Polarized sunglasses prevent the sun’s rays from damaging essential parts of the eye, like the cornea and lense. They work in the same way as photochromic lenses by safeguarding the eyes from glare and extreme exposure to light. Polarized eyewear is coated with a unique material varying level of effect.

When light hits flat surfaces (water, clouds or pavement), light waves rebound and hit the eyes as multidirectional beams, which can cause unwanted eyestrain. Giving off a significantly higher degree of brightness than surrounding light, these reflected rays compel the eyes to do more focusing. Most polarized glasses deflect these rays and lessen eyestrain. Golfers, boaters, joggers and cyclists often need polarized sunglasses to avoid extensive eyestrain while under the sun.

Almost any lens type can be coated with polarizing material. The first type offers the lightest polarization available and usually comes in gray or brown tints. Restrictions apply to other colors, as they are not readily applicable with this polarization level. Lightly polarized lenses are advisable for people who spend a lot of time working in areas where the sun’s ray goes through large windows or when working in areas where you need to go outside for some time, like cafeterias having outside tables.

Mirrored prescription eyewear is among the most common examples using medium polarized lenses. Optimally used in low-light conditions, it’s constructed with a blue-, ruby- or green-tinted mirror over gray, red or green shade of polarized lenses. Prescription sunglasses of this polarization grade improve visual sensitivity in fog or haze, especially when snow skiing, flying or driving.

This type of polarization has the greatest glare protection level among all three. Intended for heavy outdoor use, it offers glare protection during boating, fishing, running, jogging, cycling and golfing. Wearing heavily polarized eyewear improves the user’s visual acuity and reduces glare that bounces off from flat surfaces normally encountered in such activities. This level also provides sufficient protection for people who have undergone eye surgery or those with extreme photosensitivity.