That unpleasant moment when you’re driving and the windshield or the bodywork of other cars creates glare, even with your sunglasses on. Doesn’t make sense, you might say? Well, it’s completely normal if you’re not wearing polarized sunglasses! We often hear about this type of lens, but what is it actually used for and, most importantly, what are its benefits?

What are polarized lenses?

Alright! Let’s go back to a little scientific explanation (yes, we like to sound like great intellectuals).

Simply put, polarized lenses help reduce glare effects that we encounter in everyday life. Okay, but how?

Generally speaking, there are two main types of reflections: horizontal and vertical. Most of the reflections that bother the eye are horizontal. The polarizing filter creates invisible vertical barriers, like a curtain made of threads if you prefer (you know, the kind that quickly becomes a mess when you have a cat). These barriers block horizontal rays while allowing light to pass through correctly.

But what about vertical rays, can they still get through? Yes, indeed, but vertical reflections are less disturbing because they only occur at certain moments, especially when you are moving, such as when you are driving. For example, an electricity pole creates a vertical reflection, but it will only bother you for a few seconds.

What are the benefits of polarized sunglasses?

1- See true colors and contrasts again

A polarizing filter on your sunglasses is truly an ultimate comfort feature. Imagine… You’re on holiday, enjoying beautiful sunshine during a boat trip, but you can barely see because of the sea glare? With polarized lenses, you’ll see the real blue color of the water and the true green color of the trees, and so on. We’re not saying they’ll make your holiday better, but they might come close.

2- Reduce glare

As explained above, polarized sunglasses help reduce reflective effects and therefore glare. It may seem simply annoying, but above all it can be dangerous, especially when driving.

3- Reduce eye strain

Glare effects can quickly make you feel uncomfortable or force you to squint. Polarized lenses really improve your visual comfort and therefore help reduce eye strain over time. This allows you to drive for longer periods. And as a bonus, you might even arrive at your holiday destination faster!

When should I wear polarized lenses?

You should know that you can wear polarized sunglasses anywhere and in all kinds of conditions, but they are more recommended in certain situations.

1- In the car

As you now understand, they are highly recommended for driving, especially when the road is wet and the weather is sunny. The bodywork or windshield of other vehicles are also highly reflective surfaces and can easily cause glare. Reflections can reach up to 60%. So we would even say that this type of lens is essential when driving!

2- On the water

The sea, lakes, or even the campsite swimming pool are great, but these surfaces easily reflect light under bright sunshine. It’s less dangerous than driving, but you should know that water can reflect up to 80%.

Be careful, although you might not expect it, sand and leaves can also reflect up to 20%.

3- In the snow

If I say mountains, skiing, hot chocolate? Yes, you guessed it: snow! Be careful, accidents can happen quickly on the slopes. Snow can reach up to 90% reflection. We recommend that you choose your ski sunglasses or your goggles with a polarizing filter.

There you go, we hope we’ve helped you see things more clearly (no pun intended), but a polarizing filter really provides superior comfort and can have an impact on your safety! So why go without it?