It's Starting to Look a lot like Christmas ... Time for Polarized Sunglasses

 

Why Sunglasss in the Winter?

We recommend our patients to always wear quality sunglasses when they are going to be exposed to the sun's rays. During the winter time this is especially important. This is due to the snow. Snow has a reflective surface that reflects the sun's rays into your eyes. Polarized lenses are recommended to reduce 99% of this reflection. When glare is reduced it makes vision crisper, clearer, and reduces distractions. We use Xperio polarized lenses in our office.

 

A study of car crashes in the United States from 2000-2003 showed that many crashes are caused by glare related concerns. Their concluding recommendation was to "develop counter measures to reduce glare before it strikes drivers’ eyes." One such measure is polarized sunglasses.

Polarized lenses stop glare that is going through the front side of the lenses and they work great. If you also want glare to be reduced from the back side of the lenses we recommend and backside antireflective such as Crizal Sun. This gives you 360 degree protection from glare. (http://www.fcsm.gov/05papers/Choi_Singh_IVA.pdf)

 

 

 

 

Polarized Oakley FrogSkins fround on Oakley.com

 

 

Polarized sunglasses are not just great for the snow, but also when around water where glare can also be easily reflected, and just for everyday use. Patients who wear polarized sunglasses notice a large benefit to the polarized lenses. If they decide to go without the polarization on a pair they usually notice instantly once outside. They just make your eyes feel more comfortable.

 

Polarized lenses can be in off the counter sunglasses or in prescription lenses. Just ask your optician what options are best for you.

 

-Kate