Polaroids or Sunglasses…What is What?
- drgunjandeshpande
- Apr 27, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 15
Summer is here and so are our sunglasses. But do you know, you can do more with your shades?? In the realm of eye care and vision enhancement, polaroid glasses have now emerged as a significant innovation. Originally developed by Edwin H. Land in 1937, polaroid lenses have since revolutionised eyewear technology.
Let us know how!
Why are Polaroid Glasses Needed?
Before we jump onto polarization, let us know about the basics of visual optics. When a beam of light strikes an irregular surface, its rays get scattered. These reflected rays are then caught by the human eye and as a result we are able to visualise that particular object.
When light strikes a smooth surface for instance sea water, flat metal or plastic, the rays are reflected in one particular angle. When this reflected light is captured by our eyes, it results in glare. Polarised lenses work exactly here.
Polaroid glasses, also known as polarised sunglasses, incorporate polarising filters to mitigate glare and improve visual clarity. They act by selectively filtering horizontal light waves, which are the primary source of glare, while allowing vertical light waves to pass through. This filtration process effectively results in clearer, more comfortable vision.
Sunglasses are effectively plano or numbered glasses with UV radiation block. The tints can be brown, blue, grey, black or anything in between. UV blocking and polarisation are not the same.
Mechanism of Polarisation:
The functionality of polaroid glasses stems from the alignment of microscopic crystals within the lens material. These crystals are oriented in a specific direction, typically vertically or horizontally. When unpolarized light enters the lens, the polarizing filter blocks horizontally polarized light waves, allowing only vertically polarized light to transmit through the lens.
As a result, glare from horizontally reflective surfaces is significantly reduced, enhancing visual contrast.
What are the Benefits of Polaroid Glasses?
1. Glare Reduction:
One of the primary benefits of polaroid glasses is their ability to reduce glare, particularly in bright outdoor environments. By minimising glare, these glasses enhance visual comfort and allow individuals to see more clearly without squinting or straining their eyes.
2. Improved Visual Clarity:
Polaroid lenses enhance visual clarity by eliminating the distortion caused by glare and improving the contrast. This is especially beneficial for activities such as driving, skiing, fishing, and boating, where clear vision is essential for safety and performance.
3. Enhanced Color Perception:
Unlike traditional sunglasses, which often distort colours, polaroid glasses maintain the true perception of colours. This feature is particularly advantageous for activities that require accurate color recognition, such as photography, outdoor sports, and driving.
4. Eye Protection:
In addition to glare reduction, polaroid glasses provide UV protection, saving the eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to various eye conditions, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and photokeratitis.
When Should I Use Polaroid Glasses?
1. Outdoor Recreation:
Polaroid glasses are indispensable for outdoor enthusiasts engaging in activities such as hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and cycling. By reducing glare and enhancing visual clarity, these glasses improve safety and performance in outdoor environments.
2. Driving:
Glare from sunlight, headlights, and reflective surfaces can impede driving visibility and increase the risk of accidents. Polaroid glasses minimise glare, allowing drivers to maintain clear vision and react quickly to changing road conditions.
3. Water Sports:
Polaroid glasses are particularly popular among boaters, fishermen, and water sports enthusiasts. The glare from water surfaces can be intense, making it challenging to see below the surface. Polaroid glasses eliminate this glare, enabling better visibility for navigation and underwater observation.
4. Photography:
Polaroid glasses are favoured by photographers for their ability to reduce glare and enhance colour contrast. Whether shooting landscapes, portraits, or wildlife, photographers rely on these glasses to capture clear, vibrant images in various lighting conditions.
5. Everyday Wear:
Many individuals wear polaroid glasses as their everyday eyewear due to their versatile benefits. Whether running errands, walking outdoors, or relaxing in the sun, polaroid glasses provide comfort, clarity, and UV protection for daily activities.
When Should I Not Use Polarised Sunglasses?
There are a few instances where polarised lenses are not recommended. When looking at LED lights, LCD (liquid crystal display) screens such as car dashboard controls, ATM cash machines and cell phones. In general, non-polarised lenses are better for any activity that requires substantial screen time. Non-polarised lenses are also better for low light and night-time conditions; they provide clarity and definition without darkening your vision. Also pilots should not wear polarised glasses.
How do I know if my glasses are polarised?
To know if your lenses are polarised:
Take your sunglasses to an optical store.
Grab a pair of polarized sunglasses from the shelf and place the lens of your sunglasses at a 90-degree angle to the lens of the drugstore sunglasses.
If the combined lenses turn dark or nearly black, your sunglasses are polarized.
In the ever-evolving landscape of eye care, polaroid glasses stand as a beacon of innovation, combining functionality, comfort, and style to meet the diverse needs of individuals seeking superior vision and eye protection.
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