Why Polarized?

Polarized lenses are meant to specifically target horizontal light, which is the uncomfortable glare that we experience in most day-to-day functions. Horizontally polarized light is created from reflections off of a flat surface, such as a road, body of water, or snow, where vertically polarized light is the organic, comfortable light that we encounter naturally.

Horizontally polarized light is harmful to us in several ways, the most direct being the eye strain and vision impairment we experience when exposing our eyes to harsh glare. 

The science behind polarized sunglasses revolves around their ability to filter these light waves to reduce glare and improve visual clarity. Here’s a quick breakdown of how they work:

Polarized lenses filter the horizontally polarized light out while letting vertically polarized light in, minimizing the intense glare and creating a visual balance in outdoor environments. When light hits polarized lenses, they are able to absorb glare through a chemical film and significantly reduce its impact on the eyes. In doing so, eye strain is reduced and visual clarity is improved, making details easier to see and contrast enhanced. 

When to wear them:

Driving:

Polarized lenses are not only important for your eye health, but they are necessary to ensure safety in everyday scenarios, such as driving. Clear, unobstructed vision is crucial when operating a vehicle, and weather conditions, traffic, and environment can all impact the way we see the road when behind the wheel. Wearing polarized sunglasses while driving will help reduce road glare. They lower eye strain and improve how drivers see road signs, traffic patterns, and important cues, decreasing the risk of accidents and collisions. 

Fishing:

Water glare can largely hinder one’s fishing performance on a sunny day. Whether you’re fishing the ocean or the neighborhood pond, water glare can make casting and spotting difficult. Polarized lenses effectively solve this problem, eliminating the overwhelming glare and improving visibility when looking into the water. Polarized lenses can also enhance colors, fine details, and contrast, making them the perfect fishing partner on a bright, sunny day. 

Snow:

During the darker months of the year, it can be easy to overlook the real necessity for good polarized sunglasses despite the gloomy weather. When sunlight hits snow, it creates intense glare that can be blinding and disorienting, making activities such as driving, skiing, or simply walking potentially hazardous. Polarized lenses cut down this glare, providing clearer and sharper vision, which is crucial for navigating winter landscapes safely.

Polarized Sunglasses: Our Recommendations

Breach & Breach XL

With a secure, wraparound frame, the Breach is the perfect solution to reducing glare on your next outdoor adventure. The Breach comes in regular and XL sizes, and is ANSI Z87+ approved.

Essentials

Our Essentials line is exactly that - a classic style of sunglasses that you can pair with any activity. The Essentials frame features a non-slip coating and comes with polarized lenses.

Coastal & Coastal XL

The Coastal and Coastal XL frames are aviator style sunglasses that offer full coverage against glare. Available in a regular and XL size, the Coastal collection is the perfect go-to for any outdoor activity.