POLARIZED:
MORE THAN JUST SUNGLASSES
Most
people have heard of the advantages of polarized lenses, but not all are
aware of just what they are and how they work.
Polarization is one of the
fundamental properties of light waves. One of the first to do work in this
field was a French army engineer named E. L. Malus, He observed that
light was polarized by reflection.
When light strikes a surface
like water it becomes scattered and travels in all directions like a 4th of
July sparkler. This is what is commonly known as glare.
This glare produces eyestrain
and discomfort because the eye must work harder to overcome an increase in
brightness while trying to view objects which appear washed out.
This is why fishermen for
example, know the advantage of wearing polarized sunglasses. They eliminate
the water's glare, which enables them to see fish clearly beneath the water's
surface.
Regular sunglasses,
regardless of the cost, are only colored plastic or glass and cannot block
out glare. These ordinary sunglasses just reduce the amount of visible light
the eye sees, but do nothing to deal with the sun's glare.
A polarized lens, on the
other hand, acts like a filter or lattice which allows only the useful light
traveling from the object viewed to reach the eye, while blocking the glare
caused by the scattered light traveling in many different directions. Objects
then appear sharper, colors are seen more vividly
and in true natural proportion. This is due to the removal of most of the
scattered white light.
Polarized sunglass lenses
should be of ophthalmic quality, the same as is expected from lenses used in
regular glasses. Optical-quality lenses have true curves and are free of
distortion and aberration. This curvature, which is ground or molded in and
then polished, separates these high-quality lenses from those most commonly
found in sunglasses sold in regular retail stores.
Quality polarized lenses are
made by a special process that places an ultra-thin sheet of polarizing film
within the lens itself. This protects the film from any damage and allows the
lens to be ground and polished.
Polarized Sunglasses are
available in many colors, Grey and Brown being the most popular. Grey is an
excellent all-around color for sunglasses since it is neutral in color and
allows the full range of visible light colors to be seen. Brown is an
excellent color as it enhances contrast and definition while not
substantially altering color.
Quality Polarized Lenses
should also block all UVB and UVA light. Ultra-Violet radiation is that light
which causes not only sunburn, but can also harm the human eye contributing
to the deterioration of vision. Research has linked Ultra-Violet rays to the
development of cataracts (clouding of the lens), as well as other
degenerative conditions in the eye.
The fact is Polarized
Sunglasses enhance all outdoor activities. They are simply the best sun lens
there is. Eliminating reflected glare gives you an advantage you can see.
Fishermen can see the action beneath the water's surface. Hunters can see
into the brush and trees better now that the glare from the leaves is gone.
Skiers can gauge the depth of the moguls and differentiate contrast in the
shadows. Golfers can pick up the ball in flight quicker and read greens more
accurately. Eliminating the glare benefits all outdoor activity whether it be
driving, hiking, biking, playing tennis or just laying around the pool.
Great Basin
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