Polarized vs. Non-polarized Sunglasses - Which one is better?

Introduction

Do you often find yourself squinting a lot even while wearing your sunglasses? Then you should consider investing in polarized glasses also known as Polarized or Polarised sunglasses. You must be wondering what are polarized sunglasses? What is the difference between polarized and non-polarized glasses? Do polarized sunglasses look different? Are polarized sunglasses better? We will discuss all these questions in this blog. In addition to this, we will also discuss the ways to recognize if the lenses have been polarized or not.

Therefore, please read this blog until the end to have in-depth knowledge about polarized vs non-polarized sunglasses and their benefits and uses.

What are polarized sunglasses?

Polarized glasses are special lenses, that may be of glass or plastic, or polycarbonate material to cut the glare caused by excessive light, reflected from surfaces like roads, sea, snow, glass facade of buildings, windscreens, car bumpers.   When light is reflected from such surfaces, it distorts the vision due to unwanted reflected light.  One common example of this irritating distortion is the water-like mirage that we see on a road on a hot sunny day.  

This is a form of glare that also reduces the contrast of the image.  Vision is not as comfortable and natural due to this kind of glare. Polarising lenses block excessive light from this glare that is unwanted for a clear perception of the image. Therefore, they are useful when engaged in some outdoor work like driving or sports activities.   Also, when in snowy regions, the sunlight seems unusually harsh due to the reflection of oblique sun rays from the surface of the snow.  This also leads to some serious eye complications.  Similarly, sunlight is reflected irregularly from water surfaces.  This makes vision near a water body uncomfortably bright due to reflections from the surface of the sea or a lake.  Polarizing sunglasses make the vision in such scenarios and water sports more comfortable and easy on the eyes.  They also enhance the contrast of the surroundings.  Some special polarising lens series like Maui Jim, Serengeti and RayBan’s Chromance have advanced filters that make colours look more vibrant and life-like.

There are many benefits of polarized sunglasses. However, they are not ideal for every situation. For instance, you should not use them while driving at night, using LCD devices, or navigating icy patches.

Difference between polarized and non-polarized sunglasses?

Both polarized vs non-polarized sunglasses provide protection to your eyes against bright light. However, there are many differences between the two that you must know if you are planning to purchase a pair of sunglasses for yourself.

Therefore, here we will discuss the difference between polarized vs non-polarized sunglasses: -

1.  Outdoors

The major difference between polarized goggles vs non-polarized goggles is visible when people are outdoors. This is because the special property of a polarized lens to eliminate the glare or excessive light from light reflected off surfaces helps reduce the reflections, glare, and visual haze.

Due to this anti-reflective coating, polarized lenses are one of the best glasses for the activities like highway driving, fishing, sailing boating, and water sports. In addition to this, polarized lenses are also ideal for enjoying scenic beauty and hiking. Moreover, the coating on polarized eyewear also increases the contrast during the day and makes the natural colors look deeper and more vibrant.

On the other hand, non-polarized sunglasses only reduce the intensity of the light rather than recognizing the small differences of glare. Polarized sunglasses reduce the light intensity while blocking certain types of glare that are caused by excessive reflected light.  

2.  More clarity in the environment

As compared to non-polarized sunglasses, polarized glasses make colors look richer by increasing the contrast traits. It will also help people with light sensitivity see the environment with more clarity.

3.  Driving

Another major difference between polarized and non-polarized sunglasses is – polarized sunglasses can help you drive smoothly, even in bright sunlight. Therefore, it can be a lifesaver if you are driving during the daytime. Moreover, polarized sunglasses are even more beneficial when the sunlight interferes with your vision.

Unlike non-polarized lenses, polarized lenses filter the bright sunlight that reflects off the roads, windshields, etc. Therefore, it neutralizes all the glare and bright light. Therefore, if we talk about polarized vs non polarized sunglasses, polarized glasses give you a better driving experience during the day. It also minimizes the distraction and discomfort that you can get due to glare. But, on the other hand, the non-polarized glass only blocks UV rays of the sun and does not prevent glare.

