Difference Between Polarized and Non Polarized Sunglasses

If you’ve been in the market for a new pair of sunglasses, you may have noticed terms like “polarized” and “non-polarized” thrown around left and right. But what do they mean? What is the difference, and how does it change the options available? Knowing why there is a difference can help you choose a pair of sunglasses that will provide clear, comfortable, and protected vision. Our store has you covered with the best range of branded polarized sunglasses in Sri Lanka.

What Does Polarized Mean?

Polarized lenses are coated to help cut glare from reflecting surfaces like water, roads, or snow. This can make them the best option for driving, fishing, or even walking on a sunny day when you’re likely to deal with reflections.

Here’s how polarized sunglasses are designed to work

A vertical filter blocks light waves horizontally. This shows that light glare often comes from horizontal surfaces, helping cut one big glare source. In effect, there are three big pros to wearing polarized sunglasses:

Reduced Glare: Your eyes won’t compete as much with reflective light, allowing you to see more clearly.
More Vibrant Colors: Crisper objects and deeper, richer colours will help you see and perceive the space around you.
Easier on Your Eyes: By not being in a constant glare fight, polarized sunglasses keep your eyes from constantly being closed, making them more relaxed and easier to use.

What Does Non-Polarized Mean?

Without polarization, any sunglasses can still help protect against UV rays and glare, but that’s about it. That being said, non-polarized lenses do have some advantages of their own. Essentially, all non-polarized lenses will have UV or ultraviolet protection.

If a lens doesn’t have UV protection, avoid them. From there, they will also be tinted to darken and reduce light brightness. Some advantages of non-polarized lenses include:

• Blocking UV rays: Sunlight is always harmful to your eyes, especially if you’re ageing and your retina is weakening.
• Tinted lenses: Although they won’t reduce the sun’s glare, sunglasses without polarization will still darken the world around you enough for outdoor use.
• Affordable & versatile: These sunglasses are usually nice for casual wear, but without extra filters and/or coatings, they would also be a great choice to stock up reasonably and use for whatever you want.

For example, while they might not be coated with hydrophobic film and anti-glare, the inexpensive pair of non-polarized sunglasses works in a pinch. You’d be slightly less worried about roughing them around.

The Key Differences

Are you still unsure which type of sunglasses is perfect for you? To make it easier, here are some of the main differences between polarized and non-polarized sunglasses.

1. Glare Reduction
Polarized glasses are mainly designed to reduce glare related to reflective surfaces. When around water, snow, or roads, you’ll notice the much-needed decline of being temporarily blinded by the glaring light. Non-polarized sunglasses won’t benefit you much when it comes to glare. Reflections can only become more annoying at times!

2. Visual Clarity
Polarized lenses reduce unwanted glare and enhance the colour, contrast, and clarity of the objects you see. This feature is particularly helpful for spot-on vision during sports and while you’re driving. Tinted non-polarized sunglasses will dim the overall brightness but don’t add much to delivering clear vision.

3. Screen Visibility
Since polarized shades block a specific type of light, digital instrument panels can, with this particular coating, become quite difficult to read. This can be annoying if you use digital devices under the sun regularly. Non-polarized glasses, because of the absence of the layer, are far more practical when you surf the internet, watch a movie, or receive a call while wearing shades.

4. Cost
The price tag for the extra technology to work is higher for polarized glasses. If you can easily adapt to bright light or don’t need the glasses as often, non-polarized sunglasses can save you a few extra bucks.

Which Sunglasses Are Right for You?

Now that you know how polarized and non-polarized lenses work, let’s discuss your selection. There’s a time and a place for both, so knowing which lens will work best for you will help you make the right decision. Here’s a quick reference guide.

Choose Polarized Sunglasses If:

• You regularly spend time outdoors in bright, reflective environments like the snow or the beach.
• You frequently do activities near the water or other reflective surfaces, like boating, fishing, or driving.
• Your eyes are sensitive to bright light and glare easily causes vision issues.
• When wearing your sunglasses, you don’t need to look at electronic and digital screens or displays.

Choose Non-Polarized Sunglasses If:

• You want a versatile, budget-friendly pair around town while browsing shops and dining out.
• You’re not using the glasses for glare reduction alone; you’re just looking for UV protection.
• You need sunglasses for both indoor and outdoor use where screen visibility matters.

Remember, both types of lenses are great at blocking harmful UV rays. You can feel good about protecting your eyes with either choice. The main thing to consider is whether you need increased glare reduction for more extreme reflective environments.

You may also be interested in reading about the different types of sunglasses and the ideal face shapes.

How to Check If Sunglasses Are Polarized

So, how can someone differentiate between polarized vs non-polarized sunglasses? There’s a quick and easy way to tell if sunglasses are polarized. Here’s what you can do:

Look for a Polarization Label

Some sunglasses have a label or marker identifying them as polarized. Unfortunately, not all brands do this, so you shouldn’t rely on that alone.

Use the Screen Test:

First, grab your digital screen. This can be your phone’s screen, computer screen, or any other backlit device that emits uniform, bright light. Your phone screen is a good choice, as most tenants can drive to the mall during business hours.

Next, look through the sunglasses while holding them perpendicular to the screen. Once the sunglasses are on and ready, slowly begin tilting them at a 60-degree angle to the screen.

The sunglasses are polarised if the lenses get darker or you lose the screen’s image. This happens because most polarized lenses are treated to block light at different angles, which non-polarized lenses do not. This test results because 99% of the digital screens you can use to test sunglasses disperse light in only one plane.

A Quick Recap