What are Polarized Sunglasses?
![Gaby Child wearing Marauder SE Junshine in Mammoth](https://sfcc-staging.bollebrands.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-SPYOpticEUSharedLibrary/default/v90511d1a72bdd1b813e27487716e5ec31a926374/Content%20Pages/blog/what%2Dare%2Dpolarized%2Dsunglasses%2Dmain.jpg)
How do polarized sunglasses work and what are they for?
Polarized sunglasses are designed to reduce glare from surfaces like water, snow, and glass. While non-polarized sunglasses specialize in reducing total sunlight reaching the eye including harmful UV rays, polarized sunglasses selectively block light that bounces off reflective surfaces at unusual angles. A great example of this that everyone can relate to is when the sun is bouncing off the rear windshield of the car in front of you. With polarized sunglasses that glare is eliminated allowing the wearer to see clearly and drive safely.
![Chris Rasman wearing his signature Marauder Snow Goggle](https://sfcc-staging.bollebrands.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-SPYOpticEUSharedLibrary/default/v90511d1a72bdd1b813e27487716e5ec31a926374/Content%20Pages/blog/what%2Dare%2Dpolarized%2Dsunglassesv2.jpg)
This principle also applies for waterman and fisherman who want to block the glare from the surface of the water so they can see what lies below, or snowboarders that need to see the shape of the slopes and type of snow. By enhancing contrast and reducing eye strain, polarized sunglasses provide a more enjoyable visual experience, making them a key tool in your arsenal for outdoor adventures.
How can you tell if your sunglasses are Polarized?
![Chris Rasman wearing his signature Marauder Snow Goggle](https://sfcc-staging.bollebrands.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-SPYOpticEUSharedLibrary/default/v90511d1a72bdd1b813e27487716e5ec31a926374/Content%20Pages/blog/how%2Dto%2Dtell%2Dif%2Dyour%2Dsunglasses%2Dare%2Dpolarizedv2.jpg)
To check if your current sunglasses are polarized, hold them in front of a digital screen like a computer monitor or the screen in your car. Holding the glasses out so you can see the screen through the lens, turn them up to 180 degrees. If the lenses are polarized you should see the screen darkening or turning completely black at certain angles because of the polarization filter. It’s important to remember that not all polarization filters are created equal. Spy Optic Happy Boost™ sunglasses are coated with a high end polarization filter which blocks more than 99% of refracted light along the horizontal angle.
When should you use polarized sunglasses?
![Model wearing Marshall 2.0 Snow Goggle](https://sfcc-staging.bollebrands.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-SPYOpticEUSharedLibrary/default/v90511d1a72bdd1b813e27487716e5ec31a926374/Content%20Pages/blog/best%2Dactivities%2Dfor%2Dpolarized%2Dsunglasses.jpg)
Polarized sunglasses are best suited for a number of outdoor activities. When driving through the city you may experience reflections from other cars around you on the road, or from buildings or even the road itself. A good pair of polarized sunglasses will cut down this glare and make your driving experience more enjoyable. While driving may be an everyday activity that can benefit from polarized sunglasses, you can also benefit while fishing or boating as the polarization cuts down on water glare. Other outdoor activities such as cycling, running, golfing, or winter sports like skiing and snowboarding are all often associated with polarized lenses which can help increase performance and enjoyment. By providing enhanced clarity and reduced glare during many activities, visual comfort and safety is a key benefit that polarized sunglasses can provide.
When should you not use polarized sunglasses?
![Legacy Snow Goggle](https://sfcc-staging.bollebrands.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-SPYOpticEUSharedLibrary/default/v90511d1a72bdd1b813e27487716e5ec31a926374/Content%20Pages/blog/worst%2Dactivities%2Dfor%2Dpolarized%2Dsunglasses.jpg)
Polarized sunglasses offer a lot of benefits however there are some reasons why you might want to buy sunglasses without a polarizer. Spy Optic non-polarized lenses are just as high quality as polarized ones, they just lack the technology to block certain types of light which can be important if you are viewing screens, piloting an aircraft with many instrument displays and LCD screens, driving in low light, or doing photography. While we do recommend polarized sunglasses for many activities, it isn’t always neccesary.
Enjoy the Sun
- SPY+