Sunglasses are not about style. They save your eyes from the UV rays. They increase your visibility on sunny days as well. Sunglasses fall under two broad categories: polarized sunglasses and non-polarized sunglasses.
Glare is eliminated by polarized sunglasses. This comes in handy when there is water, snow or when one is driving. Strong light is blocked by non-polarized sunglasses. These will not reduce glare; however, they will protect your eyes from the sun.
You select between these, depending on your way of life. Are you outside a lot? Are you driving a lot? Do you wear sunglasses while staring at screens? All this counts.
Some require better eyesight and less eye strain. Many desire something simple to use for casual outdoor activity. Some desire something inexpensive. Others desire maximum protection.
This guidance will tell you what both kinds are. We’ll explore usage, costs, and advantages and disadvantages. You will know at the end of it what kind is for you.
What are Polarized Sunglasses?
Polarizing sunglasses possess a special filter. It keeps reflected light out. This type of light is reflected from flat surfaces, such as water, glass, and highways. It is the one that has the tendency to produce glare.
Glare causes pain in your eyes and creates difficulties in seeing. Polarized lenses reduce this problem. They permit vertical light only. This way, your eyes are not loaded.
These colors are favored by fishermen, drivers, and outdoor users. They are more comfortable and offer better visibility in reflective surroundings. They are also applicable in relieving eye fatigue.
At the same time, they are not necessarily suitable all the time. Let us discuss the advantages and limitations.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Polarized Sunglasses
Pros:
- Reduce road, water, and snow glare
- Improve contrast and visual acuity
- Help reduce eye fatigue
- Make outside activities more comfortable
- Great for boating, fishing, sporting, and driving
Cons:
- Difficulty in reading LCD or LED screens clearly
- Not healthy for pilots or users of screen devices
- More costly than non-polarized counterparts
- It can cause some windows to appear unusual or rainbow-colored
- Does not work well in overcast or dark weather conditions
Polarized lenses are effective in sunny regions. They are very useful when you spend most of the time outdoors. However, if you are indoors most of the time and reading or travelling in and out of structures, they probably will not benefit you much.
Make sure the lenses are always equipped with UV light filters. UV protection is not assured with all polarized sunglasses.
What are Non-Polarized Sunglasses?
There is no glare filter in non-polarized sunglasses. They reduce the amount of light passing through your eyes, but they don’t reduce reflected light.
These are less complex glasses. They do protect your eyes from UV rays, though, if they are correctly labelled. But they don’t help with glare on the road or on water.
They can be used daily. Non-polarized sunglasses are popular among people who go shopping, go outside, or wear them for brief periods of time. They are also good for people who need sharp vision for screens.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Non-Polarized Sunglasses
Pros:
- Cheaper and widely available
- Shade eyes from UV (if indicated)
- Easier to view screens such as phones, tablets, or GPS devices
- Ideal for use on an outdoor holiday
- Perfect for small trips or sightseeing in the city
Cons:
- Prevent reducing glare
- May result in eye discomfort in bright, reflecting settings.
- Not suited for extended highway travelling or being near water
- May not be as good at enhancing eyesight as polarized lenses
They’re a suitable option if you don’t have much time in sunny light. They’re also suitable for individuals who spend a lot of time on the screen. If you prefer budget protection with no frills, non-polarized glasses are your choice.
Polarized vs non polarized sunglasses
Polarized lenses reduce horizontal light. This reduces glare. You will feel this most when near water, roads, or reflective surfaces. Your vision is clearer and more comfortable.
Non-polarized glasses merely truncate brightness. They don’t eliminate reflected light. Glare may still be irritating when in the car or outside.
Polarized lenses is best suited for outdoor activities like sports, fishing and skiing or a long drive. Non-polarized lenses are considered to be perfect lenses to wear every day or easily see the screen.
Another difference is cost. Polarized sunglasses are more costly. They have advanced technology. Non-polarized sunglasses are pricier.
The accuracy of the screen is also a mix. Polarized lenses can make phone or GPS screens difficult to read. Non-polarized glasses do not.
In brief:
- Select polarized if you require blocking glare and enhancing vision.
- Choose non-polarized for general use or improved screen display.
What Are the Signs That Sunglasses Are Polarized?
Put the sunglasses in front of a screen and turn them over carefully. They are polarized if the screen becomes black or dark at specific angles. Alternatively, check the label. Most polarized sunglasses have a label embossed prominently. Some stores also have a “polarization test” area.
Non-Polarized and Polarized: Fiction and Conceptual Issues
- Myth: Polarized sunglasses always perform better.
Fact: Not quite. They are advantageous where there is glare, but not where there is no glare or monitors.
- Myth: UV is filtered out more by polarized sunglasses.
Fact: Polarization and UV protection are different things.
- Myth: Non-polarized sunglasses are of no use.
Fact: They continue to filter and block light and UV rays.
Consider what you do daily. If you spend little time in glare, then you might not require polarization. Always seek 100% UV protection regardless of the lens type.
Price and Value Considerations
Polarized sunglasses are more costly and you can use them outside comfortably. They are worth their money when you are spending a lot of time outside. Non-polarized are less costly and secure. Take what you need and how frequently you will be employing them.
Are polarized sunglasses better?
Definitely when going out, when near water, when out and driving. They shield your eyes and make your vision easy to see. However, if you only wear them part-time or occasionally have to look at screens, non-polarized can be adequate.
Activity-Based Guide: Which to Use?
Different activities demand different lenses.
Polarized Sunglasses are Ideal For:
- Drinking, especially long-distance drinking
- Boat, fishing or water sports
- Snowboarding and skiing
- Hiking or tours in sunny regions
- Glare exposure in outdoor workers
- Individuals with light sensitivity
Glare is lessened, and such activities are simplified and safer when polarized lenses are used. You’ll strain less and have better vision.
Non-polarized sunglasses are better suited for:
- Short outdoor trips or visits
- Through phones, tablets, or in-car screens
- Shopping or in and out between buildings
- Indoor or mixed light conditions
- People with limited budgets
- Anybody who doesn’t need glare control
If you don’t need premium glare protection, non-polarized will do. They’re simple to use and function well.
Conclusion
Sunglasses choice is based on where and how you plan to use them. The glare from the outdoors can be greatly reduced using polarized lenses. The non-polarized lenses have many advantages, including daily usage and computer usage. Select the style suitable to your lifestyle, comfort and budget.
