If you wear eyeglasses, you should also consider adding a pair of sunglasses to your collection of eyewear. However, do you need polarized lenses on those sunglasses? Find out more about what makes polarized lenses special and how to get them from Lock Family Eye Care in West Des Moines, IA. Make us your first choice when you want to find an experienced eye doctor.
What Are Polarized Lenses?
Polarized lenses help to cut down on glare that happens when sun reflects off flat surfaces. For instance, when the light bounces off the water in a horizontal direction it becomes polarized. When your eyes perceive this light, they see a strong glare that makes seeing difficult.
Most people prefer polarized sunglasses for driving, following cataract surgery, or when outside near bodies of water. All these situations can create glare that makes wearing ordinary sunglasses uncomfortable.
How Polarized Lenses Cut Down on Glare
Polarized sunglasses help to reduce the number of horizontal light rays that pass through them thanks to a chemical coating on the surface. This coating filters out horizontal light and only allows vertical light rays to pass through. Because the glare-inducing horizontal light doesn't reach your eyes you don't see a glare.
Should Anyone Not Use Polarized Lenses?
As ideal as polarized lenses are for outdoor activities, there are a couple of instances when these sunglasses may not help you to see better.
First, the glare coming off icy patches of snow is important to note when downhill skiing. When you have on polarized glasses, you may not notice these areas.
Secondly, LCD screens such as on interactive electronic panels like those on ATM screens; instrument panels in planes, boats, and cars; and cell phones are difficult to see when wearing polarized glasses.
If you frequently ski or use LCD screens outside, talk to an optometrist to see if you should still choose polarized sunglasses.
Schedule an Eye and Vision Exam for a Prescription for Polarized Sunglasses
If you think that polarized sunglasses are a good option for you, talk to your optometrist first. After all, you will need an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam to get a prescription for your eyeglasses or sunglasses. Call us at Lock Family Eye Care in West Des Moines, IA, at (515) 267-1312 to reach our office to set up your visit. Let us become your only choice when you need to search for an experienced eye doctor.
