polarized lenses
polarized sunglasses: what are they and how do they work?
You’ve probably heard it more and more often: people who swear by polarized sunglasses. But what makes these lenses so special? And why should you choose them? Polarized lenses have a special filter that blocks light reflections. Think of the bright glare of the sun on water, wet roads, or snow. That’s exactly the kind of harsh light that sometimes makes you squint.
By cutting out that reflection, polarized lenses provide a calmer and more natural viewing experience. Your eyes don’t have to work as hard, so you enjoy greater contrast, sharpness, and comfort compared to regular sunglass lenses. Whether you’re driving, sailing, playing sports, or simply relaxing on a sunny day, polarized lenses let you see the world clearly, comfortably, and free from glare.
In this article, you’ll learn exactly how polarized lenses work, what they do for your vision, and why they’re the go-to choice for many people in bright sunlight.
what are polarized sunglasses?
Sound familiar? You’re wearing your sunglasses in the car, yet you still struggle with the blinding glare of the sun. This often happens on sunny days after rain, sunlight reflects off the wet road surface and shoots straight into your eyes. It can be really uncomfortable and tiring for your eyes. When you wear polarized sunglasses, this problem disappears. The polarizing filter blocks reflected light beams, so you’re no longer bothered by unwanted glare. With polarized lenses, your eyes are well protected against UV rays, and both light intensity and glare are significantly reduced. Making your vision much more comfortable!
how do polarized sunglasses work?
The secret behind polarized lenses lies in an extra layer built into the glass: the polarizing filter. This filter is made up of microscopic molecules aligned horizontally. Normally, light reflects in all directions, which causes the familiar glare you see on surfaces like water, snow, or wet roads. The polarizing filter blocks these horizontal light waves while allowing vertical light waves to pass through. As a result, light reaches your eyes from only one direction, eliminating harsh reflections and giving you a calmer, clearer view with higher contrast.
standard sunglasses vs. polarized sunglasses
At first glance, a standard pair of sunglasses and polarized sunglasses may look exactly the same. But the difference becomes clear as soon as you put them on. A standard pair of sunglasses with a UV filter provides excellent protection against harmful sunlight. They reduce brightness and make it comfortable to see, even on sunny days.
Polarized sunglasses go one step further. In addition to full UV protection, these lenses feature an extra filter that blocks reflections from surfaces like water, wet roads, or snow. As a result, glare disappears and you enjoy a calmer, sharper view with improved contrast.
A standard pair of sunglasses protects your eyes, but polarized sunglasses relieve them. And you’ll notice the difference right away in terms of comfort, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors, driving, or on the water.
benefits of polarized sunglasses
when are polarized sunglasses the perfect choice?
A polarized pair of sunglasses is a real must-have in many situations. Especially when glare becomes distracting and clear vision matters most. Think driving, water sports, or a day in the snow. Polarized lenses provide calmness, contrast, and comfort, so you’ll always enjoy sharp, clear vision. Below, you can read about the situations where you’ll notice the difference right away.
by the water
Spending a day sailing, boating, or relaxing at the beach? During sunrise and sunset, the sun sits low and creates strong glare on the water’s surface. Even in the middle of the day, these reflections can be quite intense. With polarized lenses, those reflections disappear: letting you enjoy clear, comfortable vision without having to squint.
in the snow
A polarized pair of sunglasses isn’t a replacement for ski goggles, but it’s perfect for all the moments you spend off the slopes. Because snow reflects a lot of sunlight, visibility in the mountains can quickly become tiring. Polarized lenses filter out those harsh reflections, keeping your eyes relaxed so you can fully enjoy the view.
in the car
Glare can be dangerous while driving, especially on wet roads or when the sun is low. A polarized pair of sunglasses reduces that blinding reflection, helping your eyes stay relaxed and improving your ability to anticipate traffic. The result: a more comfortable and safer drive.
Good to know! At Wink & See you’ll find a wide range of sunglasses, including polarized sunglasses. This way, you give your eyes the protection they deserve while enjoying comfortable, clear vision, free from distracting glare.
Our polarized sunglasses are available with or without prescription, so everyone can experience the difference that polarized lenses make. And of course, we offer styles for both women and men, in a variety of designs and frame shapes. Whether you prefer timeless, sporty, or modern, with a polarized pair from Wink & See, you’ll not only look great, you’ll see better too.