Can you polarize regular sunglasses

This is a potentially dangerous situation that polarization can prevent. But if the surface is smooth, as with calm water or a flat piece of sheet metal, light reflects at one angle. When this light reflects right in your eyes, this is what we know as glare. Polarized sunglasses reduce glare and solve this problem. Polarized lenses have a special chemical applied to them to filter light. Think of it like a miniblind hanging in front of a window.

On polarized sunglasses , the filter creates vertical openings for light. Only light rays that approach your eyes vertically can fit through those openings.

The lenses block all the horizontal light waves bouncing off a smooth pond or a shiny car hood, for instance. As a result of this filtering, the image you see with polarized lenses is a bit darker than usual. But objects look crisper and clearer with polarized lenses, and details are easier to see. People who use polarized sunglasses often say they are less tired than usual after hours of battling sun glare.

Polarized sunglasses can be a good choice for most everyday situations. These are some specific situations when polarized sunglasses may be especially helpful:. Polarized lenses will have a label saying so. Polarized lenses can also protect your eyes from UV light, making them a fantastic option for seeing outdoors.

One of our Independent Doctors of Optometry can perform a comprehensive eye exam to find out what your prescription is and then place the order for your special lenses. Protect your eyes with our stylish assortment of sunglasses from top brands. With styles for every season, keeping your eyes safe year-round is a breeze.

Shop Sunglasses. I also agree to the Privacy Policy. Toggle Nav. My Account Sign In. My Cart. Free delivery. Find a Store. Book Eye Exam. Even polarized lenses marketed for night driving can limit visibility. If you find night driving problematic, talk to your ophthalmologist.

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Blue sun glints on water viewed through a polarizer. Appl Opt. Polarized glasses may help in symptomatic cases of intraocular lens glistenings. Clin Optom Auckl. A different view: sensory drive in the polarized-light realm. Curr Zool. American Academy of Ophthalmology. What Are Polarized Lenses For? Updated July 9, Jan 30, Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth.

At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. How to Choose the Best Sunglasses. How to Tell If Your Lenses Are Polarized If you're unsure whether your lenses are polarized: Take your sunglasses to the drugstore and grab a pair of polarized sunglasses from the shelf.

Place the lens of your sunglasses at a degree angle to the lens of the drugstore sunglasses. If the combined lenses turn dark or nearly black, your sunglasses are polarized. Frequently Asked Questions Are polarized sunglasses good for sports?