Polarised sunglasses: when to choose them and why

Polarised sunglasses are increasingly popular among those looking for the best protection against the sun’s rays. Particularly effective in reducing glare and improving visual contrast, glasses with polarisation treatments are very versatile and suitable for many but not all situations.

Summer is approaching and people are talking more and more about polarised glasses. But are they always the best choice? In this article we’ll learn when to prefer polarised sunglasses and when to opt for classic sunglasses instead.

But first, let’s take a step back to explain what a polarising filter is and how it works.

Polarisation and polarised lenses

When a ray of sun hits a flat reflective surface such as a lawn or a body of water, it undergoes a polarisation process, i.e. its orientation is changed in a specific direction of propagation. Polarisation is the ability of electromagnetic light waves to change their direction in contact with other elements.

Polarised lenses are characterised by an optical filter that only allows linear light to pass through and stops all rays coming from other directions. This ensures a clearer, glare-free vision with increased contrasts and more intense colours.

Polarised glasses: who should use them

Sunglasses with polarised lenses are recommended for those who need more protection from the sun’s rays because:

• they spend a lot of time outdoors for work or sport, subjecting their eyes to the stresses of the sun’s rays

• they are very sensitive to light, such as children or people with light-coloured eyes

• they’ve had eye surgery and need to reduce glare and improve visual comfort

Benefits of polarised sunglasses

The benefits of choosing a pair of polarised sunglasses are mainly twofold:

1. Glare reduction: the main function of polarised sunglasses is the ability to reduce glare caused by reflected light. By eliminating about 99% of the glare, the result is sharper, less fatiguing vision for the eye.

2. Improved visual contrast: polarised sunglasses improve visual contrast, making it easier to distinguish details and colours.

Polarised sunglasses: when not to use them

The increased contrast and improved colour perception offered by polarised lenses can be ill advised and even dangerous in some situations. We particularly advise against the use of polarised glasses:

-when driving in poor visibility

-for sports such as flying and cycling, especially in cloudy conditions

-when using certain devices such as cameras, telescopes and liquid crystal screens, such as those on smartphones and tablets

We’ve seen how important it is to assess one’s needs before choosing polarised sunglasses, and to consider the advantages and disadvantages associated with this type of lens.

In our online store and at our dealers you can find sunglasses with polarised lenses for adults and children as well as glasses with classic sun filters.

Now go get those sunglasses!