Polarised Sunglasses

Polarised sunglasses are designed to block polarised light waves that cause intense glare from surfaces such as roads and water. Specific sporting activities and situations require polarised sunglasses to allow for better visibility while reducing glare for enhanced clarity and contrast. It is important to choose the right type of polarised sunglasses for a specific sport or activity. Sports such as cycling, running and fishing benefit from polarised sports sunglasses as they significantly reduce glare from reflective surfaces to maintain clear vision, while sports like golf and tennis can improve the tracking of a ball while enhancing the ability to see the contours of a course. Additionally, polarised sunglasses are ideal for those who spend a lot of time outdoors as prolonged exposure to UV rays can be harmful to your eyes.

As long as the sunglasses offer 100% protection against UVA and UVB, both non-polarised and polarised sunglasses are a great option. Many non-polarised sunglasses have a category 3 lens which provides high protection against sun glare while reducing the overall intensity of bright light. However, these sunglasses do not have a filter built into the lens that stops glare as polarised lenses do. Non-polarised sunglasses are often favoured by those who play ball-tracking sports like golf and tennis as polarised lenses can hide detail that is required when tracking the ball.

Yes, gradient lenses can also be polarised. Sunglasses with a gradient polarised lens are great for things like driving as they will block glare reflected off the road while shielding your eyes from overhead sunlight with the lighter bottom half of the lens allowing you to see the road clearly.

Polarised lenses have an extra filter built into the lenses that block glare. Glare bounces off reflective surfaces like water, snow, metal and the road, which is not only distracting but can be damaging to the eyes. Polarised lenses will deflect and minimise the appearance of glare so your vision is obstruction-free.

If you're after a pair of sunglasses that offer high protection against UV while blocking out glare, polarised sunglasses may be considered the best option. Many polarised lenses will not only deflect glare but will also offer exceptional visual clarity, resulting in a more comfortable view. If you feel like you are constantly squinting even when wearing non-polarised sunglasses, polarised sunglasses may be the better option for you.

There are a few easy ways to tell if your sunglasses are polarised if they do not have the "P" printed somewhere on the lens or frame. Hold your sunglasses up to your computer screen and rotate to a 60° angle. If your lenses darken in colour, this means your sunglasses are polarised. If they stay the same, they are non-polarised. Alternatively, hold your sunglasses up to a reflective surface and turn your sunglasses on an angle. If the glare reduces, your sunglasses are polarised. If there is no change, your sunglasses are non-polarised.

Polarised sunglasses have a range of benefits which includes UV protection. The higher then lens category, the higher protection against UV; look for polarised sunglasses with a category 3 lens for the best protection.

While all sunglasses are designed to protect your eyes against UV light, not all sunglasses are polarised. The difference between polarised and non-polarised sunglasses is that polarised styles have an added filter that actively blocks and deflects glare from hitting your eyes, while non-polarised sunglasses only aid in deflecting UV light. If you find yourself still squinting while wearing sunglasses, it might be worth switching to a style with a polarised lens.

Polarised sunglasses are a good choice for drivers as they eliminate glare reflected off of oncoming cars, headlights and the road. This makes for a comfortable driving experience with reduced visual distraction, polarised lenses can also enhance detail in low-light and foggy conditions. However, polarised sunglasses are not recommended for nighttime driving as they can create a dimmer view in an already compromised light condition.

Yes, there are plenty of mirrored sunglasses with polarised lens technology. While not all mirrored sunglasses are polarised, mirrored lenses act as a secondary barrier that deflects harsh light that bounces off surfaces like water. For this reason, polarised mirror sunglasses are favoured for boating and fishing as they work best in bright-light conditions when out on the water.