Summer is in full swing, and while it’s always great to enjoy the outdoors, we have to be careful about how much sun we soak up. Eye protection is crucial during the summer months, and one of the best ways to protect your eyes is by wearing polarized sunglasses.
But what are polarized sunglasses, exactly? How do polarized sunglasses work? And why are they important? Let's answer these questions as we take a look at the top five reasons to wear polarized sunglasses this summer:
1. Protection from Harmful UV Rays
The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) rays, which are invisible but can cause serious long-term damage to your eyes. UVA and UVB rays are the two main types of UV radiation, and they have been linked to cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye-related diseases. Just like sunscreen blocks UV rays from damaging your skin, sunglasses with polarized lenses block UV rays from damaging your eyes.
When shopping for the best polarized sunglasses this summer, 100% UV protection should be a non-negotiable need. Not all polarized lenses offer UV protection, so make sure you confirm with your optician what features you’re ordering.
2. Reduced Glare and Eye Strain
The main benefit of wearing polarized lenses is that they can help reduce glare. Glare occurs when an intense light source or reflected light rays disrupts our vision, making it difficult to see clearly. This excessive brightness can come from various sources, including:
- Direct sunlight
- A reflective surface
- Bright artificial light
Though this might seem minor, glare can cause a range of issues, from mild discomfort to severe visual impairment. When our eyes are exposed to excessive brightness, they have to work harder to process visual information. This can cause eye strain, headaches, blurred vision, and difficulty concentrating.
3. Enhanced Visual Clarity and Contrast
Since polarized sunglasses reduce glare, they can also help improve visual clarity. By filtering out harsh, reflective light, these lenses allow the true colors and details of your view to shine through. This means that colors appear more vibrant and objects look more defined and clear.
Think of polarized lenses as a high-definition upgrade for your vision. With improved contrast sensitivity, you'll be able to distinguish between different shades and hues with greater ease when wearing polarized lenses, making your visual experience more rich and immersive. Maui Jim sunglasses (sold at both our Lancaster and Hershey locations) are a perfect example of this enhancement.
4. Increased Comfort and Safety
Polarized lenses' unique ability to block UV rays and glare makes them an ideal choice for outdoor activities. Sports like fishing, where you need to see beneath the water surface, or golf, where accurate depth perception can make a big difference in your game, are just some examples.
In other words, polarized sunglasses are more than just a trendy accessory. They provide crucial benefits like comfort in bright conditions, enhanced safety during outdoor activities, and vital protection against harmful UV rays.
5. Stylish and Functional Options
Beyond their functional benefits, polarized lenses can be ordered in just about any frame at your eye doctor’s office. This means you have a wide variety of styles and designs to choose from.
Polarized lenses can also come in a wide variety of tints. While we might look at the tints for style purposes, they are also functional. Different tints can impact the colors you see the world in—heightening some and providing increased contrast depending on your intended purposes. For example, if you are a golfer, you might want a tint that increases your ability to see greens. A tint can increase green contrast and (maybe) help improve your game.
Polarized sunglasses offer a fantastic combination of functionality and style. With a wide range of designs and the option to include prescription lenses, they cater to virtually every need and taste. If you're looking for a pair of stylish sunglasses that also protect your eyes, visit Conestoga Eyetoday!
If you think your child may be suffering from a blocked tear duct, you can trust the experts at Conestoga Eye to provide the best care and treatment options. Schedule an appointment online today and help them find the relief they need!
