Spring is just around the corner and many of us will start enjoying more time in the good outdoors. That being said it is important to protect your eyes from the damaging effects of the sun!
You may get damage to your eyes without even realizing it. Over time, the damage adds up and increases your risk for dangerous eye conditions that may require surgery.
UV radiation damages your eyes from the surface tissue down to the cornea and lens. UV damage to your eyes is very similar to sunburn you get on your skin, although it may not have the same symptoms immediately. Polarized lenses can lessen your risk of damage to your eyes from the sun's UV rays.
Why are polarized lenses important, and how do they work? Here's what you need to know about how they work, the pros and cons, and more.
Polarized lenses protect your eyes from sun damage. While they do offer UV (ultraviolet) protection from the sun's rays, they also have other added benefits.
The greatest benefit of polarized lenses is the clarity of vision while outdoors. If you like to do outdoor activities like fishing and golfing, polarized lenses won’t give you a better technique. But they will help you see better so that you can improve your natural abilities.
Without glare on the water, you won’t have to squint at the sharp reflection of the sun beaming to your eyes. While playing golf, you can see farther and possibly hit the ball with more accuracy.
But you shouldn’t stop at polarized lenses. You also want to ensure you have larger lenses over smaller ones. Larger lenses in your glasses cover more of your eyes and offer a greater level of protection from the sun from the top and sides.
It is good to note that polarized lenses aren’t always beneficial. In some situations, they may actually impair your vision and make it harder to see. An example of this is LCD screens like:
- The dashboard controls in your car
- ATMs at your bank or credit union
- Your cellphone
- Some wristwatches or activity trackers