Polarized sunglasses are much different from simple, dark sunglasses. They have an element of protection and clarity that other sunglasses simply do not offer.

1. What Are Polarized Sunglasses and
How Do They Work?

2. Polarized sunglasses look cool. That's a fact. Many people that
purchase them love the look because it is sporty and modern.
However, they are much more useful than just an attractive pair of
sunglasses. They can reduce eye strain, protect your eyes from UV
rays and keep you safe in hazardous conditions. They are no longer
sporty styled sunglasses like they used to be back when only
fishermen wore them. Now, they come in a wide variety of shapes,
sizes and colors for both men and women. There is such a huge
selection that it may be helpful to get a little background
information on them before you make your purchase.

3. You may think, as many do, that all sunglasses are created
equally. That is not the case. Polarized sunglasses are much
different from simple, dark sunglasses. They have an element
of protection and clarity that other sunglasses simply do not
offer. How is this so? First, you will need to understand a little
bit about light and what happens when humans see light.

4. Light has many interesting properties. It is a fascinating scientific
phenomenon. When reflected from another surface, light can
do all kinds of amazing things. However, the things that may
be interesting to scientists can be dangerous if you are trying to
drive or play a sport. Polarized sunglasses use one of light's
properties, known as polarization, to their advantage.

5. To put it simply, when you are looking at light that is NOT
reflected off of a surface, that light source produces waves in
all directions, up and down and left and right. However, when
light is bounced off of a reflective surface like glass, water,
snow or a mirror, those light waves polarize. This means that
the light waves orient horizontally along an axis. To your eye,
this appears as glare. A polarized sunglass lens orients
vertically and reduces the brightness of the horizontal waves.
This keeps your vision clear and allows optical information
through without interference.

6. Polarized sunglasses are designed with one purpose. They reduce
glare. When you are looking at, or are near, reflective surfaces
such as glass, snow or water you may experience a very
annoying and intense glare. This can be not just annoying but
also dangerous. Polarized sunglasses allow you to see more
clearly while boating, driving or participating in sports so that
you are safe and able to avoid hazards. They are also
preferable because they block out only glare. They do not
make your entire field of vision darker. That, in and of itself,
can be hazardous in many instances.

7. Why should you use Polarized Sunglasses
instead of traditional tinted sunglasses?
You may be wondering if there really is any need for polarized
sunglasses. Tinted sunglasses will reduce brightness and, for
some people, that may be all that you need. However, they will
not remove annoying and sometimes dangerous glare.
Polarized lenses are preferable for sports and outdoor activities
because they will keep you safe and help you avoid hazards in
a way that old fashioned tinted sunglasses will not. Tinted
sunglasses, no matter how dark, will not protect your eyes
from UV rays unless it is clearly stated on their packaging. As
a matter of fact, a very dark pair of sunglasses without UV
protection will harm your eyes and create strain.

8. When should you use Polarized
Sunglasses?
Polarized sunglasses have always been popular with boaters and
fishermen because they reduce the glare off of water. They can
also be extremely useful for biking, running, jogging and even
driving. They make for clearer vision which creates a safer
experience for many sports and activities. There are a few
activities that are not particularly suited to these glasses,
however. These include downhill skiing, for example, where
skiers WANT to see the glare off of ice patches so that they can
be safe. Polarized sunglasses can also be a hindrance when
driving if your car comes equipped with LED or LCD displays.
They are not recommended for motorcyclists or snowboarders
either. In general, polarized sunglasses are wonderful but they are
specifically designed to reduce the glare of certain kinds of light
and, in so doing, can create an issue when it is NECESSARY to
see those types of light.

9. Resources:
http://www.surereplacementlenses.com/
http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Are-Polarized-
Sunglasses-and-How-Do-They-Work?&id=8805245

10. Thank you for reading!