Ask An Eye Doc: What are the Benefits of Polarized Lenses?

For all the benefits we receive from the sun, its light can pose some serious health concerns. Sunlight reflecting off smooth water, snow or flat roads can create glare which is not only annoying but can have a long-term impact on your vision such as causing cataracts. Blinding glare from the sun and snow blindness can even sunburn your eyes. Thankfully, polarized lenses can help to shield you against the dangers of the sun’s intense glare. Dr. Joseph Allen explains for in this episode of #AskAnEyeDoc.

[@crupert23225]

Excellent. But are there any DISadvantages to them? Why wouldn't I automatically request them?

[@JACOPO.OFFICIEL]

I'm I the only one who finds that sunglasses help me focus and be calmer ?
Maybe because of my social anxiety

[@markdayton3186]

Being new to anxiety and panic attacks, while driving, sunglasses have been my friend. I put them on and feel so much calmer.

[@JamesPawson]

I am pretty sure a lot of people feel that way.

[@EDCwhistlesSCRATCHCARDS]

Yes make me calmer too and people cant eye contact with you that help me too !

[@Husssiani]

Thanks Doc

[@JoshWitte]

0:27 are you seriously suggesting that people should wear polarized lenses while driving...at night?

[@x3trece13]

Can you use this for prescription glasses also?

[@vspvisioncare]

Hi Jay - We recommend checking with your local eye doctor. If you need to find one near you, you can search here: www.vsp.com/eye-doctor. - Lauren, VSP

[@EDCwhistlesSCRATCHCARDS]

my gf use a polarize clip-on attach her prescription glasses .

[@elkbirabencherif5435]

Can non-polarized lens be "polarized" afterwards?

[@wallaroo1295]

Doc,
Are there any known *negative* health impacts from wearing polarized lenses? Like causing functional atrophy of muscles that... I dunno, make our eyes naturally deal with glare?
I'm not sure if that makes sense the way I have /framed/ that question. (Ha - Punny!)
Anyway, good to see a video from an Occ Doc about the topic - thank you!

[@vspvisioncare]

Hi Wallardo, We don’t provide specific medical advice over social media, as we aren’t set up to do so. We recommend calling your eye doctor for more information. Thank you. -Wendy, VSP

[@wallaroo1295]

@@vspvisioncare Thank you, I was just asking about the effects of polarized lenses on human eyeballs in general, not *my* eyeballs. - Appreciated though!

[@EggerJonathan]

So i just got new prescription sunglasses, both my older and new sunglasses have polarized lenses. However, my new ones have a weird 3d effect that is giving me a headache and makes me sick just driving in them for less than 30 minutes. Is there something wrong with my new lenses? My older sunglasses have never had the issue.

[@JamesPawson]

Maybe both lenses aren't aligned/polarized in the same direction (which would be a defect.)

[@manusharma9837]

Are this type of polarised lenses available in single vision??

[@MsTracyBennett]

Polarized lenses are available in single vision, progressive, and segmented bifocals. 🙂

[@chriswhorror6658]

I don’t feel so dumb on spending $250 on my polarized sunglasses. 😂 thank you.

[@wallaroo1295]

Is that prescription price? Because I get my polarized lenses as safety glasses at the hardware store for $25US... they usually last me a year or two before I wreck them in some manner of misadventure, even with the ANSI impact rated safety lenses - I could buy ten pairs of them over the better half of a decade of hard use... If those aren't 'scrips, you gotta rethink the definition of dumb! 😁
[And to be fair to you on my lighthearted criticism - I broke several pairs of Oakleys in Alaska, and sent a really fancy pair of Bolle's to the bottom of the Pacific Ocean on Kwajalein while fishing. - "If you're gonna be dumb, ya gotta be tough!" LOL]