Polarized vs. Non-Polarized Sunglasses: Which Is Better for You?

Are you looking to replace your old pair of sunglasses? Are you wondering which is the better choice between polarized and non-polarized sunglasses?

Wearing your sunglasses, especially during summer, brings many valuable health benefits. 

Sunglasses protect your eyes from exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause different kinds of eye problems. 

However, not all sunglasses are the same, and some are superior to others. Thus, the polarized vs. non-polarized sunglasses debate continues to rage on.

But which of the two should you go for? What's the best choice of sunglasses you can give your eyes? Is one option truly superior to the other? 

Continue reading below as we settle the debate once and for all.

Polarized vs. Non-Polarized Sunglasses: The Similarities and Differences

To get a better appreciation of the polarized vs. non-polarized sunglasses debate, let's first discuss the key similarities and differences between the two options.

The main characteristic they both share is their ability to reduce brightness. They can both do so whether you’re under the sun or indoors looking at some powerful lights. Other than that, though, polarized and non-polarized sunglasses hardly have anything else in common.

When it comes to their key differences, this is where things get a bit more interesting. Polarized sunglasses take eye protection to the next level by reducing glare.

The horizontal orientation of light is what causes glare. When horizontal light hits certain surfaces, the reflection results in the glare. Polarized lenses come with a special coating that horizontally filters out light.

The Outdoor Edge

Now that we've established the superiority of polarized lenses, let’s discuss some of the instances in which they excel. First and foremost, polarized sunglasses can be your best friend when you're spending time outdoors. 

As we mentioned earlier, these sunglasses feature a special coating. In addition to reducing glare, this highly-reflective coating limits haze and reflections of all sorts.

If you're out boating on a sunny day, you can see past the water reflections with a pair of polarized sunglasses. They allow you to appreciate the scenic views without having to worry about hurting your eyes.

Furthermore, the special coating provides extra contrast during the day. In turn, it makes the sky appear a deeper blue. This is helpful if you’re relaxing on the beach or playing water sports. 

And if you’re suffering from light sensitivity, polarized sunglasses will be useful there, too.

When Using Your Devices

Do you spend several hours a day in front of a laptop, smartphone, or television? If so, you’re increasing your risk of experiencing digital eye strain. But with a pair of polarized sunglasses, you can reduce the impact of extensive screen usage. 

When you look at your digital screens with polarized lenses, you will notice a faded view. Sometimes, you'll see the screen turn dark, depending on the angle from which you're viewing the screen.

The one caveat, however, is that polarized lenses can distort your view. If the darker screen disrupts your viewing, you may opt to go for a pair of computer glasses as an alternative.

This is the only time non-polarized sunglasses trump their polarized counterparts. Because they don’t come with special anti-glare coating, non-polarized sunglasses allow you to enjoy what the digital screen is showing by default. 

Road Safety

Do you love long afternoon drives, but feel like you could really do without the glare? A pair of polarized sunglasses can keep that side effect at bay. Perhaps more important than enhancing your enjoyment is the fact that they can also improve your safety.

A study revealed that the glare of bright sunlight can cause vehicular accidents. Though road accidents do happen during the day, they increase by 16% when the sun is at its brightest. And in these accidents, it's the driver who experienced the glare who is at fault.

Since the court cannot rule against the sun, the law finds the driver liable for failing to wear appropriate custom sunglasses with anti-glare features.

During Winter

Don’t mistake glares as something that only happens during summer. They also pose problems during winter when you’re hiking, snowboarding, or skiing. 

Much like water, snow can also reflect the sun’s rays. In turn, these reflections can also produce glares that can affect your vision. Since skiing or climbing up slopes requires top-notch safety, you need to ensure visual clarity along the way.

The Key Drawbacks

Though polarized sunglasses beat non-polarized ones in many aspects, it doesn’t mean they're perfect. There are still a few drawbacks that you need to consider before buying a pair of your own.

First, there's the common concern of seeing things darker. For example, it'll be challenging to see clearly when punching your ATM PIN. 

If you’re planning to watch your favorite show on your digital TV or tablet, your polarized sunglasses will not yield the optimal viewing experience.

If you’re operating heavy machines, these sunglasses will not be able to provide the visual clarity you need to do so safely. The same thing is true if you’re an airplane pilot.

Last but not least, polarized sunglasses are more expensive than non-polarized ones. This is because of the special coating that helps deflect glare and reflection. 

The Final Verdict on the Polarized vs. Non-Polarized Sunglasses Debate

Now the question remains: should you go for polarized sunglasses for men and women? The answer depends on your needs, but in the grand scheme of things, they edge out non-polarized sunglasses. 

If you’re looking for ample protection against glare, then investing in a pair of polarized sunglasses is a wise decision. If you’re hoping for improved visual safety while driving or enjoying outdoor activities, then they will certainly come in handy there as well. And if you want to enjoy relief from eye strain and eye fatigue, wear polarized sunglasses to experience visual comfort.

Though polarized sunglasses for women and men will cost you more, they yield long-term benefits that give the best value for your money.

Get Your Quality Polarized Sunglasses Today

Now that you have a clearer perspective on the polarized vs. non-polarized sunglasses debate, you can start looking for a polarized pair that will match your style.

And if you’re wondering where to get one, you’re exactly in the right place. Explore our online catalog of high-quality polarized sunglasses for women and men. Connect with us, and let’s get you that perfect pair today!