Polarized Sunglasses?

[BarbMike821]

Very helpful info BarbMike821. Just ordered my 11 and 12 year old granddaughters polarized glasses based on your recommendations

Awesome! I'm so glad I could help

 

[FigmentSpark]

@BarbMike821 - What's your opinion on polarized prescription sunglasses? Are they the same as the ones from places like Sunglasses Hut?

 

[Aliceacc]

I'm not a big fan of sunglasses in the first place. I don't wear them unless I have no choice.

But when I do, they're polarized. Otherwise, they seem to be more of a fashion accessory than something that will help me see through the glare of the sun.

 

[BarbMike821]

@BarbMike821 - What's your opinion on polarized prescription sunglasses? Are they the same as the ones from places like Sunglasses Hut?

I would always recommend going through your optician for your Rx glasses. My company, for example, our lenses are very specialized so we own our own labs to ensure that the Rx process happens correctly and seamlessly. We get the order from the eye doctor and process in a day or two. I've seen instances where some companies purchase frame-only products and then drop their own lenses in which is a HUGE no no! If they do their own lenses, the end result can't necessarily be guarantee by the frame manufacturer with their lens technology. Depending on the severity of your +/- and if you're single versus progressive, the final polarization coating could be not AS effective than if you were to be wearing contact lenses and then wearing plano polarized eyewear on top of it. My husband has an Rx that isn't very severe but prefers his Rx sunglasses over wearing contacts + polarized sunglasses. Much crisper and superior quality (but again, he's also in a leading lens over "the other guys" so that has something to do with it, too).

Bottom line, WHEN DONE CORRECTLY polarized Rx's are awesome. Let me know if that makes sense!

 

[xlxo]

I should add... there is one time NOT to have polarization.... those taking pictures with a polarizer. When looking through the viewfinder... you see darkness.

 

[BarbMike821]

I should add... there is one time NOT to have polarization.... those taking pictures with a polarizer. When looking through the viewfinder... you see darkness.

Yep! Anytime you're looking at a digital screen, be it a DSLR camera screen (rather than the viewfinder), the instruments on a pilot's panel as you're flying, a bike computer when you're on the road, even the screen of your digital watch ... lcd technology will be compromised by the polarization and wash everything out, making it appear like it's not working.

 

[MSPeeler]

Okay ... I've been lurking on the Disboards for MONTHS now as I've been planning my land & sea adventure for next year, and of all the posts out there, *this* is the one that made me bite the bullet and start an account. LOL...

I'm actually the marketing manager for a major sunglass brand and there is a lot of confusion when it comes to what polarization actually means and the best sunglass when you're on the ocean.

Here's what I would recommend when it comes to selecting sunglasses for your trip ...

1. You get what you pay for. If you invest in a mediocre pair of sunglasses, you can expect mediocre protection. Not all polarization is created equal, so keep that in mind if you're shopping at a Walmart versus a Sunglass Hut.
2. The best way to tell if a pair is TRULY polarized, is ask if there's a polarization demonstrator where ever you're getting the sunglasses ... OR ... look at your smart phone screen and tilt your head. You'll see color vibration happening as a result (more intense blues and reds with a color mix/warble). But think of polarized lenses as Venetian blinds ... parallel light can enter, but the glare bouncing off of the water is eliminated.
3. Since you're ON the ocean, look for something with an AR coating on the INSIDE of the lens. AR is anti-reflective and it'll help cut the glare from the gaps in the sunglasses (assuming you have a 6-base frame, this is less of an issue with an 8-base frame that wraps more around the eyes).
4. With the lens itself, we always recommend going with a BLUE mirrored lens when you're on the water. The lens itself should be grey-based, but with the flash mirror It helps magnify the blue hues of the water and you'll see the caribbean in its truest beauty. The second best mirror would be a gold that will work in tandem with the land and water.
5. While polarization can mess with your vision if you're looking at LCD screens you'll actually feel LESS eye fatigue and increased clarity.

Like you, I have crazy sensitive eyes, so I totally get the importance of protecting yourself. If you want, I can see if I have any samples at my desk tomorrow.

Thank you so much! I forwarded your message to my husband. We aren't on the water or beach often (once a year, maybe) and have a family of 5, so I would like to stay away from spending a small fortune on them, LOL.

 

[BarbMike821]

Thank you so much! I forwarded your message to my husband. We aren't on the water or beach often (once a year, maybe) and have a family of 5, so I would like to stay away from spending a small fortune on them, LOL.

Right on! Polarization has other benefits beyond being on the water. So even if you have a pair of awesome polarized glasses you'll get good use out of them regardless of where you are!!

 

[xlxo]

I'm not a big fan of sunglasses in the first place. I don't wear them unless I have no choice.

But when I do, they're polarized. Otherwise, they seem to be more of a fashion accessory than something that will help me see through the glare of the sun.

In addition to reducing glare.... good sunglasses will help reduce cataracts in old age.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

In addition to reducing glare.... good sunglasses will help reduce cataracts in old age.

This

 

[NoNotMe]

@BarbMike821 - What's your opinion on polarized prescription sunglasses? Are they the same as the ones from places like Sunglasses Hut?

I got my first pair of polarized prescription sunglasses about a month ago and I love them. I noticed a huge difference immediately. I have sensitive eyes, these help tremendously.

 

[xlxo]

fyi.... Lenscraftter offers "TransitionsVantage". No only do these lenses go dark in sunlight.... it gets polarized too!
http://www.lenscrafters.com/lc-us/transitions-vantage

 

[MunFam]

I travel with two pairs at all times. After having my pair break while working in Costa Rica and then paying to get them fixed (and a hefty cab fare to get there and back)...I learned my lesson. Two pairs at all times.

 

[DLM1980]

Stop it! Stop all of you!

First it's I need frog toggs, and moleskin, and misting bottles at wdw, then it's don't forget the packing cubes, then it's a tervis tumbler for the "free soda" on DCL. Now it's gotta have polarized sunglasses. I'm a gonna go broke here!

 

[MSPeeler]

Stop it! Stop all of you!

First it's I need frog toggs, and moleskin, and misting bottles at wdw, then it's don't forget the packing cubes, then it's a tervis tumbler for the "free soda" on DCL. Now it's gotta have polarized sunglasses. I'm a gonna go broke here!

LOL! I know what you mean!!!

 

[BarbMike821]

Stop it! Stop all of you!

First it's I need frog toggs, and moleskin, and misting bottles at wdw, then it's don't forget the packing cubes, then it's a tervis tumbler for the "free soda" on DCL. Now it's gotta have polarized sunglasses. I'm a gonna go broke here!

You can find really great pairs on close out if they're last year's models! The 2017 line is usually introduced late summer and available september(ish) so look for sales in the fall if your schedule allows!

 

[SleepyDeb]

Sunglasses will help protect against macular degeneration too. Pointing out to my blue eyed husband that he could lose his sight at an older age if he doesn't start wearing sunglasses was the only way I could convince him to start wearing sunglasses. (People with blue eyes are more likely to develop it.)

As far as I know, there aren't health benefits of polarized vs non as long as there is UV protection, but vision is so much clearer with polarized, we never buy the non anymore.