What if I told you that everything you see outside could look more vibrant, rich, and detailed all while protecting your eyes?
Photographers have carried polarizers for their camera, secret weapons, for years. You should wear polarizing sunglasses to fully enjoy the scenery in front of you in real time.
Why do people love HD TVs versus the old tube TVs? Why are people going crazy for 4K televisions now?
They look dramatically better. Look at them side by side and it's mind-boggling.
Using polarized sunglasses versus standard ones is like moving from the old televisions to the new ones. It's drastic.
Sure, polarizing glasses cost more, but they are vastly superior. Polarizing lenses reduce glare and make images appear sharper and clearer. Simply put, scenes become visually stunning. Just try wearing them for awhile and then go back to your non-polarized lenses and it will be like watching the football game on a TV from the 1990s vs a new 4K display made this year.
If that isn't reason enough, consider the following benefits of polarized sunglasses:
1. They improve your safety. Especially when driving, it kills the harsh glare from the roads, signs, and anything that can distract or even temporarily blind you behind the wheel. They also help filter harmful UV light.
2. See into the water more clearly. Fisherman and lovers of outdoor watersports live with polarized lenses to help them lessen the harsh glare of the water and add constrast between the water and the sky. Hazy skies become rich blasts of blue. Clouds turn into punchy painted pictures.
3. Eliminate squinting, eye strain, and fatigue. Simply wearing these will allow you to be comfortable outside and enjoy your surroundings for as long as you need.
How do I pick which polarizing sunglasses?
In general, many polarized lenses found in specialty stores and eye care clinics will be the best. Like many things, you do get what you pay for. Optics have become so specialized that there are lenses best suited for fishing, golf, watersports, or many other activities, so that might be something to consider.
My advice to you is don't settle. I had to convince myself of this when shelling out more than $200, but it was worth every penny. Think of how many minutes you spend outside for the next 5-7+ years of your life.
Most specialty stores will allow you to take a couple of them outside so you can really see the difference. Some have built-in color filters which tend to lend themselves to specific tasks, so I would probably stay toward neutral filters to make sure your outdoor experience is maximized as much as possible for any situation.
I have owned two pair of Maui Jim, only because I lost the first pair. I had a small issue with the second one and they have amazing service. They simply replaced them. I'm a customer for life.
I also own a pair of Oakley Gascan and love them.
There are tons of quality brands out there, but make sure to try them on for size so you can see the difference.
There is only one downside of switching to a quality pair of polarizing lenses. If you forget them, you are not going to like what you see out there.
Your eyes will be forever spoiled.
