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What Are Polarised Sunglasses?
Click here to view our full range of polarised sunglasses.
When most people need a pair of sunglasses, it's usually because they want to block out the glare. Many go to the first place they can find, such as a discount two-dollar shop or some mass merchandiser, not even thinking about whether the sunglasses will be polarised, what level of UV amounts they are blocking out, or how much protection from glare they will have. It isn't until later that they realised that you get what you pay for.
Polarisation is a film that covers the surface of the lens, filtering out all light except ones that are aligned with that film. It will let in light that allows you to see objects and colors, but not UV light or other rays that not only cause glare, but can actually damage the eyes in the long run. A good pair of sunglasses should have at least four layers to it. An anti-reflective coating on the inside, the lens, a polarising film and the scratch resistant coating. Some will have mirror finishes on them as well, and this optional coating can be just about anything from holograms to rainbow reflective mirrors.
To completely discuss about the suns rays, the light spectrum, how we see colour and the definition of what visible light is would be quite extensive. There are many scientific studies available online that show how bad glare and UV rays are for your eyes. In short, the intensity of light is measured in lumens. When you are inside, artificial light is around 4-600 lumens, but on a sunny day outside, a reflective surface can be more that 6000 lumens. Anything past 3500 and your pupils start to contract and if that doesn't work you start to squint. If your eyes continue to be exposed to this level of light, it can cause temporary or even permanent blindness.
There are many different places to get good polarised sunglasses, including our online store!
Take your time when picking out glasses, and do some research first. One thing about lenses these days is that you have a wide range to choose from. Along with the traditional gray that most people have grown up with, there are also copper tinted lenses that provide better depth perception, and yellow colour that effectively brightens night vision but without glare from oncoming headlights. Sometimes you will find that these special lenses may be a little expensive, but if they are quality products they will provide years of use.
You may also find clip on style polarised lenses for prescription glasses. Be wary of these because if they are not made right they could break easily. You will want ones that have some kind of covering over the clips, and that are light enough that they don't put too much pressure on the bridge of your nose.