About Glares and Self Polarizing Eye Glasses
Many patients who spend time outdoors often seek glasses that are self-polarizing. Self-polarizing sunglasses reduce the glare that occurs due to natural sunlight or artificial light sources, and may also be worn inside for patients who have heightened light sensitivity. Glares occur as light is bounced off of flat surfaces and reflected in one or more planes of direction. The most common type of plane that causes glares is light reflected into a horizontal direction, known as horizontally polarized light. Many patients experience glares from horizontal, flat surfaces, like the surface of water, the hood of a car or road surfaces.
How Self Polarizing Eye Glasses Work
Self-polarizing eye glasses help reduce the glare caused by natural or artificial light. They contain a special polarized filter that only allows light that is vertically polarized to pass, thus eliminating the glare from horizontally polarized light. Self-polarizing lenses are covered in a special chemical that filters out light that is horizontally aligned and only allows light that is at a certain angle to pass. The polarized filter protects patients' eyes from horizontally polarized light, which can lead to squinting and difficulty seeing.
How To Choose Self Polarizing Eye Glasses
When choosing a pair of self polarizing eye glasses, it is important to try on the glasses and determine if they are actually polarizing. Many eye glasses are marketed as polarizing when they do not offer the same protection as self-polarizing glasses. Before purchasing the eye glasses, turn the glasses 90 degrees and look through the lens at a reflective surface. If a glare is still present, the glasses do not have polarized lenses. If the glare has lessened, the lenses are polarized.
