Polarized lenses give the wearer greater depth and clarity of vision, which is invaluable when sighting fish beneath the water’s surface.
Most people recognize the need for sunglasses for eye protection while boating and fishing. Not only do sunglasses protect your eyes from being hurt as you navigate your boat on the water, but it is dangerous if you are hit in the eye by a bug or even while being hit by a lure when you set the hook. No one wants to have a sharp fishhook penetrate their eye.
I know from personal experience that eye injuries can be quite painful. When I was a fourth-grade student, I was watching my neighbor mow his yard. His lawn mower struck a rock and that rock hit me in the right eye. I ended up in the hospital for 10 days with patches on both eyes as the doctors and specialists battled to save my eye.
As luck would have it, they were successful, but I still have the scar across my eye. A few years later, while operating a Kingsbury drill at Chrysler Corp., I had a machine malfunction, and a drill bit broke and flew toward me. The drill bit struck the lens of my safety glasses and shattered the lens. It happened so fast and unexpectedly, I had no warning. I was fortunate to have worn my safety glasses. I could have easily lost my eye, but I was observing the safety regulations and had those glasses on when it happened.
When it comes to sunglasses, especially if you are a boater or angler, I highly recommend polarized sunglasses. The polarized lens allows you to actually see with more depth and clarity than regular sunglasses. Without polarized lens, the sun glare might be reduced somewhat, but those standard lenses will not allow you to see much below the water surface.
Many times, my polarized sunglasses allowed me to see bluegill beds below the water surface that I would not be able to see with standard sunglasses. They also allowed me to sight fish and actually see bass guarding their nests. I have been able to see the bass from a distance, navigate my boat silently, and make a well-executed presentation of my lure to catch that bass.
A few years ago, my wife and I were walking along the edge of a retention pond in our daughter's backyard, and she was wearing her standard sunglasses. I mentioned to her a group of maybe 25 bluegill beds, and I could see several bluegills swimming around them. She was unable to see the bluegill.
I told her to look through my sunglasses. She was amazed at the difference the polarized sunglasses made. From that moment forward, she started wearing polarized sunglass for the extra sight ability and more reduction of the sunrays.
There are several manufacturers of polarized sunglasses, and most of them are pretty good. I am fortunate since my son-in-law works for an eye specialist. He makes lenses for glasses. I had him make me some polarized sunglasses with my eye prescription and bifocals, and they are magnificent. They also have safety lenses to eliminate damage from debris and items that could be harmful if I am driving my bass boat.
Polarized sunglasses are more expensive, but they are well worth the price. I know several people who once preferred standard sunglasses, but once they were made aware of the huge difference, they changed their mind and are now advocating the use of polarized sunglasses. A quality pair made by a certified person is much better than buying a pair of sunglasses off the rack in a store and oftentimes are more stylish. I want to see better, and I am less concerned with style.
Suffice it to say, I have been wearing prescription glasses since the fourth grade. Yes, I had students making fun of me, but your eyesight is very important. You need to take special care of your eyes no matter what you are doing, work or play. You need to see your eye doctor or specialist regularly and protect your vision. Give polarized sunglasses a try and see the difference. You won’t be disappointed!