Journal · Gepolariseerd
Polarized sunglasses: when do you need them?
By Dirk en Nick ·
Polarized sunglasses filter glare from water, wet roads, and windows. Useful near the water and in the car. They do not offer better protection against UV rays and are not darker.
Polarized sunglasses filter out horizontally reflected light: the glare on water, wet roads, snow, and windows. You mainly need them by the water and in the car. They do not offer better protection against UV rays and are not darker than regular sunglasses in the same category.
How do polarized lenses work?
Light reflected from a flat surface vibrates mainly in one direction. A polarization filter in the lens blocks exactly that direction. What remains is a clearer image with more contrast.
When are polarized lenses worth it?
- By the water: you look through the surface instead of at the glare.
- In the car: less glare from wet roads and oncoming traffic.
- On a bike or boat: less eye strain from constant reflections.
When are polarized lenses inconvenient?
Some screens, such as car displays, ATMs, and phones, can appear black when viewed at an angle. Pilots and skiers also sometimes deliberately choose non-polarized lenses so they can read ice or instruments.
Are polarized lenses the same as UV400?
No. UV400 refers to ultraviolet radiation, while polarization reduces glare. Good sunglasses always offer UV400 protection; polarization is an added feature. Read what UV400 means as well.
Which Shadeclub sunglasses are polarized?
The REX and the VALENCE have polarized Cat. 3 lenses with UV400 protection. The REX is compact and sturdy, while the VALENCE has a relaxed look with a subtle pattern on the side.
