage from ultraviolet light: if you expose yourself to the sun's rays continuously and without protection, it can damage your eyesight. Solar radiation is likely to cause optical injuries. Polarized sunglasses offer UVA and UVB protection, some up to 99%.

• Allows you to visualize colors and contrasts: even in strong sun glare you can perceive shapes, colors and contrasts with a high quality of perception.

• Appreciate water surfaces and snow: wearing polarized glasses will give you safety when doing water or winter sports. You will be able to see better despite the sun's reflection on water and snow. Pay attention when snow sports are extreme, because you may need to see certain reflections that indicate ice on the road to avoid accidents.

• You reduce the chance of early wrinkles around the eyes: if your face muscles are tense after a sunny day, chances are you've been trying to see in the sun. Polarized glasses make you see well without squinting or frowning. This will reduce tension in your forehead, frown lines and crow's feet, preventing premature wrinkling.

Disadvantages of polarized glasses

Polarized sunglasses limit the vision of LCD screens of cell phones and other devices. The reason is that these screens emit reflections that are filtered out by the glasses, which makes the image not visible.

The solution may be to move the angle of the cell phone so that the reflection changes and we can see a little better. If you cannot move the screens, just take off your glasses for a while.

In this sense, it is not recommended to use polarized glasses for work that involves constantly seeing this type of screen.

Polarized glasses also filter out glare produced by layers of ice on snow or asphalt. If you know that when driving or skiing you might encounter these ice sheets on the road, do not wear polarized glasses because they will prevent you from seeing the ice to prevent accidents.

Can sunglasses with polarized lenses be graduated?

Yes, nowadays you can. You will be able to do it with monofocal or progressive lenses. There may be certain conditions or limitations on the percentage of polarization and prescription that apply. Check with your ophthalmologist and your supplier.

It is known that depending on the prescription the protection will be different.

Do colors influence polarized lenses?

No. Polarized glass does not protect because it is darker. Polarization is equal and independent of the color of the glass.

Many opticians and optometrists say that depending on the color of the glass, perception changes. There are colors that are more suitable for some refractive errors. Let's see:

• For myopia, a brown or gray lens is better.

• For farsightedness, green or gray lenses are recommended.

• Gray lenses are better when there is a visual error.

• Pink or blue lenses tend to change color perception.

• Brown glass will give a truer picture of the colors.

• Orange or yellow lenses are recommended for low light (fog, dusk, or driving in low light).

Polarized sunglasses for this season

Choosing the sunglasses that best suit your personality is the most fun part of taking care of your eye health. Now that we've seen the advantages of wearing polarized sunglasses, we can look at some options.

This season, square and oversize sunglasses are being worn a lot. Also sporty models that adjust to the face during movement. Let's take a look at some of these models:

Bollé FALCO

These glasses have a square design, they are ideal for sports that do not require panoramic vision. For example, for fishing or sailing. Its lenses are polarized and colored between brown and yellow. It has a 60 mm caliber and a 16 mm bridge.

The Matte Black frame offers a model that fits both women and men. You can also use them for driving, they will give you a modern look and will protect you from glare. It is a fresh, light and modern model.

Serengeti CHANDLER

Unisex model of the Serengeti brand. The design of the glasses is square and sporty type that comes in handy for day to day. Combinable with casual wear, but also with something more formal. Serengeti offers one of the best sunglasses.

This design can be a good choice for when you do sports and go to the office. The lenses are polarized and colored. Without treatment. The caliber is 56 mm and the bridge is 20 mm.

This frame comes in the following color variations:

• Shiny Tortoise

• Matte Crystal Blue

• Matte Black

• Rubberised Khaki

CHANEL Square Sunglasses

These are dreamy women's sunglasses. Do you want to be under the sun all day long without losing glamour? This is your ideal model. They are elegant and striking at the same time. And what's more, they combine with many colors and types of outfits.

The frame design is made of acetate. It has calfskin on the sides, along with the relief of the Chanel brand. The latter gives it a textured volume that frames your face.

Its color variations are:

• Dark tortoiseshell with brown-toned polarized lenses.

• Black leather with gray polarized lenses.

VERSACE Medusa Medusa biggie Aviator

These glasses are for someone with a strong personality and good taste. It has on the sides the classic Medusa Biggie medallion (immortalized in the 90s by Notorious B.I.G., the famous Hip Hop singer).

The octagonal shaped gold metal frame gives it a vintage vibe. These are beautiful oversize sunglasses designed for women. Unique and eccentric, ideal to not go unnoticed.

If you like fashion and enjoy the sun, you should also take a look at the ones with gold-colored polarized lenses. These Versace glasses have a 58mm frame and 19mm bridge.

Oakley FLIGHT JACKET

These sport eyewear queens are perfect for running, cycling or any activity in the sun. Aerodynamic, especially for speed sports. They have an open brow and no frame, which widens the field of vision.

The design offers an Advancer nose bridge that opens the airflow to combat overheating and prevents fogging. They are helmet compatible, due to interchangeable temples of two different lengths.

These glasses are panoramic and are designed with a lightweight material. Ideal for viewing on the move, without weight or discomfort to the face. They have a red polarized glass, with a 37 mm caliber and a 137 mm bridge.

Undoubtedly a good model for cycling, motorcycling, jogging or running. They are tested to protect the area against impacts, what more can we ask for?

Recommendations before buying polarized glasses

Buying polarized glasses is an excellent investment in long-term visual health. However, before you buy yours, you should be clear about the following points:

• You should not confuse polarized glasses with photochromic glasses, the latter only darken in the sun, they do not eliminate reflections. The good news is that you can also request this option in your polarized glasses.

• Polarized glasses are ideal for people who suffer from photophobia or hypersensitivity to light.

• The most recommended sun filter levels for polarized sunglasses are 2 and 3. 4 is prohibited for driving, so it is not recommended.

• Before deciding on a model, first ask yourself: what are you going to use the glasses for? This way you will know if they are really the ideal model, if you need polarization or if you would prefer non-polarized glasses.

• If you are going to use polarized sunglasses for sports, the model is very important. It is not the same if you are going fishing or cycling. The new designs of sports sunglasses offer you impressive advances. Dare to try them!

• If you are going to use them for everyday wear, choose a comfortable and lightweight model with a timeless design. You will notice the feeling of rest, sharpness and contrast totally different from wearing simple sunglasses.

Conclusion

Nowadays there are many choices of polarized sunglasses, from those with affordable prices to the most luxurious models. All polarized sunglasses certified by health professionals will offer you better vision and protection.

Be sure to try the benefits of polarized sunglasses. Every day UV protection is more important due to the imminent climate change, so try to wear polarized sunglasses regardless of the season.

In our store we have plenty of models of polarized sunglasses available, take a look at them! You're sure to find one that you'll love.

Remember that specialists recommend going to the ophthalmologist once a year, do not hesitate to make an appointment with us at any of our branches.