Polarized Sunglasses

Many people only know that polarized lenses are "better" than none. But what most people aren't sure about is how they exactly work. Think of polarized glasses as a venetian blind. When you are looking out of a window with the blindes down, you do not squint. Polarized lenses work the same way. The molecules in a polarized lens are aligned horizontally much like a venetian blind. It allows your eyes to relax and enables you to see the surface of an object rather than the glare that comes off of it. Polarized glasses are best for blocking glare from water. Any water sport is made easier with Polarized sunglasses.

Some brands are geared for certain sports, i.e. Maui Jim Poloraized Sunglasses and Costa del Mar Polarized Sunglasses are great for fishing. However, Polarized lenses do not allow you to see Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD). For obvious reasons, pilots should not wear polarized lenses. There is debate over whether or not polarized lenses are good for snow sports as they do not provide the contrast that is needed to distinquish ice patches.