How Can I Tell If My Sunglasses Are Polarised?.
Demystifying Polarized Sunglasses: How to Tell If Your Shades Are Cutting the Glare
Sunglasses are an essential accessory for anyone who spends time outdoors, offering protection from harmful UV rays and shielding our eyes from the harsh glare of the sun. However, not all sunglasses are created equal. Polarized sunglasses, in particular, offer a unique advantage by significantly reducing glare, particularly from horizontal surfaces like water, pavement, and car windshields.
If you're considering investing in polarized sunglasses, it's crucial to be able to tell if your chosen pair is the real deal. After all, you don't want to shell out money for a pair that doesn't provide the benefits you expect.
The Science Behind Polarized Sunglasses
To understand how polarized sunglasses work, it's essential to grasp the concept of light polarization. Light rays are made up of tiny particles called photons, which vibrate in all directions. Polarized sunglasses contain special filters that only allow photons to pass through that vibrate in a specific direction. This filtering action effectively blocks out horizontally polarized light, which is the type of light that causes glare.
How to Test for Polarization
Here are three simple and effective methods to determine if your sunglasses are polarized:
The Floating Object Test
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Find a reflective surface such as a car windshield, water, or a computer screen.
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Hold your sunglasses in front of your eyes and look at the reflective surface.
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Observe the reflected image. If your sunglasses are polarized, the reflected image will appear to float or shimmer as you tilt the sunglasses slightly.
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Repeat the test with another pair of sunglasses known to be polarized. If the floating effect is absent, your sunglasses are likely not polarized.
The 90-Degree Rotation Test
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Find a reflective surface as described above.
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Hold one lens of your sunglasses over the other, ensuring they overlap slightly.
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Rotate the overlapping portion of the lenses 90 degrees.
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If your sunglasses are polarized, you should notice a noticeable difference in the darkness or brightness of the reflected image. This difference is caused by the filters in the lenses canceling each other out as they are rotated.
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Repeat the test with another pair of polarized sunglasses. If the difference in darkness or brightness is absent, your sunglasses are likely not polarized.
The LCD Screen Test
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Look at an LCD screen such as a computer monitor or digital watch.
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Observe the screen while wearing your sunglasses.
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Tilt your head slightly to the left or right. If your sunglasses are polarized, the screen should appear to darken or become more pixelated as you tilt your head.
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Repeat the test with another pair of sunglasses known to be polarized. If the screen darkening or pixelation effect is absent, your sunglasses are likely not polarized.
Additional Tips
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Check the product packaging or manufacturer's website. Most reputable sunglasses manufacturers will clearly indicate whether their products are polarized or not.
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Ask your eye doctor or optician. They can provide expert guidance on selecting the right type of sunglasses for your needs, including whether polarized lenses are a worthwhile investment.
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Beware of counterfeits. There are many counterfeit sunglasses on the market that may claim to be polarized but lack the proper filtering properties. Purchase sunglasses from reputable retailers to ensure authenticity and quality.
Investing in a pair of polarized sunglasses is a wise decision that can significantly enhance your outdoor experiences. By following these simple testing methods, you can confidently identify polarized sunglasses and experience the benefits of reduced glare and enhanced clarity.
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