Polarization of clear lenses

[patientzhivago]

Why can't clear, untinted eyeglasses and photochromic lenses be polarized, and what would happen if a polarization filter were added to such lenses?

[chip anderson]

Filter would have to have some pigmentation. This has been discussed over and over on optiboards, just can't be done.

[rinselberg]

As Chip said, the polarization filter has to include dye or tint for it to work - so you cannot have a lens that is both clear and polarized.

There are lenses that are polarized and also photochromic - but even in their lightest or most faded state, they are not clear lenses. These are sunwear or outdoor lenses. And here's a new such lens that you may wish to investigate:

Younger Optics Drivewear Lenses
http://www.drivewearlens.com/drivewear/index.php

These lenses use a new Transitions-based photochromic dye that darkens even behind the windshield of a car, because the new dye responds to visible as well as ultraviolet light.

[Grubendol]

Opti-Source also makes a polar/photochromic, but it is just a regular photochromic, not like the drivewear.

[Steve Machol]

Consumer post closed.