While out shopping for sunglasses you’ve probably heard about UV protection and polarization. While both features are useful to have in your sunglasses, they serve different purposes. Understanding the difference between UV and polarized sunglasses is helpful for choosing your next pair of sunglasses.
Understanding UV Protection in Sunglasses
Ultraviolet (UV) rays, part of the sunlight that reaches the earth, can harm your eyes, leading to conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. Prolonged exposure without adequate protection can lead to serious eye health issues. Sunglasses with UV protection block these harmful rays, and the best ones offer 100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Always check what percentage of UV rays are blocked when shopping for sunglasses. Learn more about how UV rays affect your eyes.
Polarized Sunglasses: What Are They?
Polarized lenses are designed to reduce glare from surfaces like water, roads, and snow. They contain a special chemical applied in a vertical pattern to filter horizontally oriented light, which is beneficial for reducing eye strain in situations where glare can be intense, such as driving on a sunny day or participating in water sports.
In addition to polarized lenses, there are a few different lens coatings and treatments you can get for your sunglasses. If you’re in the market for a new pair of custom or prescription sunglasses, you’ll want to know what to ask for.
Comparing UV Protection and Polarization
While both features enhance visual comfort and eye safety, UV protection safeguards against invisible UV rays, whereas polarization reduces visible glare.
Can Sunglasses Have Both Features? Yes they can, in fact many sunglasses combine both UV protection and polarization for comprehensive eye protection and comfort. It’s important to check the specifications when purchasing your next pair of sunglasses.
Situations Best Suited for Each Type
UV protection is important for everyday use, especially outdoor activities, from walking to sunbathing you want to keep your eyes safe.
Polarized lenses are ideal for specific scenarios where glare reduction is important, such as driving, fishing, skiing, or boating, while not necessary having polarized lenses can be very helpful.
What Doesn’t Protect Your Eyes?
You may have heard that darker lenses mean better protection, but that’s not the case. The darkness of the lens does not correlate with UV protection. Clear lenses can offer just as much UV protection as darker ones.
Polarization Isn’t Always Necessary: While polarized lenses offer benefits in reducing glare, they’re not essential for everyone. In some situations, like viewing LCD screens, they can make it harder to see clearly.
How to Choose the Right Sunglasses
- Identify Your Needs: Consider your lifestyle and typical activities. If you spend a lot of time driving or near water, polarized lenses might be beneficial.
- Look for Labels: Always check for labels indicating the level of UV protection. Look for “100% protection against UVA and UVB” or “UV400”.
- Try Them On: The best way to understand the difference is to try both types and see which offers more comfort in your usual environment.
Both UV protection and polarization play a role in maintaining eye health and comfort. By understanding the differences, you can make an informed decision when purchasing your next pair of sunglasses. If you are looking for a new pair, it’s important to know what types of sunglasses are out there.