Why polarized lenses

This can pose a major safety hazard. Adam Debrowski also contributed to this article. Frequently asked questions. Accessed October Sunglasses for pilots: Beyond the image. Federal Aviation Administration. Home Sunglasses Why Sunglasses?

Notes and References Frequently asked questions. Schedule an exam Find Eye Doctor. More Articles. Contact Contact Us. Call Member Services. Email Member Services. Non-Discrimination Statement. Notice of Privacy Practices. Patient Rights. Terms and Conditions. VSP Direct. If you use one of these filters, wearing polarized sunglasses lets you step back from the viewfinder and get a better idea of what your photo will look like in real time. Find an optical store near you for prescription and non-prescription shades.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests that polarized lenses at night could actually be detrimental since they can restrict too much light in a situation where there is already so little.

Instead of using special glasses for driving, they recommend cleaning your car windows and headlights, replacing worn wiper blades and making sure any eyewear prescriptions you have are up to date. This is a tricky one. Polarization can reduce sun glare from ultra-reflective snow and ice, but that can also be its downfall. Less bright light is usually a plus, but in this case it can be a hazard.

Polarized lenses can dim the brightness of certain digital screens, like the ones found on your smartphone, GPS and calculator. Luckily, this dimming effect usually only happens when you look at a screen from an unusual angle.

About Foundation Museum of the Eye. What Are Polarized Lenses For? By Kierstan Boyd , David Turbert. What Is Glare? How Polarized Lenses Work Polarized lenses have a special chemical applied to them to filter light. When to Use Polarized Glasses People who use polarized sunglasses often say they are less tired than usual after hours of battling sun glare.

These are some specific situations when polarized sunglasses may be especially helpful: Fishing. People who fish find that polarized sunglasses drastically cut the glare and help them see into the water. A long day on the water can cause eyestrain. You may also see below the surface of the water better, which is important if you are driving a boat as well. Another benefit?