Polarized glasses are an excellent option for protecting your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays while enjoying all the benefits of clear vision. Polarization blocks horizontal light waves, allowing only vertical ones through and eliminating glare on water surfaces like rivers and lakes. This polarization improves visual clarity for sports such as fishing, boating, driving, biking, or skiing, in other words, where harsh sunlight can be especially problematic.
Polarized lenses also help you see more clearly when wearing ordinary sunglasses. In fact, at Focus Vision Optometry, we often recommend wearing polarized sunglasses during any daytime activity. They offer excellent protection against harmful rays while improving visibility simultaneously.
How Polarized Lenses Work
Polarized lenses block horizontal light waves, allowing only vertical light waves to enter the eye. This vertical light reduces glare from reflective surfaces like water or snow. In addition, the polarization process blocks reflected light from these surfaces, improving visual clarity and contrast for fishing, boating, and skiing.
Polarized lenses are made of a unique material with many thin layers that filter out reflected light in a specific direction. Each layer is arranged at a 90-degree angle to its neighbor, which absorbs the horizontal light waves and redirects them from the eyes. This redirection allows only vertical rays to enter the eye, and increases depth perception while reducing eye strain and fatigue.
In addition to blocking glare and enhancing vision, polarized lenses provide superior ultraviolet protection. They block 100% ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays that can cause sunburns, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration. Polarization also reduces haze in hazy conditions, so you can enjoy better visibility when driving or enjoying outdoor activities during overcast days or foggy conditions.
What Are Ultraviolet (UV) Rays?
UV radiation, also known as ultraviolet light, is a form of invisible radiation from the sun that affects the skin and eyes. UV rays are classified into three types, UVA, UVB, and UVC, based on their wavelength. UVA rays have the longest wavelength, while UVB and UVC have shorter wavelengths.
UVB can damage the outer layer of the skin, as well as cause eye problems such as cataracts, macular degeneration, pingueculae (yellow bumps at the edge of your eyelids), corneal ulcers, pterygia (in-growing eyelashes) and snow blindness (temporary vision loss due to excessive exposure).
It is essential to take preventive measures against excessive exposure to UV radiation by using sunglasses when outside that provide adequate protection from both UVA and UVB light waves.
Contact Us Today!
If you are interested in a custom pair of polarized glasses, call Focus Vision Optometry today! Contact our office today at (888) 505-4555 to schedule an appointment. If you have further questions about polarization, speak to our optometrist during your consultation.