American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) Practice Exam

Polarized lenses are most effective at blocking which type of glare?

1. Vertically polarized glare

2. Horizontally polarized glare

3. Diagonally polarized glare

4. Elliptically polarized glare

The correct answer is: Horizontally polarized glare

Polarized lenses are specifically designed to reduce glare that is predominantly horizontally polarized. This type of glare typically occurs when light reflects off flat surfaces such as water, roads, or snow, creating a blinding effect that can hinder vision. The lenses work by containing a special filter that blocks this horizontally polarized light while allowing vertically oriented light to pass through, which enhances visual clarity and comfort. Horizontally polarized light is most common in many outdoor environments, especially in activities like driving or water sports, where reflections create significant glare. Therefore, the effectiveness of polarized lenses in blocking this type of glare is what makes them particularly valuable in enhancing outdoor visual performance.