Advantages of polarized sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses have become very fashionable in recent times. If before they used to be used only to practice some sports, today it is common to use them in much more everyday situations. For this reason we are going to explain the advantages and disadvantages of this type of accessories.
Polarized glasses contain a filter that prevents certain reflections and improves visual comfort.
Protect eyes from sunshine It is convenient to gain visual comfort and essential to avoid suffering eye damage caused by constant exposure to solar radiation. Undoubtedly, the best way to protect ourselves is by using good quality sunglasses that have the appropriate filters for the most harmful UV radiation and polarized filters to avoid a very annoying type of light.
In a previous article we carried out a series recommendations to protect the eyes from the sun . In short, the ultraviolet rays are the cause of eye damage, so it is essential to create an adequate barrier (in this case as glasses) between sunlight and vision.
At the level of visual comfort, the polarized sunglasses They have become fashionable in recent years. Using this type of accessory has some advantages, but it is also necessary to know the small drawbacks of polarized lenses before deciding to use them.
«The use of quality polarized sunglasses protects the eyesight and improves comfort.»
How do polarized lenses work?
The sunlight we receive vibrates in all directions, however, when it bounces off a horizontal surface the light becomes partially polarized so that this horizontal component of light is enhanced to become bright and annoying light: a reflection .
Polarized sunglasses have the characteristic of filter light received by the lens from a specific direction. The most common is that the lenses are vertically polarized and thus this light that falls horizontally is blocked. For example, when the sun reflects off a horizontal surface such as the sea, that characteristic glare that the king sun causes in our eyes is filtered.
The polarized filter of the lens is achieved by adding a thin sheet to the glass so that the polarized glasses They may be neutral or graduated for those who need them.
Advantages of polarized glasses
Polarized sunglasses are ideal for very specific situations in which the sun bounces off horizontal surfaces. Therefore, to practice certain sports or even to drive They are usually a pretty good option. In addition, by eliminating the reflection produced by the sun on surfaces such as water, they allow our sight to go much further if we look towards the bottom of the sea or a river.
For this reason, they are usually ideal for practicing activities such as fishing , although, it must be taken into account that polarized lenses are totally prohibited in competition for the clear advantage they confer on the wearer by allowing them to see the fish more clearly.
To ski or do all kinds of watersports On bright and sunny days, this type of protection, provided by polarized lenses, is the best alternative. In addition, it must be taken into account that it is possible to choose to apply graduation to sunglasses.
In the image on the right, the polarized lens filters the light that reflects on the water and allows a better and more detailed vision.
In technology applied to 3d cinema Polarized lenses are used so that the viewer can perceive this effect. Of course, these glasses do not offer any type of sun protection. The operation of polarized lenses to watch 3D movies is as follows: polarized sheets are installed that are placed in different directions, so that the light that reaches us from the screen is polarized vertically or horizontally, depending on the characteristics of the lens. the picture.
Another advantage of polarized sunglasses is that in low light situations or shade, the lenses do not darken as much and it is possible to achieve much more pleasant vision in these types of conditions.
Currently the polarized filters They can be obtained with different degrees of protection and, in addition, it is possible to darken the windows to a greater or lesser degree so that the person obtains the visual comfort they require.
7 CHARACTERISTICS OF POLARIZED SUNGLASSES
- Can be combined with UV and visible light filters in such a way that they confer complete protection.
- They provide a glare-free vision . At least those of horizontal light that are the most frequent.
- Elderly sharpness and better contrast .
- Perception of more natural colors .
- They reduce the eyestrain .
- Highly recommended for people with high sensitivity to light or photophobia .
- You can apply the polarizing filter on prescription lenses and even progressive .
Inconvenients to consider
There are not many drawbacks to polarized sunglasses. One of the most common disadvantages that almost all wearers of these lenses notice is that when looking LCD screens The images usually reach us in a distorted and dark way. This happens when, for example, we try to see an image or read a text on the mobile phone screen.
Another of the drawbacks of this type of tinted glass is that they do not offer protection from any glare, so if we tilt our head it is likely that they will reach us. light reflections horizontal that make vision less than optimal.
LIMITATIONS OF POLARIZED SUNGLASSES
- The polarized version of certain glasses it is not always possible . There are limitations on some types of lens and graduation.
- It should be taken into account that polarized glasses prevent horizontal reflections, so other types of vertical reflections , much less frequent, can continue to dazzle (the reflection in the window of a building).
- Most likely we will not see the LCD screens (computer, tablet or mobile) because this type of screen uses polarized light to form the images. We will see the screen turned off and the colors altered.
- Certain reflexes can provide useful information. In the case of skiers, they can be used to detect ice sheets in the snow that generate a characteristic reflection.
How to distinguish polarized lenses
Polarized glasses generally include a badge printed inside one of its temples [Polarized] and the lenses themselves also have a print [P] on the inside to distinguish them.
In case of not finding these signs, it can be verified manually by placing the glasses in front of a light source such as an LCD monitor and when turning the glasses and looking through one of the lenses we should verify that the image on the monitor is dimmed. at certain turning angles. For more info check this link
This is because the lens is polarizing the light from the monitor and lets it through, or not, depending on the angle of polarization.
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