The Science Behind Polarized Sunglasses
According to the World Health Organization, over 2.2 billion people around the world struggle with some form of impaired vision. Protecting your eyes can reduce the risk of sight-related problems, and polarized sunglasses are a great way to block UV rays.
Here, we'll discuss:
- What polarized sunglasses are
- How this eyewear technology works
- The benefits of polarized lenses
Read on to learn all about UV protection sunglasses that reduce glare.
What Are Polarized Sunglasses?
Polarized sunglasses are those with a special filter in the lenses. This filter blocks light waves from the sun's rays. They aim to:
- Reduce glare
- Prevent eyestrain
- Improve your vision while in the sun
Because of these goals, they're also called "anti-glare" sunglasses.
Light Waves and UV Protection Sunglasses
When light from the sun moves through space, its waves oscillate in all directions. This means the light doesn't just move vertically at any location perpendicular to its travel path. It also moves horizontally and at every diagonal imaginable.
Light becomes partially polarized when it hits a surface like:
- Water
- Roads and concrete
- Film
- Metal
- Glasses lenses
This can lead to glasses glare since:
- The light hits the lenses in multiple locations
- It oscillates on the horizontal plane when hitting the lens
- It reflects in multiple directions and makes it hard to see
To stop this glare, it needs to become fully polarized rather than just partially polarized.
How Do UV Protection Sunglasses Work?
Brewster's Angle is an angle where light becomes completely polarized. This gets rid of glare almost entirely. Reaching Brewster's Angle is the aim of polarized lenses.
The filter on a polarized lens works similarly to a fence. They have tiny, invisible vertical slats that are packed extremely close together. This stops horizontal light rays that cause glare from coming through.
This filter usually comes in the form of a chemical film. This film:
- Has all molecules aligned vertically
- Blocks all horizontally polarized light waves
- Lets vertical waves pass through
- Makes electrons oscillate horizontally
- Dissipate more horizontally polarized light energy through the lens
This makes it easier to see. It also stops glare from appearing in photos.
The Benefits of Polarized Lenses
Understanding how sunglasses protect eyes is just the tip of the iceberg. It's also important to know the benefits of polarized sunglasses. Some include:
- Less reflective glare
- Better contrast in your vision
- A clearer view of bright spaces
- Lower risk of eye strain
- Comfortable vision
- Easier outdoor activities
- Safer driving
There are also a wide range of styles to choose from. This lets you feel cool and confident when wearing your UV-protection sunglasses.
Whether you want sky-blue Grumpy Round sunglasses or Frida Mae square shades, there's something that will perfectly fit your personal taste and face shape.
Get Stylish UV Protection Sunglasses ASAP
Now that you know the ins and outs of polarized sunglasses, it's time to reap the benefits of polarized lens technology.
CHEEKS is a women-owned company that believes when you invest in feminist projects, communities are safer, stronger, and more just. We give $5 from every pair of sunglasses to Calling All Crows and its #HereForTheMusic campaign.
Shop our shades to find a style that protects you from the sun while letting you express yourself!