Why is polarized better

A polarizing filter is a popular photography accessory placed over a camera lens. Much like glasses, it can cut through reflections and make natural colors more vibrant. If you use one of these filters, wearing polarized sunglasses lets you step back from the viewfinder and get a better idea of what your photo will look like in real time.

Find an optical store near you for prescription and non-prescription shades. The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests that polarized lenses at night could actually be detrimental since they can restrict too much light in a situation where there is already so little. Instead of using special glasses for driving, they recommend cleaning your car windows and headlights, replacing worn wiper blades and making sure any eyewear prescriptions you have are up to date.

This is a tricky one. Polarization can reduce sun glare from ultra-reflective snow and ice, but that can also be its downfall. Less bright light is usually a plus, but in this case it can be a hazard. Alternatively, hold the lenses in front of a backlit LED screen and rotate. This time, the screen will become darker for polarized lenses, whereas non-polarized lenses will reveal no change.

Although polarized lenses will tackle the discomfort caused by intense sources of light, they perform the same as non-polarized lenses when it comes to filtering out harmful UV light.

If your lifestyle regularly takes you outdoors, both polarized and non-polarized sunglasses will give you essential UV protection. If you need the extra ability to see colors or contours accurately, however, polarized lenses will help. Likewise, polarized lenses make it harder to distinguish shiny patches of ice for those out walking, skiing, or driving after a snowfall, even if they do reduce overall glare. Polarized lenses can significantly reduce eye strain, eliminate reflection, and improve performance in circumstances where the level of sunlight is overwhelming.

If conditions are simply cloudy or overcast, a standard pair of non-polarized sunglasses should be sufficient to give your eyes that all-important UV protection.

Goods See More "Close Cart". Extras See More "Close Cart". Knockaround Mobile Menu Button. Shop By Style. When to Use Polarized Glasses People who use polarized sunglasses often say they are less tired than usual after hours of battling sun glare. These are some specific situations when polarized sunglasses may be especially helpful: Fishing. People who fish find that polarized sunglasses drastically cut the glare and help them see into the water.

A long day on the water can cause eyestrain. You may also see below the surface of the water better, which is important if you are driving a boat as well. Another benefit? Though this would never happen to you, golf balls that find their way into water hazards are easier to spot when wearing polarized lenses.

Most snowy environments. Snow causes glare, so a pair of polarized sunglasses are usually a good choice. See below for when polarized sunglasses may not be the best choice in snow. When Not to Use Polarized Glasses There are a few instances where polarized lenses are not recommended. They are especially useful if you are an avid outdoorsman, an active athlete, or find yourself in high-glare situations. UV rays can be just as harmful to the eyes as they are to the skin.

But what about polarized lenses? Are they even safer? Not exactly.