Blessed with the weather we might have been this summer, but for those of us with sensitive peepers, the extra light bouncing off every surface during our various outdoor escapades has been… less than optimal.

Glare – that is, light from a main light source or secondary light that bounces toward us from a surface – can be very distracting and uncomfortable for our sight. The extra sunlight we have been so grateful to experience this summer, when multiplied by the backlight from our phones, laptops, Fitbits and computers, has the potential to cause us some discomfort or sight difficulty.

If you’ve ever been bothered by glare reflecting off surfaces on a sunny day or when the sun is low in the sky, you might benefit from a pair of polarising sunglasses. You can add polarising lenses in shades of brown, grey and green, to most sunglasses styles, so it’s just a matter of choosing which set suit you best.

Why polarised sunglasses?

First things first: what are polarised sunglasses? Put simply, polarised sunglasses are designed to reduce glare from light-reflecting surfaces like water, glass or snow – as well as protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.

Standard sunglasses will protect your eyes from bright light, and in most cases, offer UV protection — but they aren’t always able to reduce glare. Polarising sunglasses can look exactly the same as standard sunglasses, but their lenses feature a polarising film which changes the way light reaches your eyes.

There is a subtle way to tell the difference between standard sunglasses and polarising ones. Hold the sunglasses in front of a reflective surface, and look through one of the lenses. Then, slowly rotate the sunglasses 90 degrees to the right or left. If the glare reduces, the sunglasses are polarised.

Protect your peepers

Polarising lenses are especially useful for people with certain eye conditions that make them more sensitive to light, such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and uveitis (a type of eye inflammation). They’re also helpful for protecting the eyes after surgery that may cause more sensitivity to light, such as cataract removal or laser correction.

Strong protection, stylish dimension

Don’t let glare get in the way of your summer escapades. From sea watchers and walkers, to patio-perching partygoers – from flash rooftop brunchers looking to impress, to web-surfing hard workers looking to give their eyes a rest, there are chic, smart and stylish shades to suit all. Because most lines of designer sunglasses can be adapted to feature, or automatically come with, polarising lenses, there is no need to sacrifice fashion for function.

For the flash rooftop bruncher

No paparazzi, please. These Viktor & Rolf head-turners are perfect to be spotted in, while simultaneously, guarding your good sight from flashing sunlight. With retro flair, these shades are perfect for your hotly-anticipated brunch date atop the rooftop of one of Dublin’s chic hotels, or amongst white tablecloths at the doorstep of a five-star restaurant.

For the sea worshipper

We can’t help but migrate toward the water on our wanders in this gorgeous heat. In fact, there are some that love the sea so much, they’ll rise with a swim, and watch the sun set from the pier (or for the really lucky – their boat!). When the sun reflects from the waves, though, our view can be spoiled with eye discomfort, even in our favourite pair of shades. The polarising lenses in these sweet, simple shades designed by Kylie Minogue will save the water babies some winces. Perfect for tucking into your tote as you dash to dive in!

For the chilled-out, patio-perching partygoer

It’s fun to be fun and the introduction of polka-dot patterns to one’s ‘fit works nicely as a feminine, retro reference to an otherwise laidback party look. Add these to a casual day-dress and sandals or trainers for an easy party vibe. These Cath Kidston’s, featuring polarising lenses, would look quite right at a Friday night barbecue with pals. Cold beverage in hand, it won’t be so hard to focus on your friends faces in the glare, as the sun goes down on a long week.

For the web-surfing hard workers

Too busy moving from Zoom to Zoom to make a statement? Try opting for a simplistic yet smart pair of club master-style sunglasses to wear in your down-time like these chunky-framed ones which feature polarising lenses. The versatility of these sunglasses means they can be worn on most occasions but style with a simple linen shirt and loafers for a smart, casual look, ideal for a worker bee.

You can add polarising lenses to most sunglasses styles. If ordering these online, enter your prescription, select your sun tint and ensure you select a standard thickness for the lens.

Then you’ll be able to select a polarising option. For extra thin and light thickness lenses, speak to the expert team in your local store.

To find out more visit www.specsavers.ie.