If you’re wondering about the real differences between polarized and non-polarized sunglasses, you’re not alone. Polarized lenses have a special filter that helps to block out glare caused by light reflecting off of surfaces. In comparison, non-polarized lenses don’t filter glare and rely on sunglasses tint to block light. While both lenses offer excellent protection, the right lens for you will depend on how you wear your sunglasses. In this guide, we’ll compare polarized vs. non-polarized sunglasses so you can make the right choice.
Plus, keep reading to find out when non-polarized lenses are actually better than polarized options!
What are Polarized Lenses?
Polarized lenses are sunglass lenses that feature a special polarization coating to filter out horizontal light rays commonly caused by glare.
And polarized sunglasses are not new; they’ve been around since 1936! The original polarized lenses were adapted for eyewear using a Polaroid camera filter. Now let’s explain exactly how they work.
Benefits of Polarized Sunglasses
- Filters harmful glare so you can see clearly
- Stops eye fatigue, headaches, and other issues caused by bright light reflections
- Offers protection from harmful Ultraviolet rays (UV) that can damage your eyes
How Do Polarized Sunglasses Work?
Polarization works by adding a chemical coating or layer to your sunglass lenses. The molecules in this polarized coating are arranged vertically, like window blinds. Because these molecules are vertical, they work to stop horizontal light waves as they hit your sunglasses. Why horizontal waves? Horizontal waves are created when light reflects off of surfaces. You may also know this phenomenon as glare.
Glare is when light reflects off of (usually) flat surfaces, including water, metal, glass, snow, and icy patches. If you’re wearing non-polarized sunglasses, this light will penetrate the lenses and make it difficult to see. The result is eye strain, eye fatigue, decreased visual clarity, and reduced visual comfort in bright sunlight.
Like standard lenses, polarized lenses also reduce the overall intensity of light. And similar to normal lenses, polarized lenses are available in lighter or darker tints. The right tint and darkness for you will depend on your light sensitivity and environment.
Bottom Line: Polarized lenses filter out these horizontal rays, decreasing glare and ultimately making your sunglasses more effective. Especially for outdoor activities and in any conditions exposing you to reflective light.
Polarized vs. Non-Polarized Sunglasses – Which is Better?
Polarized sunglasses offer more protection than non-polarized lenses, especially in high-glare environments. You can see this difference illustrated in the graphic below. But if you aren’t in conditions that create horizontal glare, you may actually prefer a non-polarized lens.
When Polarized Lenses are Better:
- Fishing
- City driving
- Beach or lake activities
- Road cycling
- Running
Polarized lenses are better for any activity during which glare reduces comfort and visibility. Fishing, city driving, or heading to the beach are all good places to use polarized lenses.
Reducing glare along with ambient light also allows polarized lenses to offer some color and contrast enhancement. For example, anglers are better able to spot fish, and hikers may have a more vibrant visual experience.
Polarized lenses can also increase your safety while driving under certain conditions, such as sunny summer days that are filled with reflective surfaces, including road signs, windshields, fenders, and nearby water.
Glare from these surfaces can be more than uncomfortable; it can interfere with your vision. Polarized sunglasses keep your eyes comfortable and reduce distracting reflected light.
When Non-Polarized Lenses are Better:
- Flying (or other activities involving LCD screens/navigation)
- Boating
- Skiing
- Golf
One of the disadvantages of polarized lenses is that they make it harder to read an LCD screen. Most of your devices, like your phone or GPS, will be easier to see and use with non-polarized sunglasses.
Pilots and some boaters, for this reason, use non-polarized lenses. Their screens are not adjustable, and they need to see them as clearly and quickly as possible.
Some people feel that polarization impacts their depth perception. This can often depend on the person but it is worth checking before choosing a lens type. You may also prefer the more natural true color of a non-polarized lens.
Non-polarized lenses are also better for skiing and winter driving since it can be difficult to spot black ice. While there is glare from snow and ice, it’s usually not too bad. And we’d rather deal with some glare than miss a spot of ice!
In the end, polarized lenses are not better than non-polarized ones. They simply offer different benefits. Whether you choose polarized vs. non–polarized sunglasses should depend on how you use your sunglasses and your personal preference.
What to Look for in Polarized Sunglasses?
Regardless of whether or not you choose a polarized lens, make sure your sunglasses offer full protection from harmful UV rays. Exposure to UVA and UVB rays can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration, and other conditions that can threaten your vision.
Both polarized lenses and regular lenses can protect you from UV light. But neither one does so by default. Always check to make sure you have the UV protection you need.
Polarization also does not affect whether a pair of sunglasses are available with prescription lenses. You can learn more about polarized lens technology by heading over to our Polarized Lens Guide.
How to Tell if Sunglasses are Polarized?
Are you wondering if your current sunglasses have polarized lenses? There’s actually a simple way to check.
Hold your sunglasses up in front of your computer screen horizontally so you can see through them. Now angle them 90 degrees so they are vertical. Polarized lenses will appear very dark or opaque. Non-polarized lenses will look the same.
For more tips and an illustration of this method, check out our guide: 3 Easy Tests to Tell If Sunglasses Are Polarized.
Prizm Lenses vs. Polarized Lenses
Today’s lens technology offers options beyond polarized vs. non-polarized lenses. One of the newest lens technologies in the last decade is contrast-enhancing lenses like Oakley Prizm. This technology enhances color and contrast significantly to provide a more vivid viewing experience. Plus, it can even be combined with Polarized coatings.
Oakley Prizm lenses are available in a variety of colors, each of which filters light differently. Each lens is optimized for specific sports or environments, with lenses available for almost every activity you can think of.
If you routinely wear your sunglasses while using your electronic devices, need enhanced detail for snow or ice, or find polarization affects your depth perception, Prizm lenses could be a better fit than polarized lenses.
And if you’re looking for the best of both worlds, you can purchase Prizm Polarized lenses that include a polarization coating to prevent glare. This option gives you all the contrast and color enhancement of the Prizm with the extra glare protection of polarization.
While Oakley is not the only brand that makes contrast-enhancing lenses, they did pioneer these lenses with Prizm technology. Learn more in our guide about the differences between Prizm lenses and polarized lenses.
Want to Learn More?
Have a question about polarized lenses? Or want to know more? Let us know in the comments below! Plus, check out our other useful guides:
- What Are Polarized Lenses [Full Benefits + How They Work]
- Oakley Prizm vs. Polarized Lenses | Differences Explained
- The 5 Best Polarized Fishing Sunglasses of this Year
- Top Oakley Polarized Sunglasses
