Which is better? Polarized sunglasses or basic UV protection sunglasses?

Which are better, polarized or UV protection sunglasses?

The options for customizing your sunglasses are endless. In fact, when selecting sunglasses, men and women have important options to choose from. In addition to style, shape, lens color, and UV protection there is now an additional choice. Now, you can also decide if you want to upgrade to or choose from polarized lenses. Many of us already have both polarized and non-polarized sunglass options in our wardrobe. Which is better? Should you choose Polarized or UV protection sunglasses? Here’s what you need to know, based on the expert advice of the RX-Safety customer care team.

What Are Polarized Sunglasses?

Polarized sunglasses have an additional coating that works a bit like a Venetian blind. In fact, the coating has a tint and only allows light to pass through your sunglass lenses vertically. Therefore, by eliminating horizontal light polarized sunglasses give you the ability to see flat surfaces without reflection interfering. Causes of reflection interference can be due to water, concrete, windows, and snow. However, with polarized sunglasses, not only is the reflection removed, but your vision is clearer and crisper. Also, it is important to note a potential setback to polarized lenses. This is that the color of your vision when looking through the lens will be darker than it is with non-polarized lenses. There is a further impact by the color of the lens you wear.

Can Lighter Lenses Be Polarized?

Yes, any sunglass lens can be polarized. The downside of non-polarized colored, hombre, and light brown or gray lenses is that they are not always dark enough in bright sunlight. Since the anti-reflective polarized coating further darkens your vision, your vision when wearing lighter polarized lenses becomes darker than the lens appears. Function comes first so never sacrifice style for your ability to see clearly when the sun is shining bright. Currently, clear lenses cannot be polarized. However, there are anti-glare coatings that can be applied to safety glasses and everyday clear lenses.

How Can I Tell If My Sunglasses Are Polarized or if They Just Have UV Protection?

It’s simple! In fact, sometimes you can see glare or reflection when looking out your car window, gazing at a body of water, or in bright patches on the concrete as you drive or ride. If this is the case, then your lenses probably aren’t. We say probably because not all polarized coatings are created equally. The technology for polarization has improved greatly over the last few years. Therefore, this means that newer sunglasses are likely to have a higher-functioning coating. Price matters in terms of the quality of the product, so sunglasses that come in at under $20 are unlikely to have a polarized coating.

Do I Need Polarized or Non-Polarized Lenses?

The point of wearing sunglasses is first and foremost function. What we mean by this is that it depends what you need your sunglasses for. We want to protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays and improve your vision. Additionally, looking good and showing off your sense of style is important to many consumers. However, first and foremost sunglasses are designed to improve vision and safety. But, sunglasses that aren’t polarized still have their time and place. Sometimes, you will be in the sun, driving a vehicle, riding a motorcycle, partaking in sports, or anywhere where there is excess reflection. These are the scenarios where polarized sunglasses provide crisp vision. It also reduces eye fatigue and eye strain caused by staring at reflective surfaces. This is the type of benefit that makes polarized sunglasses the choice for fishermen and anyone who spends long amounts of time on or around the water.

How Can I Tell If I Have Eye Strain?

If you are someone who works outdoors or who is in bright or reflective light for long periods of time, you are more susceptible to eye strain. However, those of us who spend much of our time indoors staring at electronic screens can suffer from eye strain too. Here are a few signs that your non-polarized sunglasses are leading to eye strain:

Tired or sore eyes

Blurred or double vision

Burning eyes

Watering eyes

Red eyes

Headaches or migraines

Increased sensitivity to light

Many consumers find that within days of switching to a polarized lens, your eye strain symptoms will begin to subside. That being said, don’t forget that you should have an annual eye exam as these symptoms could be a sign of computer eye strain, decreased vision, and more serious conditions.

When Should I Wear Non-Polarized Sunglasses Instead?

It is important to note that not everyone chooses the less reflective option. For example, some skiers don’t like the inability to see the sparkle of the snow and ice. Additionally, pilots require sunglasses, but their windows are already polarized. So, wearing polarized sunglasses on top of that actually decreases their vision. Polarized lenses can also make it difficult to see electronic screens and displays with clarity. This includes your smartphone, e-reader, smartwatch, ATM machine, and possibly your vehicle dashboard. In many cases, you can flip your glasses up for a second or two to see what you need to see. But if you plan on reading a book on your e-reader while lounging in the sun a non-polarized lens is the way to go.

Can I Get Prescription Polarized Sunglasses?

Yes, prescription sunglasses can be ordered with polarized lenses. Currently, clear and transition lenses cannot be polarized as the coating has a hint of color. However, you can find polarized clip-ons that are perfect to keep in the car to reduce the glare from the windows and road.