We all know the importance of protecting our eyes from the harsh Aussie sun- and as optometrists serving the Gold Coast and Tweed areas, we often get asked about the benefits of polarised sunglasses. In short, polarised sunglasses offer a range of benefits that go beyond just protecting your eyes from the sun's harmful UV rays. Let's explore below, the benefits of polarised sunglasses, particularly with our Australian climate in mind, and why you should consider investing in a pair.
Polarised sunglasses reduce glare.
When light reflects off a flat surface, such as water or snow, it becomes polarised, meaning that the light waves move in a specific direction. This can create a blinding glare that can be dangerous, especially while you're driving or participating in outdoor activities. Polarised sunglasses work by filtering out this polarised light, thus reducing glare and improving your visual comfort. This is particularly beneficial if you spend a lot of time outdoors or participate in activities such as fishing, skiing, or boating.
Improve contrast and color perception.
Polarised lenses enhance visual clarity by reducing scattered light, which can create a hazy or blurry image. This is particularly important if you have certain eye conditions, such as cataracts or macular degeneration, as it can improve your ability to see clearly. Additionally, polarised lenses can enhance the vibrancy and richness of colors, making outdoor scenes look more vivid and enjoyable.
Can help reduce eye strain and fatigue.
When our eyes are exposed to bright sunlight, they can become fatigued and strained, leading to headaches, eyestrain, and discomfort. Polarized lenses can reduce the amount of light entering your eyes, allowing them to relax and reducing the risk of fatigue.
Provides protection from harmful UV rays.
Exposure to UV radiation from the sun can cause a range of eye conditions, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and corneal damage. Polarised sunglasses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, providing essential protection for your eyes.
Can be beneficial for individuals who are light-sensitive or have had certain eye surgeries.
If you suffer from photophobia, which causes sensitivity to light, you may benefit from wearing polarized lenses as they reduce the amount of light entering your eyes. Similarly, those who have had cataract surgery or other eye surgeries may benefit from the improved visual clarity and reduced glare provided by polarized lenses.
It's clear that polarized sunglasses are beneficial for everyone – with their ability to reduce glare, improve contrast and color perception, reduce eye strain and fatigue, provide essential UV protection, and be beneficial for individuals with certain eye conditions or who are light-sensitive. At both locations in Burleigh Waters and Tweed we carry a wide range of polarised sunglasses to choose from, and we highly recommend investing in a quality pair to help protect and enhance your visual health. Come see us today!