Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Test on a reflective surface
• Method 2 of 3: Comparing two pairs of sunglasses
• Method 3 of 3: Using a computer screen
• Warnings

Polarized sunglasses are popular because they protect your eyes not only from the sun, but also from glare. Since they are more expensive than regular sunglasses, you should make sure the item matches the description. Test the anti-reflective coating of polarized sunglasses by looking at a reflective surface and comparing two pairs of sunglasses, or use a computer screen.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Test on a reflective surface

1. 1 Find a reflective surface that creates glare when light hits it. This could be a glossy countertop, mirror, or other shiny flat surface. Make sure that glare remains visible even 60–90 cm from the surface.
   • If you want to create glare, turn on overhead lighting or shine onto a reflective surface with a flashlight.
2. 2 Keep sunglasses 15–20 cm from your eyes. You should be able to see the surface through one of the lenses. If the lenses are too small, bring your sunglasses closer to your face.
3. 3 Rotate the sunglasses 60 degrees upward. Sunglasses should be angled so that one lens is raised slightly higher than the other. Since sunglasses are polarized in a specific direction, rotating them can improve the polarization efficiency.
   • Depending on the angle at which the glare falls on the surface, you may need to tilt the glasses slightly to notice the difference.
4. 4 Look through the lenses and estimate the intensity of the glare. If the sunglasses are polarized, then the glare should be gone. If you look at the surface through one of the lenses, it should be very dark and not reflecting glare, but at the same time it looks like there is light on the surface.
   • If you are unsure of the effectiveness of polarization, slide your sunglasses several times to compare the actual picture with what is seen through them.

Method 2 of 3: Comparing two pairs of sunglasses

1. 1 Find sunglasses that are accurately polarized. If you already own polarized sunglasses or have picked up several polarized sunglasses in the store, do a comparison test. This test only works with another pair of polarized sunglasses.
2. 2 Place some polarized sunglasses in front of you and hold others behind them. Keep the lenses at eye level, but 2.5–5.5 cm apart. Place the pair of sunglasses to be tested close to you and the polarized pair behind it.
   • Be careful not to let the lenses touch each other, as this may scratch the coating.
3. 3 For more pronounced results, aim your sunglasses at a bright light source. This should make the test easier, especially if this is your first time comparing sunglasses in this way. The light will make the shading more visible.
   • Use natural light from a window or artificial light such as overhead lighting or a lamp.
4. 4 Rotate the sunglasses to be tested 60 degrees. One of the lenses should be diagonally relative to the other, and the polarized sunglasses should remain in the same position. Thus, only one of the lenses will still be aligned with the lens of the other glasses.
   • It doesn't matter which way you turn your sunglasses, as long as you hold both pairs tightly.
5. 5 Look through the overlay lens section to see if the image has darkened. If both pairs of sunglasses are polarized, the world seen through them will appear darker. If the test glasses are not polarized, no color differences will be noticeable.
   • Compare the view through the dual lenses with the view through the single lenses.

Method 3 of 3: Using a computer screen

1. 1 Turn your computer screen to maximum brightness. Most computer monitors have the same anti-reflective film as polarized glasses. This fact makes it possible to assess the polarization of the glasses just by looking at the screen.
   • Open a white screen as its brightness will make the test results more eloquent.
2. 2 Put on your sunglasses. Sit in front of your computer and wear sunglasses. Sit up straight in front of the screen.
   • If the computer screen is tilted, raise it to eye level.
3. 3 Tilt your head 60 degrees to the left or right. While in front of the screen, tilt your head toward your left or right shoulder. If the sunglasses are polarized, the screen will turn black (due to the mutual neutralization of the anti-reflective coating).
   • If one side does not darken, try tilting your head to the other side. If that doesn't work, then the sunglasses are not polarized.

Warnings

• If possible, check the polarization of your sunglasses before purchasing. Some stores have special test cards that are visible only through polarized sunglasses.