Experts maintain that everyone should wear sunglasses that block UV rays every time they go outside, but that's not the only protection your eyes might need. While sunglasses help prevent damage from UV light rays, you can still suffer from glare in certain environmental conditions. Spending time at a lake or on the ski slopes can leave your eyes open to painful glare if you don't have the right protection. At Erie Optical, we recommend Polarized glasses for all of our patients who spend any significant amount of time outdoors. Our optometrists in Mentor, OH, will help you find the perfect pair of polarized glasses that fit your personal style.
How Polarized Glasses Work
The light rays from the sun scatter around in every direction, usually. But when they hit a reflective surface like a field of snow or the surface of a body of water, the direction of the light rays becomes polarized or sent in one uniform direction. This increased the intensity of the light, causing bright and painful glare. Polarized glasses have a special surface that protects your eyes from this glare by blocking this type of intense light.
Downsides to Polarized Glasses
Although the glare-cutting attributes of Polarized glasses can make outdoor activities safer and more comfortable, there are times when they can make the situation worse. Experts advise that you don't use these types of glasses while downhill skiing. The light reflected from icy patches can alert skiers to hazards up ahead, and blocking the glare from these patches can reduce this prior warning.
In addition, Polarized glasses can reduce the ability to see LCD or LED displays. This can reduce your ability to see the dashboard of your car or the screen on an ATM or gas pump. They may even block your ability to see the screen on your phone or other digital devices. For this same reason, pilots and boaters are advised to avoid these glasses while using their vehicles, as they may not be able to see the instrument panels when needed.
Contact Our Optometrist in Mentor
If you spend any significant amount of time jogging, bicycling, or simply enjoy the great outdoors, painful glare can reduce your enjoyment. We can create Polarized lenses for your glasses and help to reduce that glare. It all begins with a comprehensive eye examination. Give us a call, and we'll make an appointment for an eyeglass consultation. Contact our office at (440) 255-7727, and we'll arrange a visit that fits in with your busy lifestyle.