Ever step outside on a bright day, only to be instantly stopped by the bright light reflecting off a windshield or a glassy lake surface? That moment of sharp, blinding light is more than just uncomfortable—it can make everyday activities downright dangerous.
At Morgan Creek Optometry, we see a lot of patients dealing with glare-related vision issues, especially here in Surrey, where outdoor living and driving in varied weather is the norm. Our eye care team works closely with patients to recommend the proper UV protection for their vision—polarized lenses being one of the top choices for both function and comfort.
What Are Polarized Lenses?
Polarized lenses are a type of sunglass lens designed to reduce glare caused by light bouncing off flat, reflective surfaces. This makes them different from standard tinted sunglasses, which simply dim the light but don’t address that harsh, scattered reflection. Whether you're fishing on the coast, hiking through bright trails, or just running errands, polarized lenses help you see clearly and comfortably.
These lenses are often available in both prescription and non-prescription options, making them a flexible option for many of our patients at Morgan Creek Optometry.
How Polarized Lenses Work
Polarized sunglasses are designed to reduce glare and improve clarity by filtering light in a particular way. While they might look like regular sunglasses at first glance, what’s happening on the surface of the lens is quite precise and powerful. Here’s how they work:
- A thin chemical film is applied to the surface of the lens
- This film is aligned to block horizontally reflected light, which is the most common cause of glare
- Only vertically aligned light—light that helps us see detail and depth—is allowed to pass through the lens
The result is clearer contrast, richer colors, and sharper visual comfort, especially in environments with a lot of reflective surfaces.
The Benefits of Polarized Sunglasses
Polarized glasses do more than just shade your eyes from the sun. They actively filter out the type of glare that causes discomfort, making everyday activities safer and more enjoyable. Here’s a closer look at the most important benefits.
Glare Reduction While Driving and Outdoors
Glare from horizontal surfaces, like car windshields, roads, or water, can be intense and distracting. Polarized lenses block the harsh horizontal light that reflects off these surfaces, reducing that blinding effect. If you drive often, especially on sunny or rainy days, this anti-glare can help your vision. It can also improve your safety when you are near water.
Improved Visual Comfort and Less Eye Strain
Constant squinting in bright light doesn’t just feel uncomfortable—it can lead to tension headaches and tired eyes by the end of the day. Polarized lenses reduce glare, making it easier to see and allowing your eyes to feel more comfortable for longer periods. Whether you’re commuting, gardening, or just enjoying the sun, your eyes won’t feel as drained.
Sharper Contrast and Richer Color Perception
With glare out of the way, colors appear deeper and more vivid. You'll notice better contrast between objects, making it easier to see fine details. This is especially helpful when you’re active outdoors—think of the clarity of trail paths, golf greens, or the shimmer on water surfaces.
Built-In UV Protection
Many polarized lenses include 100% UVA and UVB protection, helping safeguard your eyes against long-term sun damage. UV light exposure has been linked to conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration, so wearing polarized lenses that block glare and protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays is a wise choice. It offers sun protection and visual clarity in one.
Stylish Options for Every Vision Need
At Morgan Creek Optometry, we carry a wide selection of lens treatments that work with or without a prescription. Whether you're looking for designer frames, wraparound styles for sports, or something lightweight and child-friendly, we’ve got you covered. You can even combine polarized lenses with features like transitions or progressives for even more personalized vision support.
Get the Best Polarized Lenses for You in Surrey
Choosing the right sunglasses is not just about style. It is also about protecting your eyes and making your vision more comfortable every day. If you've been experiencing trouble with glare, eye strain, or discomfort outside, polarized lenses may be just what you need.
Our team at Morgan Creek Optometry in Surrey can help you compare options, try on styles, and see the difference firsthand. Let’s make your vision work better for your lifestyle. Book your appointment to browse our selection of designer frames or to talk lenses with one of our eye doctors.