How To Check If Sunglasses Are Polarized- Ultimate Guide
Polarized sunglasses are getting more and more popular these days. Whether you just want to follow the trend or you really need extra protection to reduce eye fatigue and improve your vision, you, too, may be interested in getting them. So, in this article, we’re going to give you some hints on how to test a pair of sunglasses and make sure that you’re actually enjoying polarized lenses.
There’s more than one way to tell and you can be sure you want to have a clear answer. This type of protection will protect your eyes, will prevent the macular degeneration, and can even significantly reduce the frequency of your migraines.
4 different ways you can check if sunglasses are polarized:
- Look at the label
- Compare it with an extra pair
- Look at the water
- Look at a display
Without a doubt, checking the product label is the easiest way to see if the sunglasses do come with polarized lenses or not. In case you’re not shopping for them as we speak, but rather already own the sunglasses, you could try do an online research. If it’s a popular model from a reputable manufacturer, you might be able to look it up on Google and see what results you get.
The comparison with another pair will obviously only work if the pair you’re matching it with does have polarized lenses. You just need to overlap the glasses and then start moving one of the lenses to a 60 or even 90 degree. If, in the process, you notice that you are no longer able to see through the overlapping area, it means that your sunglasses also have polarized lenses. If you can still see through them, unfortunately, your lenses don’t have polarization.
Looking at water is a great simple test. Water is, after all, an annoying source of glare. If you look at it without the glasses, all you see is the glare. If you put on your glasses and you can see through the outer layer, deep down into the water, it means you do have polarized sunglasses.
Last but not least, you could do the testing by simply trying to look at a display with your sunglasses on. Whether it’s a regular or an LCD display, if you have polarized sunglasses, it might be more difficult for you to see what it displays. What’s more, if you take off your glasses and start tilting them in front of the display, if they’re polarized, you should notice certain areas turning darker or even becoming completely black.
So, you tested your sunglasses and they’re not polarized. What to do?
If you love your current sunglasses but you hate the fact that they don’t have polarized lenses, don’t fret. You can still keep their frames and have the lenses replaced with polarized ones. Any local eye doctor can offer you this service, in just a few short days. Speaking of doctors, if you already have permanent eyeglasses, you can ask the eye doctor to prescribe you polarized lenses.
Still having questions about polarized sunglasses? We might know what you’re thinking of:
Can polarized sunglasses actually improve vision?
In short, yes. Their main effect is to reduce glare. And this simple thing results in many positive outcomes. Not just the visibility will be improved, but also the clarity, the contrasts, and the perception of depth.
If I’m wearing eyeglasses already, can I still have polarized lenses?
Absolutely! The difference between a polarized and a non-polarized lens is a chemical film. The film can be applied either on top of the lens, or between two layers of glass that comprise the lens. Either way, in laboratory conditions, a lens can be made to include polarization, even if it’s for prescription sunglasses.
How can I tell if I need polarized lenses?
For once, if you like the benefits listed under the first question from above, you can tell that you need polarized lenses. Then, of course, certain categories of people will particularly enjoy their benefits because they really need it. For instance, sports enthusiasts or athletes who practice water or snow sports need polarized lenses.
The same goes for drivers, people who stay behind the wheel for extended periods of time. And even people from the big cities with lots of large, glass-filled buildings that reflect the light can feel the need for such special lenses.
Are polarized lenses the same with UV-protected lenses?
Actually, no. UV protection and polarization are two different things. There are sunglasses on the market with UV protection and no polarization. And just the same, if you get yourself polarized lenses, it doesn’t mean they also come with built-in UV protection. In any case, polarization and UV protection aren’t an option by default. Many manufacturers have beginning to combine lenses this way, as the demand increases. But you’ll still have to ask or check it yourself, to be sure you’re getting both of them!