Polarised Lenses: Brilliant for Glare — But There’s a Catch
Polarised sunglasses are a favorite for a reason. They dramatically reduce harsh reflected glare from roads, water, glass and other shiny surfaces, making them particularly popular with drivers, boaters, golfers and anyone spending time outdoors.
But there is one little quirk that many people don't know about.
Some LCD and LED screens can be difficult to see through polarised sunglasses.
This happens because the polarising filter in the sunglasses can interact with the polarisation used in some digital displays. Depending on the screen and the angle you're viewing it from, the display may appear very dark, distorted or even almost completely black.
You may notice this with:
- 🚗 Some car dashboard and infotainment screens
- 📱 Certain phones and tablets
- 💻 Some laptops and computer screens
- ⛽ Some digital displays and payment terminals
It's not usually a problem with the sunglasses — it's an interaction between the two types of polarisation.
The simple trick? If you're driving and regularly need to check a digital dashboard, tilt your head or change the angle of the screen. In some cases, simply rotating the device or viewing it from a slightly different angle makes the display visible again.
So, Should You Choose Polarised?
For outdoor glare, absolutely consider them. Polarised lenses can make a huge difference to visual comfort, particularly around reflective surfaces.
But if you spend a lot of time looking at digital screens while wearing your sunglasses, it's worth checking how your particular screens look through the lenses before making your choice.
Polarised isn't always better — it's about choosing the right lens for how you live.