Have you ever found yourself squinting on a bright Saskatoon day, even with sunglasses on? That intense, blinding light bouncing off a wet road or a car’s windshield is glare, and it can make seeing clearly a challenge.
While most sunglasses just darken your view, they don’t always help with glare. That’s where polarized lenses can be better for your eyes, cutting harsh reflected light so you see more clearly and comfortably.
At Broadway Eyecare, our commitment to your family’s vision and eye health is our top priority, so let’s explore how these specialized prescription sunglasses work.
What Are Polarized Lenses?
How They Filter Light to Reduce Glare
Glare happens when light waves bounce off flat surfaces like roads, water, or snow. These reflected light waves travel in a horizontal direction, creating a concentrated and often uncomfortable brightness. This is different from the ambient light that scatters in all directions.
Polarized lenses contain a special filter that is laminated in a vertical pattern. This filter blocks the intense horizontal light waves from passing through to your eyes. It effectively targets and neutralizes the glare that causes you to squint.
Think of it like a set of window blinds. The filter acts like the slats, only allowing vertical light to pass through while blocking the horizontal light. That’s what helps your eyes feel more at ease when the sun’s out.
Polarization vs. UV Protection
It’s important to know that polarization and UV protection are two completely different features. Polarization is designed to reduce glare, which enhances visual comfort and clarity. It doesn’t inherently block ultraviolet (UV) light.
UV protection, on the other hand, shields your eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Long-term exposure to UV radiation can contribute to conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. Protecting your eyes from UV light is an important part of maintaining your long-term eye health.
You can—and should—find sunglasses that offer both polarization and 100% UV protection. When choosing sunglasses, always look for a label that confirms it blocks 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Our team can help you find options that combine both of these important features.
Benefits for Your Vision & Comfort
See More Clearly in Bright Conditions
By cutting out distracting glare, polarized lenses can help your vision appear sharper and clearer. This is especially noticeable on sunny days or when you’re around reflective surfaces. Your world can look less hazy and more focused.
When harsh reflections are removed, the details in your environment can seem more defined. You may notice textures and contrasts more easily, from the lines on the road to the ripples on the water. This can make your outdoor experiences more enjoyable.
Reduce Squint & Eye Strain
Intense glare naturally causes you to squint in an effort to block the light. Constant squinting can lead to eye fatigue, tension, and even headaches. It’s a sign that your eyes are working overtime to see comfortably, which can cause significant eye strain.
Polarized lenses do the work for your eyes by blocking that harsh glare before it reaches them. This allows your eye muscles to relax, making you feel much more comfortable. You can enjoy your time outdoors without the strain and discomfort that often comes with bright light.
Colours Can Look More True
Glare can act like a veil, washing out the world around you and making colours seem faded. By cutting through that hazy effect, polarized lenses can help you perceive colours with more saturation and depth. The visual world can appear more vibrant.
You might notice the sky looks a truer blue or the grass a richer green. Without the interference of harsh, reflected light, colours appear as they are meant to be seen. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in how you experience your surroundings.
When Polarized Sunglasses Help
For Driving & Daily Travel
As you drive around, you encounter glare from many sources—wet pavement, the hoods of other vehicles, and even your own dashboard. Polarized lenses can cut this glare, making it easier to see the road ahead. This is helpful year-round, from sunny summer days to bright winter afternoons. While polarized lenses are ideal for bright days, other eyewear can assist with night driving challenges.
When your vision is clearer and more comfortable, you can focus better on the task of driving. Reducing glare may also help improve your reaction time to unexpected events on the road. It makes for a more relaxed and pleasant driving experience.
For Activities on Water or Snow
Water and snow are two of the most reflective surfaces you’ll encounter. They create intense, almost blinding glare that can make outdoor activities difficult. Polarized lenses are particularly suited to handle this type of reflected light.
This makes them a great choice for many winter pastimes. Whether you’re out ice fishing, skiing, or just walking on a bright day, these lenses can make a big difference in how comfortable your eyes feel, helping you enjoy your favourite activities without fighting against the sun’s reflection.
Considerations For Wearing Polarized Lenses
View Digital Screens & Displays
The same technology that blocks glare can sometimes interfere with how you see certain digital screens. The polarizing filter can make liquid crystal displays (LCDs) appear dim, distorted, or completely black. This is something to keep in mind in our modern, screen-filled world.
It can affect screens like your phone, GPS, or even gas pumps. Sometimes you’ll need to tilt your head or take the glasses off to see clearly. It’s a trade-off between glare reduction and screen visibility.
For Certain Jobs
For some professionals, polarized lenses may not be the right choice. Pilots, for example, often avoid them because they need to be able to read their LCD instruments without interference. The lenses can make it difficult to see important flight information.
Similarly, some equipment operators may need to see glare on certain surfaces as a visual cue. In these specific situations, seeing the reflection is part of the job. For most everyday activities, however, this isn’t a concern.
Choosing the Right Sunglasses for Your Eyes
Your Comprehensive Eye Exam Comes First
As your Saskatoon optometrists, our team believes that great eye care starts with understanding your unique needs. We suggest a routine eye exam to assess your overall eye health and vision requirements. It’s the foundation for all other recommendations.
During your eye exam, we can talk about your lifestyle, hobbies, and work environment. This conversation helps us determine what kind of eyewear—including sunglasses—is right for you. Our team is committed to bringing you a caring experience at every visit.
Prescription & Non-Prescription Options
We can help you explore polarized lenses whether you need a prescription or not. If you wear glasses, we can fit polarized lenses to your specific vision correction needs. You don’t have to choose between clear vision and glare reduction.
These lenses are available in many forms, including single-vision and progressives. We can also discuss custom tints and frame styles to suit your personal preferences. Our goal is to help you find a solution that works for your eyes and your life.
Protect Your Vision with the Right Sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses can make a big difference in how comfortable your eyes feel outdoors—whether you’re driving around town, enjoying the lake, or just running errands on a bright day.
Our team at Broadway Eyecare is here to help you find the right lenses for your lifestyle, with options that combine glare reduction and full UV protection. Whether you need prescription sunglasses or just want added comfort, we can walk you through it.
Book your next eye exam today, and let’s find the right protection for your vision.
