samedi 19 avril 2014

Understanding How Polarized Fishing Sunglasses Work

By Essie Osborn


Finding good polarized fishing sunglasses is not as simple as reading advertisements and looking for bargains. The technology behind these specialized lenses is fairly involved, being based on light and how it works. Understanding the subject involves basic physics and misleading marketing. For instance, taking on faith the claim that lenses work on both water and snow glare may lead you into error.

However, a basic understanding can help you select the right protective lenses for your purpose. Although many advertisements claim that fisherman lenses are also good for skiing and other snow sports, as well as for cycling, driving, and golfing, this may not be true. The old adage: 'buyer beware' holds true in this case.

This is where it gets both interesting to some and confusing to others. Light in its natural form - sunlight - is 'scattered', meaning that it comes from many different directions. It's when light travels in a direct path, as when it's reflected off water, that it causes what we call glare.

The angle of the light affects how it can be filtered by polarizing glasses. They work best at mid-morning and mid-afternoon, apparently. High noon light renders than less effective at seeing underwater. It's also better to look into the water at an angle rather than straight down. Cocking your head can interfere with vision, as well, experts say.

Water reflects sunlight differently from snow, which another aspect explained by physics. Ads might claim that lenses work for many activities, but this is disputed. For instance, skiers might find them helpful for long-distance vision and for general glare protection. However, they may miss seeing details like icy patches that can take them unawares. Reading digital instruments is impossible, as well.

Actually, the topic of reflected light would make a great science fair project. For those who just want to wear glasses that help them see when on the water, all this information might not be necessary. The fact is that these lenses can both help cut glare off the water and make objects underwater - like fish - more visible. They block out reflections of clouds as well as light, apparently.

In that case, you need to find a reputable manufacturer or depend on the advice of experienced fishermen. Magazines and online sites devoted to the sport may help. Your eye doctor might be able to give you sound counsel; perhaps he or she even fishes for fun. A good retailer will have customer reps who can answer questions when it's time to make a purchase.

If you really want to know what you're doing, the internet has some great sites with charts and other aids to understanding how light works and how it bounces off different surfaces. There's even a test you can do to make sure the glasses you have are truly polarized. Take control of your own health and safety with a better understanding of this important topic.




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