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Polarized Sunglasses
For
years, boaters and fishermen
have used polarized
sunglasses to reduce
reflected glare from the
water surrounding them. But
now that many others who
spend time outdoors have
discovered the benefits of
polarized lenses, the
popularity of these types of
sunglasses has soared.
Besides boaters, outdoor
enthusiasts who benefit the
most from polarized
sunglasses include skiers,
bikers, golfers, and
joggers, who enjoy a clearer
view along with elimination
of glare.
These sunglasses can be used
for driving and, in fact,
can reduce glare from a
long, flat surface such as
the hood of the car or the
road's surface. Polarized
sunglasses can also be used
indoors by light-sensitive
people, including
post-cataract surgery
patients and those
continually exposed to
bright light through
windows.
Light reflected from
surfaces like a flat road or
smooth water is generally
horizontally polarized. This
horizontally polarized light
is blocked by the vertically
oriented polarizers in the
lenses.
The result: a reduction in
annoying and sometimes
dangerous glare.
There is some debate on the
effects of polarized lenses
on snow-covered surfaces.
Some experts say they can
reduce the intense glare
that is caused by sunlight
reflecting off snow. Others
purport that the lenses are
not satisfactory for sports
such as downhill skiing
because they may not provide
the contrast the eye needs
to distinguish ice patches
or moguls.
In addition, polarized
lenses may also react
adversely with liquid
crystal displays (LCDs)
found on the dashboards of
some cars or in other places
such as the digital screens
on automatic teller (bank)
machines. The problem with
LCDs is that when viewed
through polarized lenses
from a certain angle, they
can be invisible.
However, for most other
sports and activities,
polarized sunglasses can
offer great advantages. And
today, many types of
polarized lenses are
available on the market.
Polarized progressive lenses
are perfect for the
presbyope who is also an
outdoor sports aficionado.
And polarized photochromic
lenses, which change from
dark outside to light
inside, are right for the
light-sensitive person who
changes environments
frequently (inside to
outside and vice versa).
Whether you spend your time
waterskiing or boating,
in-line skating or mountain
biking, driving or jogging,
polarized sunglasses are an
excellent choice
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