What are polarized lenses used for?

Polarized lenses are used to reduce glare and are particularly effective if the wearer spends a lot of time on or near water. The lenses work by filtering out the sunlight that bounces off the water or pavement, as well as snow.

The same filter that allows polarized lenses to reduce glare also impedes visibility of liquid crystal displays, or LCDs, and light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, found on dashboards or automatic teller machines. GPS screens and cell phone screens are also difficult to see with these lenses.

Lens polarization is widely available and can be used with bifocals or progressive glasses, as well as photochromic lenses.