All About Polarized Eye Wear
Everyone wants to drive safer, see more comfortably and protect the long term health of their eyes. What many don't know is the advantages that polarized eyewear can give when trying to accomplish these goals, and more.
Polarized lenses aren't new. For many years now, polarized sunglasses have been a popular accessory for boaters and fisherman who are looking to reduce glare while out on the water. In more recent years, those who spend significant amounts of time outdoors, such as skiers, bikers, golfers and joggers have also discovered the advantages of these amazing lenses. Polarized lenses are also great for reducing glare while driving, for safer vision while behind the wheel.
How do polarized lenses work? Light that reflects off of flat surfaces such as car hoods and snow on the ground, reflect onto the eye horizontally, meaning that it is not scattered in the normal fashion. This makes the light reflected quite intense and can cause momentary blindness, which can be quite dangerous in certain circumstances. Polarized lenses contain a special filter that blocks this intense horizontal light, significantly reducing glare.
Polar lenses are also great when it comes to guarding your long term eye and vision health. Many tests and trials in previous years have shown that prolonged or repeated exposure to intense light, such as glare from snow or car windshields, can significantly increase a person's risk of developing serious sight-threatening eye conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts, as well as a painful “sunburn of the eye,” called photokeratitis.
Polarized lenses are great for many uses from boating and fishing to biking and jogging. They are also increasingly being offered in combination with other beneficial eyeglasses features. Polarized bifocals or progressives are an excellent choice for those with presbyopia that are also looking to have comfortable vision and guard the health of their eyes, and photochromic lenses are also great for those with light sensitivity, as the lenses get darker when you walk into the sun, protecting your eyes both from intense glare and bright sunlight.
Polarized sunglasses are the right choice for anyone who wants to enjoy the active life only afforded by the beautiful outdoors, whether you're a person who likes to spend your time waterskiing or boating, in-line skating or mountain biking, driving or jogging.
For more information, contact your eye doctor today.