Polarized glasses, typically sunglasses, are specialized eyewear designed to reduce glare from surfaces such as water, snow, and glass.

Originally created by the same man who invented the polaroid camera, Polarized lenses main benefits are tackling glare, which makes viewing difficult, uncomfortable and distorts the true colour of objects. Non-polarized sunglasses only reduce the amount of light entering the eye; they do not block glare. Polarized lenses are therefore very useful for certain sports and driving, helping participants to see more clearly and avoid potential hazards.

Polarized lenses enable a user to see deeper into bodies of water as the reflection from the surface is lessened, meaning you can see below the surface much easier, including fish, making them very popular with fishermen and anglers.

How do Polarized Lenses work?

Polarized lenses have a special film either sandwiched between two other layers of the lens or applied to the front of a lens, which eliminates glare off surfaces like wet pavements, roads, water, or snow.
Light waves from the sun travel in all directions, but when sunlight strikes a surface (and that includes water), it becomes concentrated – this polarized light as it is called, causes harsh glare.

[credited to verywellhealth]

There is a small percentage of the population who report problems when looking through polarized lenses. It is unknown why, but these people describe issues such as dizziness/disorientation or the creation of an artificial 3d effect. For these people, tinted glasses would be better.

Polarized lenses are especially useful for:

• Providing additional UV protection if you are light sensitive
• Reducing glare off lakes, snow or the ocean when outdoors
• Looking deeper into water for fish when fishing, or navigating underwater hazards when sailing
• Reducing glare off cars, puddles or wet roads when driving
• Reducing eye strain, which can cause headaches

Many popular brands such as Oakley, Wiley X, Bolle and more offer polarized lenses, often made to prescription. Check out our range or click on a frame you like.