Most people have heard of the advantages of polarized lenses, but not all are aware of just what they are and how they work.
        Polarization is one of the fundamental properties of light waves. One of the first to do work in this field was a French army engineer named E. L. Malus, He observed that light was polarized by reflection.
        When light strikes a surface like water it becomes scattered and travels in all directions like a 4th of July sparkler. This is what is commonly known as glare.
        This glare produces eyestrain and discomfort because the eye must work harder to overcome an increase in brightness while trying to view objects which appear washed out.
        This is why fishermen for example, know the advantage of wearing polarized sunglasses. They eliminate the water's glare, which enables them to see fish clearly beneath the water's surface.
        Regular sunglasses, regardless of the cost, are only colored plastic or glass and cannot block out glare. These ordinary sunglasses just reduce the amount of visible light the eye sees, but do nothing to deal with the sun's glare.         A polarized lens, on the other hand, acts like a filter or lattice which allows only the useful light traveling from the object viewed to reach the eye, while blocking the glare caused by the scattered light traveling in many different directions. Objects then appear sharper, colors are seen more vividly and in true natural proportion. This is due to the removal of most of the scattered white light.
        Polarized sunglass lenses should be of ophthalmic quality, the same as is expected from lenses used in regular glasses. Optical-quality lenses have true curves and are free of distortion and aberration. This curvature, which is ground or molded in and then polished, separates these high-quality lenses from those most commonly found in sunglasses sold in regular retail stores.
        Quality polarized lenses are made by a special process that places an ultra-thin sheet of polarizing film within the lens itself. This protects the film from any damage and allows the lens to be ground and polished.
        Polarized Sunglasses are available in many colors, Grey and Brown being the most popular. Grey is an excellent all-around color for sunglasses since it is neutral in color and allows the full range of visible light colors to be seen. Brown is an excellent color as it enhances contrast and definition while not substantially altering color.
        Quality Polarized Lenses should also block all UVB and UVA light. Ultra-Violet radiation is that light which causes not only sunburn, but can also harm the human eye contributing to the deterioration of vision. Research has linked Ultra-Violet rays to the development of cataracts (clouding of the lens), as well as other degenerative conditions in the eye.
        The fact is Polarized Sunglasses enhance all outdoor activities. They are simply the best sun lens there is. Eliminating reflected glare gives you an advantage you can see. Fishermen can see the action beneath the water's surface. Hunters can see into the brush and trees better now that the glare from the leaves is gone. Skiers can gauge the depth of the moguls and differentiate contrast in the shadows. Golfers can pick up the ball in flight quicker and read greens more accurately. Eliminating the glare benefits all outdoor activity whether it be driving, hiking, biking, playing tennis or just laying around the pool.

Great Basin