What are Polarized Lenses?*
Polarized sunglass lenses reduce the intensity of light from all angles. The polarizing layer in polarized lenses acts like millions of microscopic mirrors. These mirrors are angled away from your eye's field of vision. When light waves hit the polarization layer at any angle that is not perpendicular to your lens it is reflected away rather than allowed through to your eye. This results in unwanted glare from roads, water and car windows being either dulled out or dramatically reduced allowing the sunglass user to see the field of vision they want.
The reduction of glare provided by polarized lenses allows users to wear their sunglasses for longer periods of time and reduces eyestrain. We also have customers that suffer from migraines who claim that polarized lenses help reduce the onset of headaches.
How do I know if I have Polarized Lenses?
If your lenses are removed from your sunglasses, turn one lens 90 degrees from the other and look through both lenses at the same time. You will notice that you can't see out of the lenses. Regular sunglass lenses will just appear darker and maintain the same level of tint as they are turned. If your lenses are still in your sunglasses you can look at a high glare reflection off a car window. If you turn your sunglasses in a clockwise motion while looking at the glare it will get brighter and duller as the sunglasses are turned if the lenses are polarized. If the glare remains the same, you have regular sunglass lenses.
If you turn one polarized lens at 90% to another the films block all visible light as they both work to block light waves from different angles.
If two polarized lenses are looked through while they are parallel to each other you can see through them like regular lenses. The view is just darker.
When Polarized Lenses Can Cause Problems?
Because polarized lenses block out glare and light at certain angles it can prevent users from seeing any reflections they normally see. Reflection off of icy patches on the road or ski slopes may not show up as strong as normal. Additionally, LCD displays from certain devices such as car stereos, microwaves, and mobile and computer monitors could get blocked out, or darkened at certain angles. We have also had feedback from some customers about the polarization interacting with polarized films in their tinted car windows but this is usually more of a rainbowing effect.
For more information see our Polarization Page: