What Is Glare?

Glare, that pesky interference with your vision caused by natural or artificial light, can be downright annoying and uncomfortable. Whether it's strong reflections during the day or the piercing glow of car headlights at night, glare hampers your ability to see clearly.

In the world of sunglasses, this brief article delves into the effects of glare on your vision and offers insights into the most effective ways to minimize its impact. Let's explore the nuances a bit further.

What causes glare?

Glare isn't just a pesky annoyance; it's a result of your eyes struggling to handle an excess of light. When the brightness becomes too intense, it hinders your vision, leading to discomfort and a decline in visual performance.

Sources of glare vary with the environment and time of day. During the day, reflective surfaces like water, cars, buildings, and windows are common culprits. At night, the glaring headlights of cars take the lead as the most impactful source of glare. Regardless of the season, reflected sunlight remains a constant, with water, especially when facing the sun, emerging as a significant contributor to glare.

Do sunglasses block glare?

Not all sunglasses are created equal when it comes to tackling glare. The game-changer? Polarized sunglasses. Unlike their non-polarized counterparts, polarized lenses not only provide UV protection but also feature a specialized filter. This filter works wonders by blocking reflected glare, ensuring a smoother and more consistent vision under varying sunlight conditions.

So, while non-polarized sunglasses still offer UV protection, it's the polarized ones that take the lead in the battle against bothersome glare, making them a savvy choice for enhanced eye comfort and clarity.

Types of glare

• Distracting Glare: The troublemaker of the lot, distracting glare disrupts focus by introducing a strong light source into your peripheral vision. Picture trying to work on your computer while sunlight plays the spoiler, hindering your line of sight.

• Disabling Glare or 'Disability Glare': A more serious contender, disability glare goes beyond distraction – it physically inhibits your vision, often described as being 'dazzled.' For instance, driving towards the low winter sun can significantly impair your ability to see the road ahead.

When it comes to tasks like driving, polarized sunglasses emerge as unsung heroes in the battle against reflected glare. Picture this scenario: low-level sun, wet roads, and reflections from other cars or water – a recipe for straining your eyes while behind the wheel.

Extended drives under such conditions can lead to visual fatigue, leaving you with that unmistakable 'frazzled' feeling. If this situation sounds all too familiar, consider it a cue to invest in high-quality polarized sunglasses. These not only enhance your driving experience by minimizing glare but also contribute to safer and more comfortable journeys on the road.

Is glare bad for your eyes?

Glare is distracting and often debilitates your vision. The minor effects of glare is visual fatigue when your eyes become tired from straining to see. If unprotected, the major effect of glare is UV exposure which can cause macular degeneration, cataracts and long term skin damage.

We hope you found this article helpful! If you have any more questions or need further insights, feel free to reach out. Stay informed, and keep those eyes protected!