Polarized sunglasses filter certain light waves to reduce glare and brightness in outdoor environments. The polarized lens technology provides visual clarity, even when light bounces off highly reflective surfaces like pavement, water, and snow.
Both polarized and ordinary (non-polarized) sunglasses can offer shade and sun protection. But standard sun lenses don’t reduce glare the same way polarized lenses do. There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of sunglass lenses, and one type may be a better choice for you than the other.
There is a special filter in polarized lenses that reduces glare. Since glare travels in horizontal rays of light, polarized lenses only allow vertical light rays to pass through to your eyes.
Horizontal rays can reflect off pavement, water, or snow. By filtering these rays out, polarized lenses help reduce glare and enhance visual clarity for the person behind the frames.
Why should you get polarized sunglasses? The features of polarized lenses are superior to other lens types when it comes to reducing harsh glare and brightness.
Cutting down on glare can be a big help if you spend a great deal of time on the water, road, or trails. Bright sunlight can be a distraction and even a safety risk. Not to mention, it’s quite annoying to deal with when you’re trying to focus on another task.
If these are concerns for you, polarized sunglasses could be a great addition to your eyewear collection. You’ll find several benefits in polarized lenses for activities such as driving, boating, hiking, and more, including:
Polarized lenses can also help shield your eyes from damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays if they have the proper protection built in. It’s always important to check that your sunglasses have 100% UVA and UVB protection. Just because lenses are polarized (or have a dark tint) does not mean they include sun protection.
Despite their many benefits, there are some downsides to polarized sunglasses too:
Be sure to consider your personal preferences and activities when weighing the pros and cons of any eyewear.
Non-polarized sunglasses don’t have the same special filter as polarized lenses. Without polarization, you may not achieve as vivid or sharp of an image through your lenses. You’ll also experience a lot more glare in bright environments.
But there are some advantages to non-polarized sunglasses that polarized lenses lack. They’re often less expensive and may be safer to wear in some environments. Some people just prefer them over polarized lenses, too.
Dark lens tint does not guarantee UV protection. You’ll need to verify that your sunglasses are labeled with 100% UVA and UVB protection to ensure they shield your eyes from UV rays.
Not sure if you have polarized lenses? There are some quick ways you can check at home.
One way to check if your sunglasses are polarized is by holding them up to another pair of known polarized sunglasses. Here’s what to do:
If you can see through both lenses, they are not polarized. If you can’t see through the lenses, they are polarized.
Another way to check if you have polarized lenses is to put them on and then look at a digital screen. If the screen is dark or appears warped, your lenses are likely polarized.
There are a few things to consider when comparing polarized vs. non-polarized lenses. The best type of sunglasses for you will depend on your lifestyle and personal preferences toward eyewear.
Polarized lenses may be right for you if:
Non-polarized lenses may be right for you if:
Why do we give these recommendations? In some situations, it’s important to be able to identify glare. For example, if you’re skiing, you need to be able to spot patches of ice so you can avoid them (and avoid an accident). You may choose polarized lenses in less hazardous winter settings, but always prioritize your safety.
Runners and cyclists may or may not prefer polarized lenses on their route. Some like to have light filtered, while others feel more comfortable being able to see the glare in front of them.
When looking at digital screens, non-polarized lenses are usually a better option. Polarized lenses can make screens look darker, warped, and hard to read. If you wear polarized shades, you’ll need to remove them any time you get an alert on your phone that you want to check. You may also struggle to read from the screen in your car.
At the end of the day, the winner of the polarized sunglasses vs. non-polarized sunglasses debate comes down to your personal needs, activities, and preferences. Whatever you decide, we’ve got a great selection of sunglasses to choose from!