What Are Polarized Sunglasses and Why Do You Need Them?

You may have heard a lot about polarized sunglasses while shopping for specs or talking with friends who wear them. After all, they’re one of the most popular styles of sunglasses today, but many people still don’t know what separates them from other kinds of eyewear. If you’re wondering, “What are polarized sunglasses?” or feel curious about their purpose, it’s time to read more in this helpful guide. 

Here, you’ll discover which features make polarized lenses unique and why wearing polarized sunglasses is a positive experience for many people. You’ll also learn when they’re most effective for use and how to best wear them for your enhanced visual comfort. When you’re done with this guide, you’ll be able to decide whether you need polarized sunglasses. You will also know more about the stylish glasses that can elevate your look and accentuate your face shape, so you can shop them right here on the Peepers site. 

What Are Polarized Sunglasses

The first step in learning the benefits of polarized glasses is to understand what they are. According to the eye doctors at the American Academy of Ophthalmology, polarized sunglasses are those that are made with lenses that are specialized to reduce the glare that comes from a wide range of surfaces including glass, water, snow, and more. While they’ll protect your eyes from sun damage, they’re also a response to standard sunglasses that can’t give you such clear and crisp vision. Polarization helps to reduce glare so that your eyes are not bombarded by a glare that can cause squinting and constant straining of the eyes in bright situations. These lenses can also help to relieve the effects of eyestrain when you’re spending time in bright light.

How Do Polarized Lenses Work?

Polarized lenses are made in a different way than other sunglasses. They include a special laminated filter on your lenses that acts like a pair of window blinds. The chemistry of the filter only lets you see the light that comes in vertically, so you aren’t affected by rays that reflect off horizontal surfaces like water or the gleaming hood of a vehicle. The filtering of light from horizontal surfaces will dramatically reduce the glare you notice while you’re outside. 

What Are the Benefits of Polarized Glasses?

Polarized sunglasses make your outdoor vision more comfortable, especially in bright light. They also help to enhance your vision while keeping you safer from the effects of glare. Many people say that they see objects more clearly when wearing polarized lenses. Enjoying nature can be more intuitive and relaxing. You won’t feel like you must strain when you’re enjoying a favorite activity or socializing with friends. You can even read books more easily than before. 

If you’re at the beach, you may experience light sensitivity. Polarized lenses will help you to avoid squinting so you can enjoy the view without being bombarded by a glare and constant straining of the eyes in bright situations. 

Who Is a Candidate for Polarized Lenses?

Anyone who needs sunglasses is a candidate for polarized lenses. If you’re outdoors, you’ll notice how much better you see when you have polarization. Polarized sunglasses are especially helpful for people who work most of the day outside or like to play sports in the sun. They’re an excellent choice for adventurers like boaters and fishermen because they help to reduce glare while spending time on the water. 

Some people also like to wear them while they’re hiking or golfing. These sunglasses also make vision more comfortable and activities safer for other water sports like kayaking or windsurfing. Try them while canoeing or paddleboarding. If you live in a cold place, polarized lenses will help to reduce the glare that bounces off snow in the winter. This is not only helpful for driving but for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. 

What Else Should I Know About Polarized Glasses?

Polarized lenses can help you in many situations, but there are some instances when they’re not as helpful. If you drive a truck for work or have a personal vehicle that uses LCD screens, the chemical filter in polarized glasses can make it difficult to view your controls and drive safely. In this instance, you may want to consider a different type of sunglasses and then switch back to polarization when you don’t have to use a liquid display. 

It may also be difficult to read your smartphone if you’re wearing your polarized lenses. You may not be able to see with polarized glasses while you’re at the ATM or reading your smartwatch. Try viewing your screen in the shade and then put your polarized glasses back on. 

What Should I Know When Shopping for Sunglasses?

Everyone wants quality sunglasses that block harmful UV rays from the sun. While you’re shopping for glasses, you may decide to buy eyewear that says it reduces your UVA/UVB exposure. While you’ll help to prevent sun damage, that doesn’t mean they’re polarized lenses. If you’d rather have polarization on top of your UV protection, check the labeling or product information on your glasses. This extra precaution will ensure they have your preferred features so you can enjoy your vision experience the way you desire.  

