How many times have you found yourself outdoors, perhaps on the beach or in the park, and feel annoyed by reflections and the dazzling effect of sunlight?
This situation is due to the fact that in conditions of intense light the human eye is unable to separate the two components of electromagnetic waves.
The solution to this phenomenon is represented by the use of polarized lenses which, being equipped with a filter called a polarizer, manage to attenuate the reflected light and reduce eye strain.
What is polarization?
In its natural state, light is not polarized, i.e. all the electromagnetic waves that make it up oscillate freely in three-dimensional space. But when light meets a reflective surface, such as a metal sheet, a lake, the sea, snow, sand or asphalt, it undergoes a process called “polarization” which causes the annoying phenomenon of glare.
By wearing polarized glasses, whose axis of polarization is orthogonal to the axis of the same reflections, the part of light that causes discomfort is eliminated.
In fact, if you wear non-polarized lenses, the light could cause some problems such as:
- a wrong perception of colors;
- the reduction of visibility;
- excessive eye fatigue.
Polarized lenses: history and types
The use of polarized lenses began around the 1940s when Edwin H. Land launched the patent for the polarizing film on the market.
This consisted of a thin plastic film in which numerous crystals of herapatite were embedded, a chemical compound whose crystals are dichroic and therefore can be used to polarize light.
Generally, polarized lenses are applied to sports sunglasses as they are ideal for use in very bright places, such as the sea or in the mountains. They can have different colors that vary according to the perception of who will use the glasses and the type of activity:
- Green polarized lenses: they are preferable in conditions of variable brightness as they increase perception in shaded areas.
- Brown polarized lenses: they are ideal in variable light conditions, as they allow you to see well, from morning until sunset.
- Gray polarized lenses: they are excellent in high light conditions, such as on clear days in full sun (for example when you go skiing on the snow).
Are you looking for sunglasses with polarized lenses? CliC Eyewear, the eyewear brand that has revolutionized the presbyopia market, has a dedicated line with polarized lenses: the CliC Ballistic.
This model features:
- the presence of the classic magnetic closure patented by CliC;
- the neckband that allows you to always keep them with you;
- with polarized and anti UV lenses.
Ballistic is eyewear with a magnetic connection that helps you to better protect your eyes in any circumstance, from sport to leisure.
How to recognize polarized lenses
Polarized lenses block blinding light while still letting through “useful” light. The lens then acts as a filter that lets important information through, while blocking the portion of harmful light instead.
To understand if the lenses are polarized just do a simple test:
- bring the glasses in front of the computer monitor with the maximum brightness set and open a blank page;
- tilt your head 60 degrees left and right towards the screen;
- if tilting your head to one side does nothing, try the opposite side;
- if the lenses are polarized, the display will appear black thanks to the anti-reflection property;
- if nothing happens your lenses are not polarized.
Advantages and disadvantages of polarized lenses:
The advantages
- The vision of the images will be sharper, free from annoying reflections;
- Total protection against UVA and UVB rays;
- Optimal perception of contrasts and colors;
- Absence of eye fatigue.
The disadvantages
- They have a high cost compared to other types of lenses;
- They alter the correct vision of the luminous displays;
- Difficulty in sensing possible road hazards while driving.