Polarized Do's & Don'ts
by Karlen McLean, ABOC, NCLC

When it comes to fitting patients with polarized lenses, one of the keys to success is saying the right thing in the right way. The following is a guide to communicating how users can most effectively use polarization.

DAY-TO-DAY USE

Don't Say: Polarized lenses are only effective in grey.

Do Say: Polarized lenses come in a variety of colors to best match your visual concerns and lifestyle.

Don't Say: Polarized lenses can make viewing digital displays difficult.

Do Say: Occasionally people notice that their cell phone display, the gas pump display, or other car windows look wavy. This visual effect is a completely normal result of compression in what's viewed interacting with the nature of LED displays.

Don't Say: Skiers can't wear polarized lenses.

Do Say: Polarized lenses can help skiers identify terrain contrast and help reduce reflective light off snow and ice.

Don't Say: Pilots can't wear polarized lenses.

Do Say: Pilots will appreciate polarized technology for on-the-ground activities, but shouldn't wear polarized lenses in the cockpit.

While fishing, consider the depth of the water when selecting the color of the polarized lens—but don't forget to factor in the user's preference as well

WATER WORKS

Don't Say: Polarized lenses only work if you're on the water.

Do Say: Polarized lenses work for everyone, from children to senior citizens, to block UV rays and fight glare.

Don't Say: Grey polarized lenses are best for deep-water fishing and brown polarized lenses are better for shallow water fishing

Do Say: For fishing, each person has individual requirements, but most experience better vision with brown polarized lenses in deep water and grey polarized lenses in shallow water. Always blend polarization and personal color preference.

Don't Say: Polarized lenses may be too dark for you.

Do Say: Because polarized lenses come in a variety of colors and densities, they can be customized.

Polarized lenses are suited for a wide range of users in all age ranges to provide protection from glare and UV rays

Don't Say: Polarized lenses eliminate glare.

Do Say: Quality polarized lenses block 100 percent of UV rays and block 99 percent of distracting dangerous glare while still providing superior visual clarity.

CARE ISSUES

Don't Say: Polarized lenses used to delaminate.

Do Say: Today's polarized lens technology has been developed over the past 70 years to its peak today.

Don't Say: Polarized lenses can scratch.

Do Say: High-quality polarized lenses offer multilayer scratch protection. EB





 

IMAGES COURTESY OF POLAROID EYEWEAR

IMAGES COURTESY OF YOUNGER OPTICS