Polarised vs Non-Polarised Sunglasses: Which One is Right for You?

When it comes to sunglasses, two terms that often come up are polarised and non-polarised. While both types provide protection from the sun’s harmful rays, there are key differences between the two that can affect your comfort, vision, and the overall performance of your sunglasses. In this post, we’ll explore the differences between polarised and non-polarised sunglasses, and help you determine which one is the right choice for your needs.

What Does Polarised Mean?

Polarised sunglasses have a special coating on the lenses that reduces glare from reflective surfaces, such as water, snow, or roads. This coating contains a polarising filter that blocks horizontally reflected light, which is the primary cause of glare. As a result, polarised lenses provide better clarity, contrast, and overall visual comfort, especially in bright environments.

What Are Non-Polarised Sunglasses?

Non-polarised sunglasses, on the other hand, are more traditional sunglasses without any special coating to reduce glare. While they still offer UV protection to keep your eyes safe from harmful sun exposure, they do not block reflected light, meaning that glare from surfaces like water or glass will not be reduced. Non-polarised sunglasses are often less expensive and provide a standard level of sun protection.

Key Differences Between Polarised and Non-Polarised Sunglasses

1. Glare Reduction

One of the most significant differences between polarised and non-polarised sunglasses is glare reduction. Polarised lenses effectively block glare from surfaces like water, snow, roads, and glass, which can be particularly beneficial when driving, fishing, or engaging in outdoor activities where bright reflections are common. Non-polarised lenses, however, do not reduce glare and may leave your eyes strained in bright conditions.

2. Visual Clarity and Comfort

Polarised sunglasses offer superior visual clarity. The filter in polarised lenses helps improve contrast and sharpness, making details appear clearer and more vibrant. This is particularly helpful when you’re outdoors in bright, sunlit environments. Non-polarised lenses may not provide the same level of clarity, and the glare can make it harder to see clearly in certain conditions.

3. Eye Strain

Because polarised lenses reduce glare, they help minimise eye strain, especially when you’re exposed to bright sunlight for extended periods. If you’re spending a lot of time outdoors or driving, polarised sunglasses can significantly reduce discomfort caused by squinting. Non-polarised sunglasses don’t offer the same benefit, and you may find yourself squinting or experiencing more eye fatigue in bright conditions.

4. Price

Polarised lenses typically come at a higher price point than non-polarised lenses. This is because the process of adding the polarising filter to the lenses increases the production cost. Non-polarised sunglasses, being simpler to manufacture, are generally more affordable.

5. Applications

Polarised sunglasses are particularly suited for outdoor activities such as:

• Fishing: The reduced glare from water helps you see beneath the surface more clearly.
• Driving: Polarised lenses reduce the glare from roads, other cars, and reflective surfaces, making driving more comfortable and safer.
• Sports: Whether it’s skiing, snowboarding, or cycling, polarised lenses help you see clearly in bright, reflective environments.

Non-polarised sunglasses, while providing basic sun protection, are ideal for casual, everyday use, especially if glare is not a major concern.

6. Lens Durability

Both polarised and non-polarised lenses can be made from durable materials like polycarbonate or glass, but it’s important to note that the polarising filter can wear out over time. The filter is typically applied to the surface of the lens, which means it can be scratched or damaged, diminishing the effectiveness of the polarisation. Non-polarised lenses do not have this concern.

When Should You Choose Polarised Sunglasses?

Polarised sunglasses are ideal for people who spend a lot of time outdoors in bright conditions, especially around water or snow. If you’re into activities like fishing, boating, hiking, skiing, or driving, polarised lenses will help you see better and reduce glare, providing increased comfort and safety.

When Are Non-Polarised Sunglasses Enough?

Non-polarised sunglasses are still a great choice for everyday wear, especially if you don’t often find yourself in glare-heavy environments. They offer UV protection, and they’re more budget-friendly, making them a good option for those who need basic sun protection without the need for glare reduction.

Conclusion

Both polarised and non-polarised sunglasses offer protection from the sun, but polarised lenses provide enhanced visual clarity, glare reduction, and comfort in bright, reflective environments. If you spend a lot of time outdoors or engage in activities where glare is a concern, polarised sunglasses are the way to go. For everyday use, non-polarised sunglasses provide solid UV protection at a more affordable price point.

At Havaners, we offer a range of stylish, high-quality sunglasses, including both polarised and non-polarised options. Whether you're looking for polarised sunglasses for outdoor adventures or non-polarised sunglasses for casual wear, our collection has something for everyone.

Visit our sunglasses selection to find your perfect pair of sunglasses and protect your eyes in style!