For those fond of outdoor activities, a pair of sunglasses is a necessity. Ideally, this should provide comfortable viewing as well as protection from harmful UV rays. And if the preferred activity exposes you to glare from reflective surfaces like water, ice, sand, and concrete pavement, wearing polarized sunglasses is in order. But what if you need prescription glasses? Are there prescription polarized sunglasses available?
The Benefits of Polarized Sunglasses
Simply put, polarized sunglasses significantly reduce glare. This is done by incorporating a filter – a thin sheet of polarizing material – in the lens. When properly oriented, it neutralizes glare from reflective surfaces.
This particular eyewear is beneficial to those engaged in water sports since glare is prevalent in the environment that these activities are held. But it is equally advantageous to bikers who are exposed to the harsh, bright light reflected by concrete pavement. During winter, there is ice and snow, which adds to the glare. And if your normal route is beside bodies of water, you will experience this visual discomfort as well. For this reason, some motorcycle sunglasses integrate these polarized lenses.
However, there are also instances wherein wearing polarized sunglasses is not advised. This type of eyewear has a tendency to reduce the visibility of LCD images. Hence, it may affect the clarity of the LCD readout on your vehicle’s dashboard or instrument panel. It may also cause difficulty in viewing the display on your GPS device.
The Need for UV Protection
It is believed that protracted exposure to UV rays, specifically the type A and B varieties, can cause damage to a person’s eyesight. For this reason, it is important that sunglasses provide protection against these harmful rays. Water, sand, and snow, aside from causing glare, are also known to intensify the detrimental effects of UV radiation. Hence it is necessary that the polarized sunglasses used in these conditions also incorporate effective UV protection.
Some are of the impression that protection eyewear is not necessary during overcast days. On the contrary, although ambient light intensity is reduced, it is estimated that 80% of harmful UV rays is still present. So UV protection eyewear is needed.
Prescription Polarized Sunglasses
Gone are the days wherein clip-on sun lenses are used in conjunction with prescription glasses for outdoor eye protection. Although it may be a cheaper alternative, prescription sunglasses are more convenient and they definitely look better than the prescription glasses and clip-on combination. With the new digital prescription lens technology, prescription lenses can have moderate wrap-around styling resulting in more fashionable alternatives. In fact prescription sunglasses now come in a variety of frame styles.
To produce prescription glasses, which are polarized, it is just a matter of incorporating the polarizing sheet in the lens design. The result is a prescription eyewear that shields your eyes from glare. But make sure that it has UV protection at the same time.
Although there are other considerations in choosing the right pair of polarized sunglasses, like the material for the lens and frame, comfort is paramount. Your sunglasses of choice should provide comfortable viewing and a snug fit.
For those interested in sports eye wear, log on to adseyewear.com. Although it specializes on motorcycle sunglasses, other lines of eye wear are presented. Also included here are prescription polarized sunglasses, which are made using the new digital prescription lens technology.