Polarised sunglasses: Comfortable vision without distracting glare

Whether you’re a snow sports enthusiast, water sports junkie, or you simply enjoy spending a lot of time outdoors – polarised sunglasses can significantly reduce reflections and glare, to help you see better.

Polarised lenses drastically reduce glare from water to improve overall vision.

Unpolarised light travels in various directions, and is then vertically blocked by a polarised lens to nearly eliminate the distracting effects of glare and reflections.

Although it can drastically improve your vision, there are times when they can actually impair your vision, and it’s not ideal to wear them in these instances.

Polarised sports sunglasses have some pros and cons for snow sports enthusiasts, but they’re not suited to downhill skiing. While it will reduce the glare from the sun on the snow, it may darken details in the shade. When skiers are unable to distinguish between patches of ice and obstacles, it can be potentially dangerous.

Displays on LCD screens are also often difficult to see, as the polarisation filters may reduce the visibility. Although most modern cars have improved their displays and these can be clearly seen through polarised sunglasses, those who drive older models may struggle to see important messages or warning lights. Similarly, pilots and boaters can also struggle to see LCD displays.

Always consult your eyecare professional before purchasing a polarised lens product.

With modern technology, it’s possible to apply polarisation filters to almost any type of lens. This includes prescription sunglasses for conditions such as myopia, presbyopia, or astigmatism.

Polarisation also works very effectively within dynamic sun lenses such as ZEISS AdaptiveSun. These kind of special sunlenses work with photochromic technology and can adapt their intensity to changing light conditions. These lenses become very dark in intense sun light, and turn back to moderate darkness in shade or when the sun fades.

Make the most of your sunglasses by ensuring that the tint you choose is suitable. If you’re a runner, golfer, do water or snow sports, mention this to your eyecare practitioner before choosing your polarised sports sunglasses.

Customised polarised sunglasses are often more expensive than normal sunglasses – but for good reason. The glasses will be tailored to your visual prescription and needs, and you’re assured of the protection and level of comfort.

Find a surface or object that produces glare. It’s easiest to work with a hand mirror. Keep the glasses in your hand, horizontally, and look through them. If you rotate the glasses to about 90 degrees, the glare from the mirror will start to disappear. If your lenses aren’t polarised, it will look the same or even appear brighter.

Another easy way to test for polarisation is to use other polarised items such as LCD screens, PC monitors, or an extra pair of polarised sunglasses. Hold the glasses in front of the screen or glasses, turn them to about 90 degrees, and notice whether they turn completely dark or black. If they do, your lenses are polarised.

If you’re still unsure, ask your nearest optician to check out your glasses.

No. Polarised glasses do not lose their functionality over time, unless the lenses crack, chip or break. If you feel that your eyes are more light sensitive and you think your lenses are to blame, there may be other factors to consider. Your prescription sunglasses may be too weak or not suitable anymore, or you could have another underlying condition that causes light sensitivity. If you experience this, book a consultation with your eyecare practitioner and take your glasses along.

Definitely not. In fact, because it reduces glare, it automatically reduces the eye strain you may experience outdoors in any season. You’ll find that you squint less, and see better colour contrast when wearing your polarised glasses.

Yes. It can actually improve your vision when driving by reducing the annoying glare reflected off objects on the dashboard through the windscreen, wet roads, snow, white sidewalks and metal. Just be aware of the fact that you may struggle to see the LCD displays in certain cars.

No other lenses on the market can reduce glare better than polarised ones. However, at the end of the day the purpose you want to use your sunglasses for will determine your choice.
Before making your final decision, consider the disadvantages listed above, and get advice from an eyecare professional.

Although most polarised lenses also provide UV protection, keep in mind that there’s a difference between full UV protection and polarisation. Make sure that your eyes are fully protected from harmful UV rays by purchasing lenses that block up to 400 nm.