Are Polarized Sunglasses Good for Snow Conditions?
The first element to consider is whether or not to use polarized lenses. You may be asking yourself: Should I wear polarized lenses in the snow?
There has been a myth that polarized lenses should be avoided in winter conditions as they can make it harder to distinguish ice from snow and black ice on the road. However, it’s quite the opposite effect as good quality polarized lenses will remove glare and consequently add color contrast and texture, which are especially important for any conditions in which high glare is encountered. When light reflects off the snow, the light waves align in horizontal patterns and cause glare.
A quality pair of polarized lenses will remove and reduce that glare providing a sharper, more detailed and comfortable view while bringing out contrast and depth perception. Remember, not all polarized lenses are created equal so it’s important to do your research before buying any polarized lens.
What about while skiing or snowboarding? Are polarized lenses good for skiing?
Yes, wearing high quality polarized lenses while skiing or snowboarding will allow you to see far better. They will remove harsh, irritating glare while adding contrast and texture, therefore heightening detail and depth perception of the terrain you’re riding.
Once you find a pair of frames that fit you well and comfortable while riding, you may consider outfitting them with the industry’s highest quality polarized lenses to enhance your visual experience in the snow. Tajima Direct produces the best polarized lens technology for snow conditions, and they’ll custom make them to fit into your favorite frames.
One of the greatest validations on this topic was when America’s most decorated male Olympic skier Bode Miller purchased two pairs of Tajima polarized lenses for his personal use. When contacted, he confirmed he’d always been a fan of polarized lenses in the snow, especially Tajima’s lens technology for the excellent visual clarity and color saturation as well as being lightweight and impact resistant.
What are the Best Sunglass Lens Colors for Snow?
The second element in finding the best sunglass lenses for snowy conditions is determining the right lens color to go with. Choosing the best lens color for the snow conditions you’re in is imperative. We’ll lay out the basics for you below.
When it’s a bright, sunny day on the snow or in the mountains, extreme glare and brightness is magnified due to the elevation and the hi-glare environment off the white snow surface. A neutral gray tinted polarized lens with a blue mirror coating is the best choice. The blue mirror will reflect more light away from your eyes reducing the brightness of the sun while the polarization will reduce glare from the intense sunlight reflecting off the snow.
The gray tint with the blue mirror coating is a perfect match adding additional color enhancement and contrast for an incredibly sharp, crisp, and comfortable view with an ideal Visible Light Transmission (VLT) level of 10-12%. Dark enough on the bright open fields, yet not too dark when riding through shadows of trees or off piste runs. The Tajima Urethane Gray with Blue Mirror was one of Bode Miller’s lens purchases for these exact reasons noted above.
Sunglasses are not only for the summer! The sun’s rays are just as damaging to your eyes in the winter. Snow makes it even worse. Almost 80 percent of the sun’s rays get reflected back to your eyes by the snow. The right sunglass lenses will protect your eyes and lower your chances of getting cataracts, macular degeneration, cornea sunburn, reduced vision from snow glare, snow blindness, and dry eyes.
These sunglass lenses are especially good when there is snow on the ground:
Yellow lenses — Yellow and other light-colored lenses, including gold, rose, and amber, are excellent for wearing in the snow. They are a top choice of skiers, snowboarders, and people who enjoy other winter sports. Their advantages include better visibility on the ski slopes and in other snowy places.
Yellow and amber lenses block blue light. They increase contrast and make the things you see look brighter and sharper. This may not be good for driving on a bright day, but it is ideal for sports or walking in the snow on overcast days or when the light is flat or at a low-to-medium level of brightness.
UV Protection — Lenses worn in the snow should protect you from harmful ultraviolet rays. Lenses should provide at least 99 percent UV protection. Only buy lenses that have information about their level of UV protection printed on a tag or sticker attached to the sunglasses.
Glacier glasses — These special sunglasses often have wrap-around lenses that protect your eyes from light that bounces off the snow and hits the side of your face.
If you need prescription sunglasses, we invite you to come to Riverdale Vision Care in Riverdale, New Jersey, for a comprehensive eye examination. In addition to determining your prescription for your sunglasses, we will also assess the health of your eyes and look for early signs of any problems. Call us at (973) 248-0060 for an appointment.