Polarized Lenses: How Do You They Work?

Polarized Lenses Inner Workings

Polarized lenses are sunglass lenses that have a polarization layer fused onto them. Normal sunglass lenses reduce light intensity from all angles. Polarized lenses act like millions of microscopic mirrors. These mirrors are not in your field of vision. If light waves strike the polarization layer at an angle other than perpendicular to your lenses, it is reflected away and not allowed to reach your eyes. 

The unwanted glare of roads, water, and car windows is either reduced or dulled to allow sunglass users to see the vision they desire with polarized lenses. Polarized sunglass lenses reduce glare, which allows sunglasses users to wear them for longer periods of times and lessens eye strain. Customers who suffer from migraines also claim that polarized sunglasses help to reduce their symptoms.

 

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How polarized lenses can cause problems

Polarized lenses can block out light and glare at certain angles, which can make it difficult for users to see reflections that they don't normally see. The reflections from icy patches or slopes on roads and ski slopes might not be as strong as they used to. Also, certain LCD displays, such as those from car stereos and microwaves, mobiles and computer monitors, could be blocked by lower-quality polarization films. Some customers have provided feedback about how polarization interacts with polarized film in tinted car windows.

 

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How can I tell if I have polarized lenses?

Take your sunglasses off and turn the lenses 90 degrees towards the other. Then, look through both lenses simultaneously. The lenses will not allow you to see outside of them. Sunglasses with regular lenses will appear darker and retain the same tint level as when they are turned. While your lenses are still in the sunglasses, you can view any computer screen by spinning the sunglasses around as a clock. 

The screen may blacken at certain angles, but you can still see it from other angles. The glare from a car's window or from water can be seen as well. The glare from the sun should not be too much to bear without sunglasses. You can still see the glare with polarized lenses, but you should be able view it comfortably.