The day is bright and sunny. Optimal conditions for driving, right? Wrong! Blinding glare from sun and vehicles is a contributing factor to fatal motor vehicle accidents. More than 90 percent of reactions made behind the wheel depend on good vision. A recent survey by Essilor revealed a disturbing fact – 20 percent of eyeglass wearers sometimes drive without their prescription glasses and instead wear non-prescription sunglasses. That means one in five make day-driving unnecessarily treacherous. Another Essilor study found that reaction times improved by one-third of a second for drivers who wear polarized prescription lenses. For a car traveling 80 km/h, one-third of a second allows a driver to stop seven metres sooner, or the length of an intersection. In glare-intense situations, polarized lenses improve vision clarity by 75 percent, compared to ordinary sun lenses.
LIFE-SAVING BENEFITS OF POLARIZED LENSES
June 23, 2014
How do they work? Sunlight itself is not polarized – it’s either absorbed or reflected. Sunlight bouncing off a horizontal surface will strike the driver’s eyes at a similar angle and produce strong glare. Working like a venetian blind, polarized lenses have a laminated surface with invisible vertical stripes that allow only vertically-oriented light to enter the eyes. Glare is eliminated because the horizontally-polarized light waves can’t bypass the polarized filter.
Come and see us for specific advice on sunglass lenses and frame styles. We can recommend the best options for you based upon your lifestyle, hobbies, and degree of UV exposure.
Wondering what to ask before cataract surgery? Here are the top 7 questions to ensure you're confident, prepared, and ready for clearer vision.
Struggling with progressive lenses? Discover practical tips to ease the transition, improve clarity, and avoid common mistakes.
Discover how antifatigue lenses reduce digital eye strain, enhance comfort, and support healthier vision.
Discover the everyday chemicals quietly damaging your eyeglass lenses. Learn how to avoid them and keep your vision crystal clear.
Confused by your eye prescription? Learn what those numbers mean, from SPH to CYL, and how they impact your vision and glasses.
Struggling with dry eye? Learn the differences between IPL, RF, and Jett Plasma treatments, and find out which option may be right for you.
Think your child has ADHD? It could be a vision issue. Learn how to spot the differences and why a full eye exam should be your first step.
Discover MOSCOT’s Fall 2025 Collection: Living History. Inspired by New York’s storytellers, creators, and visionaries, this five-frame release blends bold design, timeless craftsmanship, and authentic Lower East Side heritage.
Struggling with progressive lenses? Learn how frame fit, lens design, and daily habits can improve comfort, reduce distortion, and help you adapt with confidence.
Discover office lenses: indoor glasses that reduce digital eye strain and improve comfort, clarity, and focus during extended screen time.
