The summer solstice is this Saturday, which officially marks the first day of Summer- the season of all-day sunshine! In order to protect your eyes as best as possible from the sun’s strong, damaging UVA and UVB rays, we recommend wearing polarized sunglasses. Now, when you think “polarized”, you’re probably thinking 2 things:
• Polarized shades are “better for you”.
• Polarized sunglasses are “more expensive” than non-polarized.
But what you many not know is WHY these things are true! We’re here to fill you in…
Why Polarized Lenses are “Better for You”
We are able to see objects around us thanks to reflection (the way light bounces). Most object surfaces are uneven, so the light actually scatters as it bounces around all the dips/curves/peaks of the object. But, when light hits a totally smooth or totally shiny surface, the light stays together and reflects one “extreme” angle. If that light happens to hit your eyes directly (say when you look at the hood of a car, or when you’re tanning in front of a body of water, or –dare we bring this up- a hill of freshly fallen snow), you get hit with glare, which are simply super intense, vertically aligned waves of light. Polarized lenses filter out the glare.
To see polarization in action, compare the view through a polarized vs. non-polarized lens on a sunny day. Polarized lenses provide not only a clearer image in general, but the glare off of smooth, shiny objects will be reduced if not eliminated entirely.
Why Polarized Lenses Are “More Expensive”
The manufacturing of polarized lenses is more complex than non-polarized lenses. Polarized lenses contain a special chemical film fixed within where molecules create horizontal openings through which light can pass (like blinds on a window). Since light from intense glare is vertically aligned, that light cannot pass through the horizontal “slit” openings and thus gets filtered out- saving your eyeballs from a hyper-concentration of damaging UV rays.
Don’t forget! If you normally wear prescription lenses, prescription polarized sunglasses will be extra beneficial. You’ll have optimal vision AND the protection from glare!
We carry dozens of polarized eyewear selections at Metro Eye! Come try some on for yourself and see what look you prefer. Take a pic of your favorite one (or 2!), upload it to Instagram and tag #improvingvision for your chance to win the frames FREE! Hurry- contest ends June 30th. We pick a winner July 1st!
No Instagram? No problem! You can still enter to win- see a stylist for details.