What are the Best Styles of Polarized Sunglasses?

Polarized sunglasses are innovative eyewear. They’re also effective in making your eyesight feel clearer and more comfortable. While they feature specialty lenses, you still have many choices in stylish silhouettes and frame shapes. If you’re looking for a new pair this season, some of the most popular polarized looks are:

Aviator Sunglasses

A pair of aviators are always classic. The great news is that you can achieve clearer vision and impeccable style at the same time when you shop for polarized aviator sunglasses. These days, you can get them with a variety of different features and accents to fit your style and personality. 

If you’re looking for inspiration, try lightweight, double bridge aviators. This style looks great on both men and women. You can wear them in classic black to match every outfit or experiment with seasonal combinations like gold and pink. Chunky, oversized aviators in traditional colors and patterns like black and tortoise give off a retro look that feels both chic and adventurous. If you’re looking for aviators with a modern twist, try them in a metallic construction in hues like blue and silver. 

Oversized Sunglasses

Oversized glasses of all kinds are on-trend this season. Whether you’re wearing blue light glasses for work, or you need a trusty pair of sunglasses to spend time outdoors, you’re sure to achieve an impressive look with dramatic frames and the oversized style’s signature thick textures. Oversized polarized sunglasses are a favorite because they tend to accentuate a man’s natural features and make a woman’s style even more glamorous. 

With this collection, you’ll find a variety of frame shapes and colors for every look and occasion. Color-blocked matte frames and square silhouettes are sure to add an even more impressive air to the oversized look. You’ll also find chunky, soft square shapes and sunglasses with trend-forward brow bars and nose bridges. Cat-eye glasses in an oversized style are polished yet playful. You can even get flattering round-shaped sunglasses in a bigger, more impressive size. 

Translucent Sunglasses

Clear and transparent sunglasses are one of the most attractive and trend-forward styles in polarization. When you shop here at Peepers, you will discover translucent, square shape frames for men and women that look impressive at brunch or on the beach. If you’re looking for round glasses, pick up a pair of polarized frames in colors like ginger or amber. 

More Popular Polarized Sunglasses

The above styles are sure to flatter your face and protect your eyes. If you’re still looking for something different, know that we have all the best frame shapes and patterns in polarized sunglasses here at Peepers. From unique round-shaped glasses without the standard nose bridge to cat-eye glasses in bold colors like true red, you’re sure to find a pair of polarized glasses for men or women to match your look. 

Wearing Your New and Stylish Polarized Sunglasses

Once you wear polarized lenses, you won’t want to go back to your typical sunglasses. Your vision will be so crisp and clear that you’ll wonder why you ever wore a different pair. There’s no right or wrong way to wear polarized sunglasses. As long as you have protection from glare and bright light and your vision feels comfortable, you have the right pair for your needs. 

Now, it’s time to shop! You can start by finding a frame shape or color that inspires you. There are so many styles of polarized glasses that you’ll be able to find the perfect pair for outdoor activities or relaxing leisure. You can even get the ideal glasses for vacation. Shopping with Peepers makes it easy. We have a variety of patterns and styles for men and women to make it simple to get the colors and silhouettes that you like best. 

With so many affordable and quality looks, you can pick up multiple pairs for all your daily activities and important events. If you’d like, you can start your shopping experience with our Perfect Pair Finder to help narrow down the glasses you want. If you have any more questions about the right lenses for your needs, you can also talk to your eye doctor. An eye exam can help to rule out the need for a prescription or vision correction. They can also help you answer questions related to your eyes and sun protection. 

At the same time, an optometrist or ophthalmologist can tell you about their favorite benefits of polarization. They probably wear polarized lenses while spending time outdoors, too. No matter who you are or what you like to do, polarized sunglasses are sure to transform your outdoor experience. Whether you’re an outside worker or love to be in nature, we are here to help you understand the benefits of your eyewear and to inspire you to find the ideal specs for your unique lifestyle.