In the run-up to Sunglasses Day, which takes place every year on the 27th June, we’re highlighting the benefits of polarised sunglasses.
Whether you’re an avid outdoors enthusiast or simply seeking more comfortable vision on sunny days, understanding the advantages of polarised lenses can help you make the best eyewear choices. So, let’s get started!
What Are Polarised Lenses?
Polarised lenses are not just your typical sunglass option; they offer a significant upgrade over standard lenses. These lenses are designed to filter and block intense reflected light, reducing glare and making what you see clearer and sharper. You’ll see your world come alive with vibrant colour, immaculate clarity and crisp detail.
This technology targets light that bounces off horizontal surfaces like water, roads or snow, which can be particularly harsh and blinding. They wipe out harsh glare and enhance colour washed out by the sun.
Why Choose Polarised Lenses?
Enhanced Visual Comfort
Polarised lenses dramatically reduce the glare from reflective surfaces, which means they’re good for driving, water sports, skiing or just enjoying a sunny day out. This reduction in glare isn’t just about comfort; it also improves your visual clarity and reduces eye strain, making activities under the sun more enjoyable and safer. They’ll keep your vision clear and depth perception sharp, even in the most demanding light conditions.
UV Protection
While reducing glare, polarised lenses also come with UV protection, which is essential for protecting your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. Consistent exposure to UV rays can lead to eye problems like cataracts and macular degeneration over time. Therefore, pairing UV protection with polarisation ensures your eyes are well-protected.
Ideal for Specific Needs and Activities
For those who engage in activities on water or snow or spend a lot of time driving, polarised lenses can be a game-changer. They enhance visibility and safety by providing clearer vision, which is critical in high-glare environments.
Also, if you suffer from conditions like hay fever, which make your eyes more sensitive, these lenses can offer additional comfort by reducing the amount of light and glare your eyes are exposed to.
Choosing the Right Tint for Your Sunglasses
When selecting polarised sunglasses, it’s crucial to consider not only the style and fit but also the tint of the lenses.
The right tint can enhance your visual experience, protect your eyes, and even improve performance in various activities.
Here’s an in-depth look at the different categories of lens tints and what activities they are best suited for.
Understanding Lens Tint Categories
The category of a lens tint refers to how much light the lenses allow to pass through, which directly affects their suitability for different environments and activities:
Category 0: These lenses have a very light tint and allow 80-100% of light to pass through, making them ideal for indoor use and low-light conditions. They offer minimal glare reduction and are not recommended for bright sunny days.
Category 1: With 43-80% light transmission, these lightly tinted lenses are suitable for overcast days or partially cloudy conditions. They provide limited glare protection but are effective for enhancing contrast.
Category 2: Ideal for moderate sunlight, these lenses allow 18-43% of light to pass through. They offer good glare reduction without compromising visibility, making them perfect for daytime driving and light sports activities.
Category 3: These are dark lenses that transmit 8-18% of light, designed for bright, sunny conditions. They are excellent for beach, water sports and general outdoor activities where sunlight is intense.
Category 4: The darkest tint available, blocking 3-8% of light. These lenses are not suitable for driving but are perfect for extreme conditions like high-altitude mountaineering or glacier exploration, where sunlight can be exceptionally harsh.
Lens Tint Colors and Their Applications
The colour of the lens tint also plays a vital role by affecting how colours are perceived and the level of contrast and depth perception:
Gray: Provides the truest colour perception and reduces brightness without altering color. Ideal for general use and driving.
Brown/Amber: Enhances contrast and depth perception by blocking high amounts of blue light. Suitable for variable light conditions and popular for hiking and cycling.
Green: Offers the highest contrast and greatest visual sharpness of all tints. Green tints reduce glare and brighten shadows, making them excellent for prolonged wearing in varying light conditions.
Yellow/Gold: These colors excel in moderate to low-level light conditions. They are often used by skiers in bad weather and pilots because they enhance contrast and depth perception in low-light environments.
Blue: While fashionable, blue lenses can increase glare and are generally more for cosmetic purposes in sunglasses. They are often used in snow conditions where they can reduce glare from snow.
Red/Rose: Known for comfort during prolonged use, these lenses provide great low-light visibility and are popular among computer users to reduce eyestrain and gaming to enhance visual contrast.
Special Considerations for Driving
- Driving: Category 2 or 3 lenses are recommended for daytime driving, as they reduce glare effectively without overly darkening your vision, which can obscure road hazards. Avoid category 4 and yellow-tinted lenses for driving, especially at night, as they can obscure vision.
Are Polarised Lenses Right for You?
Choosing whether to go for polarised lenses depends on your daily activities and specific needs. While they offer superior glare reduction and protection, consider how quickly they adapt to different lighting conditions, especially if you frequently move between indoors and outdoors.
Before making a decision, talk to us for tailored advice based on your visual requirements and lifestyle needs. Remember, every pair of sunglasses sold in reputable outlets, including EK Eyewear, clearly displays the UV protection level and category of tint to help you make an informed choice.
In conclusion, polarised sunglasses are not just a stylish accessory; they are a critical tool for enhancing visual clarity and protecting your eyes in high-glare situations. So next time you’re out shopping for new sunglasses, consider polarised lenses as a smart investment in your eye health and comfort.
Visit us at EKeyewear.com or talk to one of our expert opticians to find the perfect pair tailored just for you!
