When the sun’s out, a quality pair of prescription sunglasses is essential for protecting your eyes and enhancing your vision. If you’re heading to one of Perth’s beautiful beaches, enjoying a road trip along the coast or just walking to work, you need the right pair of sunglasses.
When choosing sunglasses, you’ll be faced with deciding between polarised and non-polarised lenses, and this can be confusing. Understanding how they work and when to use them can help you make the best choice for your needs.
Understanding Polarised Lenses
Specifically designed to reduce glare caused by light reflecting off flat surfaces such as water or roads, polarised lenses contain a special filter that blocks intense reflected light, allowing only useful vertical light rays to reach your eyes.
Polarised lenses reduce glare. They eliminate the bright reflections that can make it hard to see clearly, making them great for driving, fishing, boating and outdoor sports. They also offer sharper vision and comfort, colours appear more vivid and your eyes feel less strained even after extended periods outdoors. On the road, polarised lenses can help you see through reflections on wet roads or car windows, improving visibility.
If you spend a lot of time outdoors or around reflective surfaces, polarised prescription sunglasses are a great choice. Many Perth locals find them invaluable during the city’s bright summer days.
When Non-Polarised Lenses Are a Better Choice
Non-polarised lenses still provide UV protection and reduce overall brightness, but they don’t filter light reflections the same way polarised lenses do. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, in fact, there are situations where non-polarised lenses are preferable.
Non-polarised lenses are ideal when using screens. Polarised lenses can make it difficult to see screens on phones, dashboards and instrument panels, which isn’t ideal if you rely on them for work or driving. Pilots and skiers tend to favour non-polarised sunglasses as polarised options can obscure reflections that indicate surface changes or hazards.
Non-polarised lenses can also provide a more natural adjustment for those who frequently move between bright and shaded areas
UV Protection, The Non-Negotiable!
Whether you choose polarised or non-polarised lenses, one feature that should always be included is UV protection. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays can increase the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration and other eye conditions.
The beauty of modern lens technology is that you don’t have to choose between clear vision and sun protection. Prescription sunglasses combine your corrective lens prescription with the features you need for outdoor comfort.
Depending on your lifestyle, you can choose from a wide range of options. Many Perth optometry clinics offer a broad selection of frames and lens technologies to suit every taste and budget.
Book an Eyesight Test Today
If you’re interested in your first pair of prescription sunglasses, getting a professional assessment is the best first step. At Abernethy Owens, our Perth optometrists take the time to understand your vision requirements and recommend lens options that balance comfort and protection.
Book an eyesight test online now or call 1800 411 744.