Polarized Lenses

Now that we have officially entered the summer season, I feel this is a great time to talk about polarized sunwear. When patients are ordering prescription glasses, they have a choice of getting a tint on their lenses or getting polarized lenses. There is a huge difference between the two. A tint is exactly like it sounds. The lenses are dipped in dyes to tint them to the desired amount of darkness. This results in cutting the amount of light coming into the eye but there are no protections from UVA and UVB rays unless specifically ordered as extra coatings. If these coating are not specifically ordered and are not present(as is the case in many of the non rx sunwear that people purchase in drug stores,etc.)then the end result is worse. The pupil opens up with the darkened lens and allows UVA and UVB rays in a greater amount which in turn can help to cause cataracts. Many case studies aslo indicate this can also lead to macular degeneration.

Polarized lenses are actually layered lenses that cut glare and reflections from reflective surfaces such as water and snow. They also cut the UVCA and UVB rays as well. The glare and reflections are what usually cause visual discomfort. If you have never tried polarized lenses, do yourself a favor the next time you order and try out these great lenses. One company that we carry, Maui Jim Sunwear, has several proprietary coatings that make this lens what I consider to be one of the best lenses for sunwear in the world today. These can be ordered in prescription as well as non rx.

I hope you will try a separate pair of polarized sunwear this summer for a great and more comfortable experience.