The Effects of Polaroid Glasses

Polaroid glasses were the first brand of polarized sunglasses. In 1929, Polaroid company founder Dr. Edwin Land invented the commercial polarization process, a technique of treating plastic so that it polarizes light passing through it. Polarized lenses protect the eyes from glare and ultraviolet (UV) light.



While non-polarized sunglasses may make things appear darker in bright sunlight, they do not block out glare or harmful UV rays. Polaroid sunglasses also offer undistorted vision, unlike many other polarized and non-polarized sunglasses. Finally, Polaroid's light, strong lens plastic provides lightweight but formidable physical protection for the eyes.

Glare Reduction

• The reflection of sunlight off of horizontal surfaces often results in a horizontal concentration of light called glare. While vertical light helps you see, horizontal light makes seeing difficult and uncomfortable. You have probably often had the experience of being nearly blinded by glare from water, highways or other objects.

  Polaroid glasses have a polarizing, vertically-aligned layer that keeps horizontal light from reaching your eyes. This practically eliminates all glare from your vision, helping you see with more clarity and comfort.

UV Protection

• Spending extended time outside without eye protection can lead to cancers in the eye area as well as diseases on the eye surface, such as cataracts. Because UV rays are dispersed throughout the sky, they can reach your eyes even if you stay out of direct sunlight.

  Thanks to their polarization, Polaroid glasses offer 100 percent UV400 protection against both types of shortwave ultraviolet rays, UVB and UVC, as well as longwave UVA rays. This high level of protection, which surpasses international standards, enables wearers of Polaroid sunglasses to spend long periods of time outside without suffering eye damage.

Undistorted Vision

• Many brands of curved sunglasses cause subtle visual distortion of sizes and distances. Wearers of such sunglasses may not be consciously aware of the distortion, but their eyes are still forced to compensate. This can lead to eye fatigue and headaches.

  Polaroid created an advanced technique to manufacture curved sunglasses, using molds that control optical precision. This results in curved lenses that do not compromise vision, giving you clear, undistorted vision and preventing eye fatigue.

Lightweight Protection

• Polaroid sunglasses, while light, have the strength to protect the eyes from strong impacts. Their layering technology helps to disperse shock. In fact, Polaroid glasses absorbed the impact of a steel ball moving at 100 miles per hour in tests. (References 2) This offers much greater lens safety and eye protection than traditional sunglasses made of glass.

  Their lightness and shock-absorption make Polaroid sunglasses suitable for sports in addition to everyday use. They also provide more safety in car accidents.