Glare reduction through Polaroid

What is it that irritates the most when we venture out on a sunny day? It’s the sun’s glare that spoils our mood and we are justified in feeling that way.

Glare is the biggest problem that people face, especially those who spend most of their time outdoors. The problem of light sensitivity becomes more significant if someone is suffering from a condition called Glaucoma, in which people become sensitive to light and glare. To counter this problem of exposure, sunglasses act as an elixir to people’s eyes. And if the shades are with polarized glasses, it acts as a cherry on the cake.

Benefits of Polaroid

Polaroid is used by people who are exposed to the sunlight for most part of the day. Boat men, skiers, bikers, golfers, joggers, and others who want a clear view with elimination of glare need to posses polarized shades to protect their eyes from the glare. The Polarized glasses are also used by those who are driving long hours or have to walk a lot under the scorching sun. It’s beneficial for people suffering from disorders such as post cataract or glaucoma.

Many polarized lenses are available in combination with other features that can enhance outdoor visual experiences. Polarized bifocal sunglasses or progressive lenses are a few examples for the presbyopia. And polarized photochromic lenses, which change from dark outside to light inside, may be used by light-sensitive people who frequently move about in the sun.

How does it work?

The sun’s rays reflect in every direction, so when a ray hits a flat surface, the reflected light shines back at your eye and is magnified, causing glare which reduces depth perception, distorts view and colours, and can even temporarily blind the person.

Regular sunglasses only reduce the amount of light that is transmitted through the lens horizontally and vertically. Polarized lenses are the only way to eliminate the glare completely while still blocking the harmful UV rays that traditional sunglasses block. The chemical polarization filter on the lens of the sunglass contains molecules that are aligned horizontally and absorb horizontal light waves, while still allowing vertical rays to pass through. Polarized lenses absorb light waves traveling in any direction other than vertically. Because the transmitted light travels in one direction, the glare is eliminated.

Types of polarizing eyewear

Mainly Polaroid is classified on the basis of type of their lenses. They are of two types:-

• 0.75 mm Polarized lenses

These polarized lenses are made from thin sheets of film and are most ideal when impact resistance is not going to be a factor. The .75 mm lenses are appropriate for most casual sports, where resistance to breakage isn’t crucial.

• 1.1 mm polarized lenses

These polarized lenses are made with thicker sheets of film. They offer more impact resistance than .75 mm polarized lenses, but they have the same polarizing layer. Even though 1.1 mm film is thicker, these sunglasses do not offer better glare reduction or higher polarization. Typically, the added thickness makes them more expensive.

Drawbacks

However, there are some instances when using Polarized sunglasses may not be beneficial or even safe. Some experts say the polarization reduces the glare caused by the sun’s rays reflecting off the snow, others warn that using polarized lenses may reduce a skier’s ability to distinguish between regular snow and more dangerous conditions such as icy patches.

Last word on polarization

Polarizers are the best choice to move out with on sunny days. Whether you spend your time waterskiing or boating, in-line skating or mountain biking, driving or jogging, polarized sunglasses are the best choice.

So, what are you waiting for? Go buy your Polaroid and live a glare-free life.