Summer is almost but the sunny and hot days have been around for almost a month now. Depending on where you live you experience a different amount of sunny days per year, but it does not have to be scorching hot and too light outside for the people to use accessories and feel more comfortable. Eyewear is important because we get around 70% of all sensory receptors and therefore what we perceive is in the eyes, so we must protect them and care about them for as long as we live.
If you do not have issues with visions, you are among the luckier, but wearing sunglasses is still advised. As much as it helps us, the sun can also hurt us in many ways if we are not careful. Therefore, to make yourself safe from its UV lights and rays as well as to prevent too much squinting which can both damage the vision and cause wrinkles, wearing proper sunglasses is crucial. But which ones are proper and what are the differences between them?
You have probably heard of the term polarized and you know that it means that the sunglasses are considered so different than the usual sort. But what is it even and how are they different? In this article, we will talk more about it so that you have all the knowledge you need to buy yourself the right pair this year. Read more in case you wish to find out additional info about sunglasses or maybe order one for yourself or somebody special in your life.
What does “Polarized” Even Mean?
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Before we compare the two types of sunglasses, we have to eliminate the obvious question out of the way. What does it mean when the lenses are polarized and are it actually good? The special type of lenses has an additional layer of coating that makes them anti-blur and anti-haze, which means they are smoother and offer more protection to the wearer. Since the sun can obstruct our vision and make it unclear, people have come up with a polarized coating that makes it easier to deal with. This is especially important for drivers, hikers, athletes, and cyclists because a lot of light can be the decision-maker in dangerous situations and high-intensity moments.
The way they work is by filtering out the light on a horizontal orientation. While light does come from all directions and orientations, it is the direct sunlight that is the most problematic because it is too bright and we tend to look away. In many events, we cannot or must not look away so the coating that filters it really does make a difference. There is less or almost no glare and reflection to deal with, making the wearer more comfortable and optimal whatever they are doing while it is sunny. Mind that regular sunglasses still protect the eyes from UVA and UVB light, but with polarized lenses, you are also safe from the glare.
Differences Between Regular and Polarized
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There has been a word or two about where the polarized lenses truly shine, but we need to talk about it more. The biggest difference between then is outdoors of course, and although more and more people opt to wear sunglasses indoors as well, if you want to get a polarized pair you will mostly notice the benefits and differences when you step out. The coating we mentioned is very anti-reflective so any outdoor activity is enhanced.
Lovers of outdoor activities like hiking, camping, cycling, or running will truly appreciate them because they offer more than the regular models you can find. Haze, glare, and reflections can be problematic in the wild and your vision should definitely not be obstructed. Moreover, if you like extreme sports like skiing where there are even more brightness and reflections form the snow, you should definitely get a polarized pair. The same goes for anything dealing with water including sailing, fishing, sunbathing on the beach, or any type of time spent on a boat.
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As we mentioned somewhat earlier, the polarized coating on your pair can truly be a lifesaver during daytime driving sessions when it is sunny. The hotter the place you live in, the more reason you have for them. The sun can cause us to see things that are not there and the light bounces off weird angles sometimes which is enough to confuse the drivers. Windshields, road signs, snow, humidity, and moist can all make it difficult to see clearly, so something that deals with the haze and glare of it all is a great ally to have during rough driving conditions. However, during cloudy and overcast days, a pair or regular old sunglasses could actually do you better because you need more light and polarized models usually make it all a little bit darker due to the coating.
An often overlooked benefit is how much they can help those sensitive to light. This is highly subjective as not everyone is equally sensitive, but if you regularly struggle with exposure to bright days you should opt for a polarized coating and not standard sunglasses. With this, it is always best to see an ophthalmologist and get some professional advice before your purchase.
Last but not least, and something very important in the modern-day and age, polarized lenses can help with screen time. Consider how much time you spend on your computer, mobile phone, and TV. And we mean in total, not just one of these devices. An average adult spends hours during their awake time per day behind some type of screen, and their eyes suffer without them even knowing it. To tackle this issue, you could try a special type of eyewear, but it does not have to be polarized. Actually, more people’s experiences with them for screen use are not that great as they tend to make the screen too dark, especially if they are at unusual angles or curved. Non-polarized, standard glasses are better especially the newer variety specially developed and made for screens that eliminate blue light from the devices.
