What are polarized sunglasses? In these slides, you will learn about polarized sunglasses, their pros and cons, their cost, and their comparison with non-polarized and gradient sunglasses.
2. Polarized sunglasses are a type of eyewear that has a special filter that helps reduce glare from surfaces such as water, snow, and glass.
This makes them useful for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, skiing, and driving. The polarized filter works by blocking certain
types of light waves, which helps to reduce glare and improve visibility. They can also provide more accurate color perception and reduced
eye strain.
What are Polarized Sunglasses?
3. Purpose of Polarized Sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses are mostly used for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, golfing and skiing and driving, where glare can be
especially problematic.
4. Cost of Polarized Sunglasses
The cost of polarized sunglasses can vary greatly depending on the brand, style, and features of the sunglasses. Prices can range from
around $10 to $300 or more for a pair of polarized sunglasses. Factors such as the quality of the lens, the type of frame, and the
features of the sunglasses can all affect the price.
5. High-End Polarized Sunglasses
High-end polarized sunglasses can cost $300 or more and are typically made by luxury or designer brands. They are often made with
high-quality materials, such as lightweight and durable frames and polarized lenses that provide superior glare reduction and UV
protection. Some high-end polarized sunglasses brands include Oakley, Ray-Ban, Maui Jim, and Prada.
6. Low-End Polarized Sunglasses
Low-end polarized sunglasses can cost $10 to $50 and are typically made by less well-known or non-luxury brands. They may not be made
with the same high-quality materials as higher-end polarized sunglasses and may not offer the same level of glare reduction and UV
protection. Some lower-end polarized sunglasses brands include Suncloud, Tifosi, and Goodr. They are often made with plastic frames,
which are less durable than metal or carbon-fiber frames.
7. Pros of Polarized Sunglasses
● Reduced glare: The polarized filter helps to reduce glare from surfaces such as water, snow, and glass, which can be especially
useful when participating in outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, skiing, and driving.
● Improved visibility: The reduction of glare can make it easier to see objects and obstacles in bright light conditions.
● More accurate color perception: Polarized lenses can help to reduce the amount of glare and reflections, which can make it easier
to see the true colors of objects.
● Reduced eye strain: Glare and bright light can cause eye strain and fatigue, and polarized sunglasses can help to reduce these
symptoms.
8. Cons of Polarized Sunglasses
● Reduced visibility in certain conditions: Polarized lenses can make it more difficult to see in certain conditions, such as when
driving on wet roads or when reading electronic screens.
● Increased cost: Polarized sunglasses can be more expensive than regular sunglasses.
● Reduced ability to see fish or ice: For activities like fishing, polarized sunglasses can make it harder to see fish or ice below the
surface of the water.
● Reduced ability to see snow on the slope: For activities like skiing, polarized sunglasses can make it harder to see the snow on the
slope.
9. Polarized Vs Non-Polarized Vs Gradient Sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses, on the other hand, use a special lens coating that absorbs certain wavelengths of light to specifically target
glare. This can make objects appear clearer and can help to reduce eye strain, especially in bright light conditions. Polarized sunglasses are
good for activities such as fishing, boating, skiing, and other activities that involve a lot of glare.
Non-polarized sunglasses use a tinted lens that blocks out some light, but does not specifically target glare. They can make objects
appear darker, but do not eliminate glare coming from reflective surfaces such as water, snow, and pavement. Non-polarized sunglasses
are good for general use, and can be worn while driving or doing other activities that do not involve a lot of glare.
Gradient sunglasses, on the other hand, have a lens that is darker at the top and gradually gets lighter towards the bottom. This type of
lens is designed to provide more protection from the sun when it is overhead, while still allowing for visibility in lower-light conditions.
Gradient sunglasses are good for activities such as driving, as they can help to reduce glare from the sun while still allowing you to see the
road clearly. They are also suitable for people who enjoy outdoor activities such as golfing, cycling, and hiking.
10. How to Check If Sunglasses are Polarized
● The simplest method is to look at a reflection of a window or other glossy surface, like a car hood, with the sunglasses on. If the
reflection appears to be less intense or is removed altogether, the sunglasses are likely polarized.
● Another way to check is to hold the sunglasses in front of an LCD screen, like a phone, tablet, or computer screen, and rotate the
sunglasses, if the screen goes dark or has fewer reflections, the sunglasses are polarized.
● You can also use a polarimeter, which is a device that can measure the level of polarization in a lens. This method is more accurate
but not commonly used by regular people.
11. Best Polarized Sunglasses Brands
There are many brands that offer polarized sunglasses, but some of the most popular and well-regarded brands include:
● Oakley: Oakley is known for producing high-quality polarized sunglasses that feature cutting-edge technologies such as
polarizedplus2, polarizedplus 3, polarizedplus 5. They offer a wide range of frame styles, from sporty to aviator, and are made with
durable and lightweight materials.
● Ray-Ban: Ray-Ban is a classic brand that has been producing polarized sunglasses for decades. They offer a wide range of styles,
including the popular aviator and wayfarer frames, and their polarized lenses are known for their excellent glare reduction and UV
protection.
● Maui Jim: Maui Jim is a premium brand that specializes in polarized sunglasses. They use proprietary technologies such as
PolarizedPlus2 and MauiBrilliant to enhance color, contrast, and clarity in bright light conditions.
12. Best Polarized Sunglasses Brands…Continued
Costa Del Mar: Costa Del Mar is another premium brand that specializes in polarized sunglasses. They use 580P,580G,580 Glass lens
technology to provide superior glare reduction, UV protection and color enhancement.
Revo: Revo is a premium brand that specializes in polarized sunglasses. They use polarized lens technology that provides superior glare
reduction and UV protection, and their frames are made with lightweight and durable materials.
13. Best Polarized Sunglasses Models
Oakley Holbrook: This model is a classic, versatile style that offers a timeless look. The polarized lenses provide excellent glare
reduction and UV protection, and the frames are made with durable and lightweight materials.
Ray-Ban Clubmaster: This model is a classic, timeless style that features polarized lenses for excellent glare reduction and UV
protection. The frames are made with a combination of metal and acetate for durability and comfort.
Maui Jim Mavericks: This model is a sporty, wraparound style that features polarizedplus2 lenses for enhanced color, contrast, and
clarity. The frames are made with a lightweight and durable material, and the adjustable nose pads ensure a comfortable fit.
14. Best Polarized Sunglasses Models…Continued
Costa Del Mar Fantail: This model is a classic, sporty style that features polarized 580P lenses for superior glare reduction, UV
protection and color enhancement. The frames are made with a combination of plastic and metal for durability and comfort.
Revo Blade: This model is a sporty, wraparound style that features polarized lenses for excellent glare reduction and UV protection. The
frames are made with a lightweight and durable material and the adjustable nose pads ensure a comfortable fit.