Polarized Lenses Absorb Horizontal Glare

Many of the best sunglasses have polarized lenses which absorb horizontal glare. This allows you to see things that just aren't there when viewed with ordinary sunglass lenses, or with the naked eye. 

This includes strong glare reflected off large plate-glass windows, such as on the sides of large office buildings - and also the glare reflected off you from on top of the water in the sea or on a lake.

This is why polarized lenses are so popular with water sports enthusiasts and fishermen. The polarized lenses absorb horizontal glare.

Instead of being blinded by the light from a window reflection, polarized lenses chop out the glare and suddenly you can see right through the window.

The fisherman can see fish below the surface, snags and other obstructions which might otherwise snag his fishing line. And the water skier can see some of what's under the water instead of just what's all around him.

Light waves vibrate and radiate outwards in all directions, whether they are natural (from the sun), or from artificial sources (such as an electric light bulb).

When the light's vibrations are aligned into one or more planes of direction, the light is said to be polarized. This applies whether the light is transmitted, scattered, refracted or reflected. Most times what bothers us is reflected - into our eyes.

Polarization happens both naturally and artificially... A lake is a perfect example of natural polarization. The reflected glare from the surface of the water is the light that does not make it through the "filter" of the water. This is why you usually can't see anything below the surface of the lake, even though the water might be crystal clear.

Polarized Sunglasses