There are many advantages of polarised sunglasses for your vision. They improve colours, reduce glare, and facilitate daylight driving.
One significant benefit that results from combining these advantages is better eyesight.
Consider the last time you edited a beautiful picture on your computer or phone. It’s possible to see choices like “auto enhance” or a symbol of a magic wand that instantly improves the appearance of your photo.
Imagine being able to use the same “auto-enhance” option when you go outdoors.
By continuously decreasing glare and enhancing colour, polarised sunglasses may make your surroundings seem like the ideal Instagram shot.
Sometimes, however, these glasses may not be the greatest option. To find out whether they’re appropriate for you, let’s examine the benefits and downsides.
What is polarisation?
A source of light may move in all directions, including vertically, horizontally, and at various angles. Only the vertical waves may pass through this light thanks to polarised optics.
The nicest thing about polarised sunglasses is that they reduce or completely remove glare.
The majority of reflected light, including glare, is horizontal and hence has difficulty passing through a polarised lens’s vertical filter.
Benefits of polarised sunglasses
There are various ways that glare reduction may enhance your visual comfort, some of which may surprise you.
- Daytime driving safety
Sunlight shining off a curved windscreen produces a harsh, glaring glare. On bright or partially overcast days, polarised sunglasses like Oakley sunglasses may effectively filter a significant amount of this glare.
Driving is safer when there is less glare from the windscreen, which improves your visibility on the road. Rather than straining or attempting to hide your eyes from strong light, you can concentrate better on the road.
- Fishing and boating
Look at the picture. The original view will seem washed out on one side due to brilliant reflections on the sea. However, the polarised side has more vibrant colours and glass-like clarity, allowing you to see clearly.
In order to explore spots and observe what you’re pulling in before it surfaces, being able to see what’s beneath the water is a major benefit while fishing.
It changes the experience in the same way as sailing, canoeing, and kayaking. It resembles snorkelling without the need for water!
- Vibrant outdoor colors
There’s nothing like the sensation of gazing up at a perfectly blue sky. However, in humid or contaminated air, minute particles may mute that vivid blue, giving it a grey, white, or yellow appearance.
The sky may remain a deep blue colour by using polarising lenses to reduce reflections. It creates an amazing visual experience when seen with white sand or green plants.
- Photography
Similar to polarised sunglasses, a polarising filter is a popular attachment for cameras that helps decrease reflections and enhance the vibrancy of colours. Wearing polarised sunglasses while using one of these filters lets you preview the image of your shot in real-time without having to peek through the viewfinder.
Are there any disadvantages?
Although polarisation is generally beneficial, there are situations in which having too much of it may be detrimental.
- Night driving
Many people believe that driving at night would be safer if there was less glare. Although it is sometimes the case, it isn’t always the case.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, polarised lenses may be detrimental at night because they obstruct excessive amounts of light when vision is already poor.
They advise replacing worn-out wiper blades, keeping your eyeglass prescription current, and cleaning your car’s windows and headlights rather than depending on special glasses for driving at night.
- Skiing
It’s a difficult scenario. Although polarised glasses help lessen glare from dazzling snow and ice, there may be a disadvantage.
If the glare is too low, skiers may find it difficult to see hard snow or areas of ice. Less intense light is often preferable, but in this instance, it might be dangerous.
Snow goggles or regular non-polarized sunglasses are often advised for skiing.
- Some digital screens use
Certain digital panels, such as those on your smartphone, GPS, or calculator, may look dull when seen via polarised glasses.
Luckily, this normally occurs only when you look at the screen at an unusual angle. For example, your phone may seem clear while held straight, but if you tilt it at a 45-degree angle, it may become difficult to read.
Are polarized sunglasses better?
Polarised sunglasses like Oliver Peoples glasses are an excellent option most of the time. They lessen reflections, eliminate glare, and enhance the beauty of bright days.
Nevertheless, there are several circumstances in which they may not function as effectively. Many individuals own both conventional and polarised sunglasses for different activities since it frequently depends on how you intend to use them.
If you’ve never worn polarised glasses, you might think about giving them a try—ideally on a bright day—at your neighbourhood optical shop. Examine your surroundings and the window. Take note of the areas with the greatest variations in colour and clarity, such as the sky, automobile windscreens, and roadways.
Although polarised glasses aren’t for everyone, they may alter your perspective of the world if they meet your requirements.