What does Polarized Lenses Mean?

Polarized sunglasses have always been very popular among people who spend a lot of time outdoors and especially near water. The lenses of polarized sunglasses reduce glare reflected at some angles off shiny non-metallic surfaces, such as water, glass, snow or even asphalt. They allow wearers to see into water when only surface glare would otherwise be seen, and eliminate glare from a road surface when driving into the sun.

DID YOUR KNOW? NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory developed polarized lenses after studying eagle vision. Eagles’ eyes contain a natural oil that prevents light from scattering.

Let's get a bit technical... Visible light waves from the sun travel in all directions. When this scattered light meets a horizontal surface, like a road or water, a large portion of the light is reflected with horizontal polarization. This horizontally-polarized light is seen as white glare, and masks light that is useful to the human eye, reducing visibility. Horizontal light, however, simply creates glare. Glare, also called visual noise, reduces visibility and makes it uncomfortable, painful and dangerous to carry on driving, cycling, skiing or even just sunbathing. While non-polarized lenses just make things look darker, polarized sunglasses guarantees more eye comfort and less glare. By using a sheet of vertical polarizing material, the horizontally-polarized component can be significantly attenuated, reducing the overall light level reaching the eye. This improves contrast, and thus perception of the scene.

It is important to note that most polarized lenses also reduce the visibility of images produced by liquid crystal displays (LCDs) found on some digital screens, including some television screens, computer monitors and mobile phones.

Trovelle offers a wide range of polarized sunglasses. Check them out!