Is It Harder to Read with Polarized Sunglasses? Here's the Truth

Well, we’ve all been there. You're out on a sunny day, rocking your stylish polarized sunglasses, but then you need to read something—your phone, a book, or a menu—and suddenly, everything seems harder to focus on. It makes you wonder, is it actually harder to read with polarized sunglasses? I’ve had this experience too, and trust me, you're not the only one. Let’s break down why this happens and whether or not polarized lenses are to blame.

What Are Polarized Sunglasses?

Before diving into the reading issue, let’s first understand what polarized sunglasses are and how they work.

The Science Behind Polarization

Polarized lenses are designed to reduce glare from surfaces like water, roads, or snow. They have a special coating that blocks horizontal light waves, which are the primary cause of glare. The result? You get clearer vision and reduced discomfort in bright environments. Pretty cool, right? Honestly, they’ve been a game-changer for me when driving or spending time outdoors.

But here's the thing: while polarized sunglasses are great for outdoor activities and minimizing glare, they can sometimes create unexpected problems in specific situations—like reading.

Why Is It Harder to Read with Polarized Sunglasses?

Honestly, it’s not the polarized lenses themselves that make it difficult to read, but rather how they interact with digital screens and certain light conditions. So, let’s dig into the details:

1. Effect on Digital Screens

I first noticed this when I was trying to check my phone on a bright day while wearing my polarized sunglasses. I could barely read the screen! It turns out that polarized lenses can affect the visibility of LCD screens, like those on phones, tablets, and even some digital clocks. This happens because the horizontal light that is filtered by the lenses can also interfere with the light emitted from the screen, making it appear darker or even almost unreadable at certain angles.

2. Light Polarization and Print Materials

You might also have trouble reading printed materials, especially when you're outside. Polarized lenses can sometimes distort the light that reflects off glossy or shiny paper, making text harder to read. It’s not so much that the lenses block the text, but they alter how the light interacts with the material you're reading.

3. Angle Matters

Actually, the angle at which you hold your book or phone can make a huge difference when reading with polarized lenses. If you’re holding your phone or a book at a specific angle, the effect of the polarization can make the screen or text look faint or blurry. I remember holding my phone at a certain tilt and struggling to see anything. It wasn’t until I adjusted the angle that I could finally make out the text clearly.

How to Overcome the Difficulty of Reading with Polarized Sunglasses

Okay, so it seems clear that while polarized lenses are amazing for outdoor activities, they do have a few drawbacks when it comes to reading. But don’t worry—there are ways to overcome this!

1. Adjust Your Viewing Angle

The simplest way to make reading easier with polarized sunglasses is by adjusting the angle of your screen or reading material. You may need to hold your phone or book at a different angle to reduce the effect of the polarization. I’ve found that tilting the screen slightly up or down often solves the issue.

2. Remove Your Sunglasses for Close-Up Tasks

Honestly, this one seems pretty obvious, but if you're struggling to read something and it's really getting on your nerves, just take the sunglasses off for a minute. It’s a quick fix, and you’ll be able to read without any issues. I know it’s a hassle, but in situations where precise reading is important, it’s the easiest solution.

3. Use Lenses with a Lower Polarization Intensity

If you wear polarized sunglasses regularly but find the reading issue bothersome, you might want to consider lenses with a lower polarization intensity. Some brands offer polarized lenses that reduce the level of glare-blocking effect, making them less disruptive when you need to read. After a recent chat with a friend who’s an optometrist, I learned that it’s possible to choose less intense polarized lenses, which I might try in the future.

Are There Any Other Situations Where Polarized Lenses Are Difficult?

Well, aside from reading, there are a few other situations where polarized lenses can be a bit tricky. For example:

1. In Car Windshields

Have you ever noticed that the windshield in a car can sometimes look weird or blurry when you're wearing polarized sunglasses? This happens because some car windows have a coating that can interact with the polarization of your lenses. In my experience, it’s been more annoying than dangerous, but it can make seeing the dashboard or other objects through the window a bit harder.

2. Certain Water Surfaces

Another weird situation is when you're near water that has varying levels of reflectiveness. Polarized lenses are great for cutting down on glare from calm water, but in areas with ripples or waves, the effect can sometimes cause a distorted view. It’s not a huge issue, but it’s something to keep in mind when you’re fishing or doing other water activities.

Conclusion: Is It Really Harder to Read with Polarized Sunglasses?

Honestly, yes, it can be harder to read with polarized sunglasses, especially when using digital screens or when dealing with glossy printed material. The key is understanding how the lenses interact with light and adjusting accordingly. If you’re outdoors and need to read, simply adjusting the angle of your screen or temporarily removing your sunglasses will usually do the trick.

At the end of the day, polarized sunglasses are a fantastic tool for outdoor activities, but if you're someone who needs to read a lot or often checks your phone, you might face some challenges. So, knowing when to take them off or adjust your reading angle can make all the difference!

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How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

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Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

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