However, if you are driving in a snowy or icy area, it can be a little risky to use polarized sunglasses. This is because the patches of ice or black ice are barely visible at certain angles, and polarized lenses can make it even harder to see. Another issue is while using polarizing sunglasses with LED or LCD displays of high-end cars.  One can see colored rings or certain parts of the LED / LCD lighter or distorted due to the polarizing property of the lenses.  Once may also see colored rings in toughened glass, like toughened glass wind screens with polarizing sunglasses. This may be irritating to some users. 

4.  Screen Usage

When it comes to screen usage like laptops, tablets, mobile phones, etc., polarized glasses do not perform as well as non-polarized glasses. Due to this, polarized glasses are not recommended for pilots.

5.  Price and Prescription

Another common difference that we consider in our polarized vs non polarized debate is their price range. Both types of sunglasses are available in prescription as well as non-prescription lenses. But you have to pay a little extra for polarized glasses since they come with a special coating on their surface. However, you can get high-quality polarized sunglasses or prescription (numbered) sunglasses at an affordable price from R.Kumar Opticians.

6.  Difference in Shades

Do polarized sunglasses look different? Not really.  Although the colors and shades available in polarizing lenses are limited and usually solid dark tints, there is no apparent difference in the way polarizing and non-polarizing sunglasses look. 

Which is better – Polarized vs Non-Polarized Sunglasses

Are polarized sunglasses better than regular sunglasses? The answer to this question depends on the user’s requirement. If you spend a lot of your time on the road or outside in daylight, then polarized sunglasses can be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you want to protect your eyes from UV rays, and want to indulge in a variety of color shade options you should use non-polarized sunglasses. In addition to this, non-polarized goggles are also useful when you are watching LCD screens such as mobile, watch, car dashboard, etc. Hence, it all depends on how you are going to use them.

If you want to get a pair of polarized or non-polarized glasses, you can contact – R.Kumar Opticians to get the best prices.

How to tell if the lenses are polarized?

You can check if it is a polarized lens or not by following the below tests: -

The most common and reliable way to check is using a polarizing demo tool that is available at every optician who sells polarized sunglasses.  The tool reveals a more colorful and vibrant image or reveals a different text that is not visible to the naked eye or through non-polarizing lenses.

When to wear polarized vs non polarized sunglasses?

Whether it is polarized or non-polarized glasses, both have their benefits and drawbacks depending on the condition when you wear them.  However, here are a few situations when you can wear polarized or non-polarized sunglasses.

Wear Non-Polarized sunglasses: -

• Skiing

Glare is necessary while during the activities like skiing as it helps you distinguish the snow from ice. Therefore, with non-polarized glasses, skiers can determine the path they should continue and avoid.  However, if not indulging in fast paced sports or driving in snowy regions, for recreational travel, polarizing sunglasses may be more comforting to the vision.

• Operating heavy machine

Non-polarized lenses are ideal while working with heavy machines, as polarized glasses can make it quite challenging to see the GPS screens or controls.

• While flying

Pilots should wear non-polarized sunglasses while flying because the glasses coated with a polarized coating can make it difficult to see. It can be even more problematic while reading the controls or GPS in the cockpit.

Wear Polarized Sunglasses: -

• Driving

Polarized glasses work well while driving in the bright sunlight as they reduce the glare and reflections. However, you should not use polarizing glasses or any kind of dark lenses while driving at night.

• Fishing

As we know that glare reflects off the surface of the water which can make it quite challenging to see clearly while fishing. Therefore, polarized glasses are the best option for all those engaged in water activities.

• Biking

Sunglasses with polarized coating can prevent the bikers from distracting due to any glare or reflections. Therefore, if you have to ride the bike during sunlight, you should prefer wearing polarized vs non-polarized sunglasses.

Conclusion

We hope that after going through the information given above, you can easily identify the difference between polarized and non-polarized sunglasses. In addition to this, it will also help you decide which sunglasses are better for you and how you can check the polarized coating on your glasses.

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