What Are Polarised Sunglasses?

Polarised sunglasses are lenses designed to reduce glare from reflective surfaces. They contain a special filter that blocks horizontal light waves, which are the main cause of glare, while allowing vertical light waves through. This means your vision is clearer, sharper, and more comfortable in bright conditions.

Here’s what polarised lenses do:

• Reduce glare: Help you drive safely or enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, skiing, or boating.

• Improve contrast: Colours and shapes appear more vivid and defined.

• Protect your eyes: Reduce squinting, fatigue, and long-term strain.

Unlike regular sunglasses, which mainly block bright light and UV rays, polarised lenses actively filter light to make your vision clearer and your eyes more comfortable.

Polarised sunglasses are more than just a style accessory, and can make a real difference in how you see the world.

Here are just a few of the improvements they can make to your vision and lifestyle:

• Glare reduction: Cut reflections from water, snow, glass, or shiny surfaces.

• Better colour and contrast: See the world more vividly with sharper details.

• Eye comfort: Less squinting, reduced strain, and improved clarity for long periods outdoors.

• Versatile use: Great for driving, sports, fishing, skiing, hiking, or casual walks.

Whether you’re fishing, cycling, driving, or walking along a sunny beach, polarised sunglasses make life easier on your eyes.

Polarised lenses are ideal for anyone exposed to bright reflections or sunlight for long periods, including:

• Drivers navigating sunny roads or glare from wet surfaces

• Outdoor enthusiasts; especially if you’re into fishing, boating, skiing, cycling, or hiking

• Athletes or sports players who need clear, comfortable vision

• Anyone who wants to reduce eye strain while enjoying bright days

Bayfields Tip: Polarised lenses cut glare but can make LCD screens harder to read. They may not be ideal for pilots, drivers relying on digital dashboards, or anyone needing clear visibility on screens.

Polarised and non-polarised lenses serve quite different purposes, so it's important you know the difference:

• Non-polarised sunglasses: Block bright light and UV rays but don’t reduce glare. They’re best if you just need casual eye protection or a stylish accessory.

• Polarised sunglasses: Reduce glare, improve contrast, and enhance visual comfort. Best for driving, sports, and outdoor activities.

• When to choose non-polarised: For casual wear, low-glare environments, or indoor use.

You can check if your sunglasses are polarised or not in two simple steps:

1. Hold the sunglasses up to a reflective surface, like water or a car bonnet.

2. Slowly rotate the glasses 90 degrees. If glare reduces, they’re polarised.

This quick test makes it easy to confirm that your lenses are giving you the benefits of polarisation. 

Bayfields Tip: If you’re out shopping, most polarised sunglasses have a ‘polarised’ label either on the lens or frame. Or, you can always just ask your optometrist to recommend you a pair during your next visit.

While polarised sunglasses are excellent for most outdoor activities, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.

Here’s where polarised lenses might not be the best option:

• Professional tasks: Pilots and some other professions may require non-polarised lenses.

• Night driving: Polarised lenses can reduce visibility in low-light conditions.

• LCD screens: Phone screens, watches, and digital dashboards can appear hard to read.

While not designed for these specific situations, polarised lenses are ideal for everyday use in bright outdoor environments.