Is it better to have polarised sunglasses?

Sunglasses are more than a fashion accessory; they’re a practical tool for protecting your eyes and enhancing everyday visibility. When you’re choosing eyewear, one of the key questions is whether polarised sunglasses are worth the extra consideration. This post dives into what polarised sunglasses are, how they work, who benefits most, and how to choose the right pair for your lifestyle. By the end, you’ll have a clear sense of whether polarised sunglasses are the right choice for you.

What are polarised sunglasses?

Polarised sunglasses have a special filter placed in the lens that blocks horizontal light waves reflected off flat, bright surfaces such as roads, water, snow, and car hoods. This filtering reduces glare, making what you see clearer and more comfortable. Traditional sunglasses darken the overall light, but polarised sunglasses actively reduce glare while maintaining colour fidelity and contrast. This combination can transform activities that involve glare into more enjoyable and safer experiences.

How glare impacts visibility and comfort

Glare isn’t just annoying; it can affect your safety and eye strain. When sunlight reflects off smooth surfaces, it creates intense, scattered light that can wash out details, reduce depth perception, and force your eyes to work harder. Chronic exposure to glare can contribute to headaches and fatigue, especially during long drives, water sports, or winter sports. Polarised sunglasses address this by suppressing the horizontal glare while still letting through enough light for comfortable vision.

Who benefits most from polarised sunglasses

• Drivers and commuters: Glare from wet roads, snow, or other vehicles can hinder reaction time. Polarised sunglasses improve contrast and reduce eye strain, making for a safer drive.
• Anglers and water sports enthusiasts: Reflections from the water can be dazzling. Polarised sunglasses help you see beneath the surface, spot fish, and judge depths more accurately.
• Snow sports participants: Snow glare can be blinding. Polarised lenses reduce eye fatigue and improve terrain perception on sunny days.
• Outdoor workers: People who spend long hours outdoors in bright sunlight can benefit from reduced glare and better overall comfort.
• General outdoor activities: Walking, cycling, and enjoying nature become more pleasant when glare is minimized.

Considerations and limitations

Polarised sunglasses aren’t always ideal in every situation. Here are some caveats to keep in mind:

• LCD screens and some sunglasses: Polarised filters can interfere with seeing LCD screens on dashboards, smartphones, or ATMs. If you rely on digital displays while wearing sunglasses, test compatibility.
• Aviation and some sport contexts: Certain aeronautical instruments and cockpit screens may be difficult to read through polarised lenses. In some sports, the filter can affect how you read reflections or ice surfaces.
• Colour perception: While polarised sunglasses maintain good colouur, some users notice slight colour shifts depending on the lens technology. Try several tints to find what feels most natural.
• Cost and maintenance: Polarised sunglasses can be pricier than non-polarised options, and the filter can be scratched if not cared for properly. Clean with a microfiber cloth and store in a protective case.

How to choose the right polarised sunglasses

• UV protection: Ensure your sunglasses provide 100% UV protection (UV400) to shield against UVA and UVB rays.
• Polarisation level: Most consumer polarised sunglasses offer a standard polarising filter. Look for lenses that explicitly state polarised.
• Lens tint and colour: Different tints suit different activities. Grey/neutral tones preserve true colour, while brown/amber can enhance contrast in variable light.
• Lens material: Choose lightweight, durable materials such as polycarbonate. For those who wear prescription lenses, consider polarised prescription sunglasses.
• Fit and comfort: A snug fit prevents periphery glare from entering and ensures the lenses stay in the right place during activities.
• Anti-scratch and anti-reflective coatings: These coatings extend the life of your sunglasses and improve long-term clarity.

Everyday benefits of polarised sunglasses

Beyond specific activities, polarised sunglasses reduce eye strain during long days outdoors. They help you experience natural colours more vividly, with less squinting and fatigue. For people who spend time near water, snow, or glassy surfaces, the difference can be noticeable from the first wear.

Maintenance tips to keep polarised sunglasses performing well

• Clean regularly with a microfiber cloth and lens cleaner.
• Store in a protective case when not in use.
• Avoid placing lenses face-down on hard surfaces to prevent scratches.
• Inspect for coating wear and replace lenses if glare or clarity diminishes.

Final thoughts

Polarised sunglasses offer tangible benefits for reducing glare, improving contrast, and enhancing comfort across a wide range of outdoor activities. They’re especially valuable for drivers, anglers, and anyone who spends significant time near reflective surfaces. While they aren’t perfect for every scenario, such as certain screens or cockpit instruments, many people find that the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. If you value clearer vision, reduced eye strain, and safer outdoor experiences, investing in polarised sunglasses is worth considering. Remember to prioritise UV protection, lens quality, and a comfortable fit to get the most out of your eyewear. Check out Union of Surf Range of Polarised Sunglasses