In the previous article, we discussed “What shape of sunglasses should people with round faces wear?”. In this article, let’s talk about “How can I tell if my sunglasses are polarized or not?”.
Since the invention of the polarizer in 1936, sunglasses have quietly started a revolution. The patent for polarized lens belongs to the person who first invented the Polaroid camera. People who want to use the polarized lenses, especially those who work at sea or live near the sea or snow, will inevitably use Polaroid's polarized lens. You should be familiar with the name Polaroid. However, do you know what a polarized lens is? Do I need a polarized lens? The following article can answer your questions.
What are polarized lenses?
In simple terms, polarized lenses are used to eliminate glare. These special lenses allow us to see clearly under strong light and protect our eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. Polarizer technology has existed since 1936, but it has only been widely used in recent years. Polarized sunglasses are most suitable for water activities because they can effectively eliminate the glare reflected from the water. Ski goggles are also mostly made of polarized lenses to block the glare reflected on the snow surface.(https://www.koalaeye.com/collections/polarized-sunglasses)
Why do polarized sunglasses reduce glare?
The polarized lens has an anti-glare coating, and the particles of the coating are arranged vertically. When the glare is horizontally directed to the lens, the coating can effectively block the glare. In addition, polarized lenses can also enhance color contrast. It is very beneficial for professional athletes and people who love outdoor activities because they can see clearly under strong light.
Polarizer technology is also used in 3D stereo glasses. One side of the polarizer is arranged horizontally, and the other side is arranged vertically. For 3D movies, the movie is shot from two slightly different angles. Due to the different light-sensing angles of the lens, a stereoscopic effect is produced. With 3D glasses, you can see amazing 3D stereoscopic movies.
How can I tell if my sunglasses are polarized or not?
1. Polarized light test card
Many glasses shops have polarized light test cards. This test card is specially made. It uses the principle of polarization to make the polarizer see the parallel light emitted by the pictures inside so that you can see the pictures hidden inside.
2. Test with two pairs of polarized sunglasses
If you have two pairs of polarized sunglasses, hold a pair of sunglasses in each hand. First, overlap the two pairs of sunglasses horizontally and place them in front of your eyes. At this time, you can see the opposite through the 'overlapping lenses'.
Then rotate one of the sunglasses by 90 degrees (One is horizontal and the other is vertical). During the rotation, you can see that the front of your eyes is obviously darkened. If this effect occurs, then both pairs of sunglasses are polarized lenses.
3. Test with a computer screen
It is the easiest way. General computer screens have a layer of the polarizing film, which is mainly used to prevent light damage in the environment, such as fluorescent lamps or other light sources that affect the quality of the viewing screen.
To find a computer screen and put the sunglasses horizontally on the screen. At this time, the lens does not change. Then when you rotate the sunglasses to 90 degrees, you can see that the color of the lens becomes darker. Then turn it back to normal. This is a polarized lens, but If there is no change no matter how it turns, it is not a polarized lens.
Thank you for your time in reading our passage “How can I tell if my sunglasses are polarized or not?”. For more information about sunglasses and eyeglasses, please continue to follow KoalaEye Blog. Also, it is welcome to share and forward to Facebook and Twitter.
