Polarized lenses are used in sunglasses to reduce glare from reflective surfaces such as the surface of a lake or the hood of a car. They accomplish this feat through a process called polarization, much like a venetian blind controls sunlight through a window.

Polarized lenses do not always provide universal protection from glare. If you tilt your head past 45 degrees or so, some of the horizontal light can enter and cause some bright spots. Some wearers who use polarized lenses in snowy areas may find that they lose some contrast between snow and shadows.

On the water or in the car is the ideal environment for polarized lenses because they deal with mostly horizontal surfaces. Fishermen wearing polarized sunglasses can see below the surface of the water to search for schools of fish or hidden obstacles. Drivers are no longer affected by a constant reflection of light from their hoods or the road ahead.

At Looking Glass Optical you'll find Polarized sunglasses from Maui Jim and Ray Ban. Maui Jim's Polarized Plus® 2 Solution absorbs 99.9% of reflected glare, maximizing the amount of usable light reaching the eyes, so you can see detail and interpret color with maximum impact.