Everything To Know About Polarized Vs Non-Polarized Sunglasses

Selecting the perfect sunglasses is about a lot more than liking the way a certain pair looks. For you to feel as if your glasses are providing ample protection from the impact of UV rays, then you need to dig into the details of what makes for a quality pair of glasses. Polarization is a treatment that can be used in several scenarios. If you're unsure of whether or not polarized sunglasses are the right fit for your lifestyle, now is the time to learn more. Look over this guide and discover everything about polarization.

What are Polarized Sunglasses

First and foremost, you might be curious about what polarization is. Polarization is a treatment that can be applied to the lenses of a pair of glasses. When the treatment is added, it can reduce the glare caused when light reflects off of specific surfaces. This includes light reflected from ice, snow, water, glass, and more. People who spend a lot of time near large bodies of water like fishermen and lifeguards tend to rely on polarization to provide a clear view of their surroundings no matter how strong the sun gets.

How do Polarized Sunglasses Work

Though the science behind polarization can be a bit complicated, it can be more easily understood by considering different light patterns.  If you find yourself asking “what does polarized mean,” consider that light can be broken into both horizontal and vertical light patterns. Vertical light comes from sources above or below a person, like sunlight or overhead lighting. Horizontal light, conversely, is caused by glare and other reflections. Polarization focuses primarily on the impact that horizontal light can have.

Usually, polarization is applied via a chemical film to the lenses. Once applied, the film absorbs any horizontal light that comes along, allowing vertical light to pass through. This allows the wearer to see clearly without glare and other annoyances causing distortions.

Polarized vs. Non-Polarized

When selecting sunglasses for yourself, you might be stuck on whether or not you need polarized lenses. While appalling, the treatment is not meant for all. To know whether or not you need polarized or non-polarized lenses, it is best to consider your lifestyle. Do you spend a lot of time outdoors or are you looking for glasses to wear on the few occasions you get outside? If you're outside a lot, polarization is a must. The ability to cut out glare makes spending long durations outside easier and reduces the odds of squinting, which can lead to headaches.

How to Tell if Lenses Are Polarized

It can also be useful to know how to tell the difference between polarized and normal lenses with sunglasses. Polarized glasses can often look very similar to tinted glasses, which don't offer any type of enhanced protection from the sun. To avoid picking the wrong glasses, be sure to know what to look for with polarized options. When looking at glasses, put the pair on and look at a reflective surface like a mirror or water. If the intensity of the light reflecting off the surface decreases when you tilt your head, then the lenses are polarized.

Usage of Polarized Glasses

As mentioned, people who spend a lot of time outdoors tend to benefit the most from polarization. For example, you would benefit from using polarized lenses if you take frequent trips to the beach. Similarly, spending time out on a boat can be a good reason to invest in a pair of polarized lenses. Athletes and those engaged in sports of all kinds will wear polarized eyewear to see better and play harder without reflections from the light causing any distortions.

Additionally, polarized lenses can also be beneficial to anyone who spends a lot of time on the road. If you're driving and glare from other car windows is causing you frustration, it could be time to take a look at what polarization can do to help.

Polarization and UV-Protection

Due to the nature of polarized lenses, they can't offer the same level of UV protection that other glasses might provide. Still, polarized options can provide ample protection for those who spend a lot of time outside. Light glare is reduced, while vertical light can still cause harm after long exposures. Wearing a hat with a wide brim and using other methods of shielding your eyes from direct light can be useful when wearing polarized lenses.

To break it down even more, polarized lenses will reflect the light around you instead of the UV rays from the source. While this eliminates glare and enhances contrast in the visuals you perceive, it does not provide the same level of protection that is offered by non-polarized glasses crafted to block more UV light.

Benefits of Polarized Sunglasses

There are several key advantages to wearing polarized lenses. If you are someone who is always outside and near large bodies of water or endless stretches of snow and ice, then polarization makes a world of difference in your ability to see clearly. People who have a difficult time seeing while behind the wheel due to light reflections can also see a huge advantage with polarized lenses. Exploring all of your options will help you determine which treatments make the most sense for your needs.

Disadvantages of Polarized Sunglasses

Of course, there are also a few disadvantages that come along with wearing glasses that have been polarized. If you're wearing polarized lenses and are driving a car in a low-light situation or at night, then it could cause serious problems with your ability to see. It can also be worthwhile to note that people who are already very sensitive to light might want to exercise caution with polarized lenses. Some have reported feelings of dizziness, discomfort, or confusion when the polarization effect kicks in. Stay mindful of this to avoid a mistake when selecting sunglasses.

It is also important to note that watching television and viewing specific screens will be negatively impacted by the presence of polarized lenses. LCD screens will often appear dim or entirely black to those wearing glasses that have been polarized. To feel satisfied with the glasses you select, be sure to think over all of the pros and cons in advance.