Non polarized sunglasses are a great choice for most sunny environments. However, polarized lenses make it harder to see patches of ice on roads or snowy trails.
When light bounces off flat surfaces like snow, water or asphalt it creates glare that strains your eyes. Sunglasses with polarized lenses block horizontal light waves and only let in vertical ones, making them more comfortable for your eyes.
Reduces Glare
When light bounces off flat surfaces such as water or snow, it creates bright, intense reflections known as glare. These can be distracting and even blinding. Polarized sunglasses reduce the intensity of glare so you can see more clearly. They also make it easier to view LCD screens, such as those on your phone, watch or GPS device. Conversely, non polarized sunglasses cannot filter out harsh glare or surface reflections and can actually make these types of screens harder to see. This can be a big deal for activities like downhill skiing or driving where it’s important to see the info on your dashboard or GPS device, as well as for pilots who must keep an eye on the instrument panel.
Polarized lenses have a special chemical applied that filters out certain wavelengths of light, specifically the ones that cause glare. The molecules in the filter line up vertically, so only horizontal light can pass through, resulting in reduced glare. It’s a bit like the slats in a picket fence, where you can fit a popsicle stick between them if they’re vertical but not if they’re horizontal.
The good news is that you don’t need to know much about physics to understand how polarized sunglasses work. All you need to do is test your sunglasses on a reflective surface to ensure they’re polarized. Place your sunglasses in front of the surface and then turn them 90 degrees. If the reflected glare disappears, the sunglasses are polarized.
While polarized and non polarized sunglasses both offer protection from UV rays, polarized lenses are more effective at cutting glare. If you’re spending a lot of time outdoors, particularly near water or snow, they may be worth the investment for comfort and visibility.
If you’re on a budget, though, non polarized sunglasses will still provide adequate UV protection. Additionally, if you don’t spend much time outdoors or don’t worry about surface reflections, a pair of standard sunglasses should be sufficient for most people. However, if you enjoy activities such as fishing or sailing or play sports in the sun, a pair of polarized sunglasses could be worth the investment to help protect your eyes and prevent vision strain.
Reduces Eye Strain
While non polarized sunglasses still provide UV protection, they don’t have the built-in filter that prevents certain light waves from reaching your eyes. This can make it difficult to read LCD screens, which can be a problem if you wear your sunglasses while working on your computer or driving.
Polarized lenses eliminate the bright surface glare that often causes eye strain and fatigue. These sunglasses can also improve visual comfort and contrast, which means colors will appear more vibrant. This enhanced color contrast can be beneficial for outdoor enthusiasts who spend a lot of time outdoors, such as hikers and boaters.
Whether you’re spending the day in the water or on the golf course, glare can be distracting and may even cause your vision to blur. The good news is that polarized sunglasses can help you see more clearly by eliminating the glare that often results from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and road signs. This reduced glare can help you stay safe by allowing you to be more aware of your surroundings, which can help you avoid accidents and injuries.
However, polarized sunglasses can make it harder to see patched of black or iced snow, which can be dangerous for drivers or skiers. Regardless, you should always wear a pair of quality sunglasses that offer UV protection and a comfortable fit to keep your eyes healthy.
If you’re unsure which type of sunglasses are best for you, it’s a good idea to ask an eye care professional or optician for guidance. These experts can assess factors such as your prescription, eye health, and lifestyle to provide personalized recommendations that are aligned with your unique circumstances.
To test if your sunglasses are polarized, simply look through them at a reflective surface and rotate them 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise. If the screen on your phone or laptop appears to get brighter or darker, your sunglasses are polarized. If not, they’re likely non-polarized.
Enhances Contrast
Unlike polarized sunglasses, non-polarized lenses do not filter out reflective glare from water, snow, roads and other surfaces. This type of glare can cause eye strain and reduce visual comfort, especially in bright conditions. Polarized sunglasses, on the other hand, eliminate this glare completely. They also enhance contrast, which is a useful feature when you’re fishing on the lake or hiking up the mountain. This means that greens will look more vibrant and blues will appear darker, helping you to distinguish between your surroundings.
Some sports such as skiing and biking are a lot safer when you can see the terrain. In some cases, reflective glare can actually hide patches of ice on the ground or road, making them hard to spot. Polarized sunglasses are ideal for these activities, as they eliminate the reflective glare so that you can keep your eyes on the trail and avoid an embarrassing or dangerous fall.
Another benefit of polarized sunglasses is that they can be used indoors or at the beach. The coating on these lenses is designed to protect your eyes from UV rays, which can be harmful to the skin and the eyes. While non-polarized sunglasses also offer UV protection, they aren’t as effective at blocking UV rays as polarized lenses.
The cost of polarized sunglasses is typically slightly higher than non-polarized models, but it’s worth the investment if you spend a lot of time outdoors or near water. You can test your sunglasses to determine whether they are polarized by holding them up to an LCD screen. If they block the reflection on the LCD, they are polarized.
Regardless of whether you choose polarized or non-polarized sunglasses, it’s important to select high quality frames that offer 100% protection from UV rays. This will prevent cataracts and macular degeneration from the sun’s damaging UV rays. Additionally, choose a pair that is flexible and comfortable to wear and check that they have spring hinges to ensure durability and a comfortable fit. You should also consider a pair with tinted lenses if you are looking for a darker shade.
Reduces UV Rays
Polarized lenses help block the reflected light from surfaces like asphalt or calm water that can cause eye strain. They also reduce ambient light, which makes them a great choice for any outdoor activity that involves glare from reflective surfaces or water. They don’t offer the same protection from UV rays, though, so they’re not ideal for hiking in bright, high-reflective areas or when you’ll be spending lots of time around snow or ice.
On the other hand, non polarized sunglasses typically provide UV protection and reduce the intensity of ambient light. They can make it easier to see detail on a clear day and offer adequate protection from UV rays no matter what type of environment you’re in.
The main drawback of non polarized sunglasses is that they can darken or black out some digital screens, such as those on laptops and mobile phones, when worn. This can be a problem for people who use these types of devices while outdoors, such as pilots, where it’s important to be able to read the information displayed on their LCD screens.
Choosing between polarized and non polarized sunglasses depends on your budget, lifestyle, activities, and required comfort level. Polarized sunglasses may be more expensive than their non-polarized counterparts, but they offer a range of benefits that can make them worth the extra expense for some people.
Both polarized and non-polarized sunglasses offer excellent UV protection, so either option is a safe choice. However, polarized sunglasses are more likely to block out the glare that can cause eye strain and damage to your skin, and they’re also better at eliminating reflections from reflective surfaces, such as snow or a smooth road. The added benefit of enhanced contrast also makes them a good choice for outdoor sports such as downhill skiing, where it’s important to be