Polarized Sunglasses

Probably our most important sense is vision and it is this ability that has the greatest chance of being damaged. Dust, debris, flying insects and chemicals are all dangers, but sunlight can pose the greatest risk of all to our vision. The sensitive mechanisms in our eyes can be burnt out by excessive ultraviolet light radiation. The best way to protect the priceless gift of vision is with a quality pair of polarized sunglasses for use outdoors.

Edwin Land developed the polarization process in 1936 while experimenting with camera lenses for his patented "Polaroid" film. The way polarized sunglasses work is that most reflected light off water, snow or flat surfaces is directed in a horizontal direction. There are special built in vertical polarizing lines within the sunglasses lens that cancel these horizontal rays out thus reduce the amount of glare that passes through. This is the basis of sunglass "science".

Fishermen enjoy some of the best advantages for polarized sunglasses as it cuts glare off the surface of the water thus making it easier to see your line and the fish upon it. Water-skiers and boaters also enjoy this benefit from polarized sunglasses that cuts the glare out of their eyes. Drivers and pilots also can benefit well from the reduced glare you get with polarized sunglasses. There is some debate as to whether this polarized sunglasses effect is useful in snow conditions.

The polarization process can be applied to prescription sunglasses as easily as to cheap polarized sunglasses. Because polarized sunglass lenses are the most common forms of lenses they can be easily personalized. In fact it is through a polarizing method that sunglasses can have designs painted on the lenses and yet you cannot see the design from behind them. It has been polarized out of your view.

Adding a quicksilver coating to polarized sunglasses will produce a mirror effect. You can purchase polarized photochrome lens sunglasses. These photochromatic sunglass lenses are the ones that have a molecularly built in system that darkens when light intensity increases and will fade all the way back to clear in a low light environment.

Almost all sunglasses designers make polarized lens sunglasses but some of the best come from Costa Del mar, Ray-Ban and Nikon. DSM also rated with the best for polarized sunglasses and because of the combination of high quality frame materials, exacting construction and carefully crafted lenses, the number one choice of polarized sunglasses is Oakley Optics.