Polarized Sunglasses vs Non-polarized Sunglasses
Sunglasses, shades, glares, sunspecs refer to the same protective gears, we use to shield our eyes from the harsh sunlight. The lenses used in these spectacles can be colored, polarised, and sometimes darkened. And begins the dilemma of what to buy polarized sunglasses or the non-polarized ones?
Nowadays, most of the high-end sunglasses are polarized, by default. Still, it is not like tinted i.e. non-polarized shades are out of the market. Therefore, here is a guide for choosing the best sunspecs for you.
Let’s begin with the hype behind the super-trendy polarized sunglasses. These sunglasses have a better ability to reduce glare than regular non-polarized sunglasses. Not only, the glare distortion is curtailed, but the visual clarity, sharpness, and comfort are also enhanced with these polarized sunglasses.
What are polarized sunglasses?
Going for the definition, polarized sunglasses have this special laminated filter (polarizer) which blocks out the reflecting sunlight consequently eliminating the blinding glare. Any unpolarized light wave (like the sunlight) vibrates in more than one plane while a polarized one travels in a single plane. What a polarizer does is, blocks out the potentially distorted ones and allows the vertically oriented light to pass through. The glare we observe is the reflected sunlight from shiny, horizontal surfaces. The common tinted sunglasses don’t filter this bright light, providing inadequate protection. Polarized sunglasses eliminate the discomforting flare resulting in better vision.
Polarized sunglasses come in a variety of colors like grey, brown, and the more unusual ones being green, melanin, yellow, etc. It is believed, that the darker the tint is, the better is the polarization effect. Various tints of polarized lenses have their share of benefits –
Talking about its users, the reduced glare through polarized sunglasses is perfect for people engaged in outdoor activities such as driving in the sunlight, athletes in water sports, and light-sensitive people (post-cataract surgery patients).
Though in a majority of circumstances, polarized sunglasses render maximum protection from harmful UVA, UVB rays along with reflected glare, instances where tinted shades prove better are found. Many people with supposed psychological and neurological disorders face disorientation and dizzy when wearing polarized sunglasses. The polarizing effect decreases the visibility of LCD devices and also creates issues in distinguishing shades of the same color for low contrast. Therefore, using them is not suitable for pilots working with screens.
Polarized vs Non-polarized sunglasses
Let’s get to analyze why polarized sunglasses are better than non-polarized sunglasses, from different viewpoints -
- From real-life experience
Polarized Sunglasses protect the eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays whose exposure can lead to diseases like snow blindness, cataract. These are best-suited for divers, golfers, joggers prone to blinding glare. It essentially eliminates the incoming reflected sunlight from the water surface, windshield, etc.
The performance of the polarized sunglasses remains consistent even in varying lights, unlike non-polarized sunglasses. It also decreases visual fatigue and eye strain by restricting the light up to 40%.
- From the technological aspect
A light wave, in general, vibrates in more than one plane and partially polarised vibrations of light waves are much more organized. Polarized sunglasses exploit this phenomenon and tone down the reflection and irradiance, instead of making the intensity better. Hence, all the undesirable disturbances are negated making it apt for debilitating sunlight. While using tinted sunspecs provides insufficient protection and the glare is noticeable.
- From the use of an individual in particular
Polarized sunglasses make things easier and are less straining for eyes when focusing for long times. It is perfect for driving in the afternoons or when the sun is high. Though accessing LCD screens and mobile phones becomes difficult with lower contrast levels. For recreational activities like diving, boating, or fishing – polarized lenses are a boon. The prices for polarized sunglasses are hefty but the advantages are worthy enough to consider the investment.
- From the experts
Polarized sunglasses can be modified to enhance the vision. These, when worked with prescribed lenses, are the perfect solutions for any individuals with astigmatism, myopia, presbyopia. Using progressive or bifocal lenses, getting anti-reflective or anti-scratch coatings ensure complete care of eyes.
Concluding that polarized sunglasses are the most promising option for outdoor uses out there is undeniable. One gets the best protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays and the utmost safety through this filter. Moreover, chances of contracting disorders like acute blindness, snow-blindness, macular degeneration are decreased. With clear, sharp and unstrained visibility performing outdoor activities becomes second nature.
Discussing some other pros of the polarised lenses seems like a good time now.
- Do you know polarized sunglasses block digital blue light?
Blue light from any digital device is a growing concern among device users. Studies say not only long-term diseases, acute blindness can occur but also REM cycles get disturbed interfering with metabolism. The low levels of melatonin disturbing the sleep patterns and constant migraines, headaches, drying up of eyes are some other side-effects.
Blue light essentially is a part of the UV spectrum so polarized sunglasses are specially designed to provide protection. Though it may not be suitable for indoor use, Our blue-light lenses are good to go.
- Reflection from water, snow, ice, and even windshield is blinding but polarized sunglasses can help!
Polarized sunglasses block out the glare coming from horizontal, shiny surfaces reflecting the sunlight. The resulting vision is much more intense, clear and the eyes are optimally protected and comfortable.
For those engaging in water sports or other adventurous activities in high sun, polarised sunglasses obstruct the glare. Thus, improving the visibility and allowing chances of better execution of various workouts. During activities such as boating, fishing, water skiing the polarization effect makes it much easier to see beneath the surface of the water.
- Why polarized sunglasses are worth the price?
Even with the excessively inflated prices, the many uses of polarized sunglasses can’t be undermined. From the purpose of outdoor activities to reduced eye-strain and better perception – the benefits are many. With the unwanted light cutting, visibility is much clearer and more concise investing in polarized sunspecs appears satisfying unlike, the regular non-polarized shades.
Conclusion
A polarizer is fundamentally a coating over the lenses which ensures maximum protection from glare. The reflected light is omitted, giving improved views and protection during everyday outdoor activities. The functionality and versatility make polarized sunglasses a perfect choice for shades. Where else you can get convenience with style!
