Polarised Sunglasses – are you in the dark?

We’ve all been there. Squinting into the glare as the sun reflects off the road or the bonnet of the car, trying our best to carrying on driving. Well, there’s something you can do about that, and they’re called polarised lenses.

They are capable of doing what no other lens treatment or ordinary sunglasses can do, they greatly reduce and even block that blinding glare. This is why we think everyone ought to at least try on a pair of polarised lenses to see just how effective they are.

Maui Jim Polarised Sunglasses

How do Polarised Lenses work?

Light is made up of vertical and horizontal waves and usually travels in all sorts of directions. However, when it is reflected off a flat surface (a road for example), it becomes polarised and travels in a mainly horizontal direction. It is this horizontal light that causes glare. Polarised lenses are coated with a unique chemical film that filters out and blocks this kind of intense, reflected light.

Who are they for?

If you’re interested in clearer, more comfortable, glare-free vision then polarised lenses are for you! They are of great benefit in particular to drivers or anyone keen on water sports, as reflected light from the surface of the sea is very intense. And, as they also block 100% of harmful UVA and UVB light, reduce eye strain and improve contrast and colour definition, they are beneficial to everyone. Just imagine a day at the beach without straining your eyes, a round of golf with more visual clarity, or driving home in the afternoon without the dangerous sun glare.

One word of caution though, they’re not recommended for winter sports. This is because reflected light from the snow is actually beneficial to skiers, helping them spot icy patches and to see the definition of the piste in detail, something polarised lenses would mask.

Are polarised lenses available with a prescription?

Yes, polarised lenses are available in all prescriptions, including varifocals and hi-index (thinner and lighter lenses).

What are you waiting for?

Seriously, once you try on a pair of polarised sunglasses or polarised lenses, you’ll see what all the fuss is about. It’s a revelation! Just drop into your nearest Eye Academy and talk to one of our friendly dispensing opticians.