The Advantages of Polarized Lenses

Glare interferes with everyday activities like boating, driving, fishing or skiing. Sunglasses with polarized lenses have an advantage over regular sunglasses because of the addition of the polarizing filter. The sun's damaging rays are blocked by this filter and those who work outside can take comfort knowing that a diagnosis of eye cancer is less likely from prolonged sun exposure. Both form and function can be integrated into the eyeglass design without sacrificing style.

Lens Technology

• A polarized lens contains a polarizing filter that reduces glare from the dangerous rays of the sun. The five layers of quality polarized lenses are front side scratch coating, polycarbonate protective layer, polarizing filter, optical polycarbonate layer and back side scratch resistant coating. Of these layers, the polarizing filter blocks the horizontal light waves creating glare. A sunny day is one condition that causes glare and interferes with seeing clearly.

UVA and UVB Rays

• The abbreviation for ultraviolet A is UVA and ultraviolet B is UVB. Sunlight produces UVA and UVB rays; these two light sources pose the most danger to the health of eyes. Distances of UVA wavelengths are 320 nm to 400 nm and UVB are 290 nm to 320 nm. The distances are measured in nanometers or billionths of a meter. Measurements of UVA and UVB wavelengths are shorter than visible light. Because of the shorter wavelength, they are visible to the naked eye. The major causes for eyelid cancers, cataracts and macular degeneration are UVA and UVB.

HEV Light

• Recent research of HEV light, high-energy visible light, shows that it is slightly out of the range of ultraviolet light at 400 nm to 500 nm. However, at the distance of 440 nm to 490 nm, HEV light contributes to the development of cataracts, macular degeneration and other serious eye conditions. Wearing quality sunglasses with polarized lenses will block UVA, UVB and HEV light rays.

Reduced Glare

• Glare occurs when light waves hit a flat shiny surface and causes a blinding glare. The light waves reflect on these surfaces, become polarized and vibrate in a horizontal direction. Polarized light is reflected light from surfaces such as sand, snow and water. The use of polarized lenses will enhance vision for work and recreation.

Healthier Eyes

• Over time, the sun's exposure leads to diseases of the eye and surrounding eye tissue. Extended UVA and UVB exposure may result in benign growths of the conjunctiva, conjunctival cancers, intraocular melanoma, and keratitis or corneal sunburn. Wearing sunglasses with polarized lenses is the strongest defense against cancers of the eye and other serious eye maladies. Sunglasses should be worn year-round and on overcast days because damaging rays penetrate through clouds and haze.

Seal of Approval

• When purchasing sunglasses with polarized lenses, be sure that the tag information indicates 99- to 100-percent blockage of UVA and UVB rays and guards against HEV light. The seal of recommendation, from The Skin Cancer Foundation, ensures that the eye wear has been reviewed and meets the strict criteria of an independent Photobiology Committee.