We all know what polarised means, right?

Ummmm….right??

Perhaps not!  It’s kind of like the word “ironic”. Many of us use it, from time to time, but it is used without knowing what it actually MEANS. We know it makes us sound intelligent, and we bank on the fact that the people we’re talking to have no idea, either.  Drop the word “polarised” into your sunnies description and you sound way fancy and your sunnies appear far superior to your mate’s standard UV-protection lenses.

But polarised lenses actually do have a function and serve quite a beneficial purpose. Many believe polarised lenses are necessary for improved UVR protection, but that isn’t actually the case. Australian standards require all sunglasses (this doesn’t include fashion glasses) to provide a minimum of 95% UVR protection. Polarised lenses create a higher level of comfort and aesthetics, but not actually increased protection or eye health.

Technically speaking, polarised lenses have a built in filter that allows only vertical light rays to pass through them - think like a microscopic barcode, but inside your lens. Sunlight reflected from horizontal shiny surfaces is reflected back to your retina, but with the light waves now being distorted & horizontal. Polarised lenses block out what our eyes can't handle.

Practically speaking, polarised lenses eliminate the pesky glare that pings off wet roads, mirrors or water surfaces, voiding excuses for driving like a jackass, or not catching any fish.

The benefits of polarised lenses make for safer working conditions, thanks to the reduction in eye fatigue and discomfort, as well as increasing depth and clarity of vision which should, in theory, increase productivity! In theory.

And if that hasn’t sold you, polarised sunnies often qualify for a tax deduction (depending on your line of work...school teachers and accountants probably don’t qualify!) which means more $$ back in your pocket. Another plus for polarised!

That said, polarised lenses aren’t for everyone - most phones and LED monitors have a polarising filter that helps to cut glare and reflections, ironically to make it easier to see in bright sunlight. When your screen and polarised sunnies filter are aligned in opposite directions, all the light from your screen is cut out so you can’t see anything. Not the end of the world, but definitely worth considering if you are screen-orientated.