What type of lenses are specifically designed to reduce glare from surfaces like snow and water?

Polarized lenses are specifically designed to minimize glare that reflects off surfaces such as water and snow. This glare can be distracting and even dangerous, particularly in outdoor conditions where bright sunlight can bounce off these reflective surfaces.

The way polarized lenses work is by incorporating a special filter that blocks certain orientations of light waves. Glare typically comes from horizontal light waves that reflect off smooth surfaces, and the polarization helps to reduce this effect, resulting in clearer vision and enhanced comfort for the wearer. This feature is especially beneficial for activities like fishing, skiing, or driving, where enhanced visibility can significantly improve safety and enjoyment.

In contrast, UV protective lenses primarily focus on blocking harmful ultraviolet rays but do not address glare. Single vision lenses are simply designed to correct vision for one field (near or far), without any special treatment for glare. Photochromic lenses darken in response to sunlight but do not specifically reduce glare, making them less effective in scenarios where glare reduction is critical.