Polarised vs. Non-Polarised Lenses: Which One Should You Actually Buy?

We have already published a guide on polarised eyewear that covers the basics of how polarisation works. However, if you find yourself standing in front of a display and struggling to choose one from two very similar models of polarized sunglasses, then your only question - "which one filters glare?" - is not the only one that should concern you. Let us take a closer look at the matter.

How Each Lens Actually Works

A non-polarised lens is a flat tint lens. It is just a layer of dye that reduces the overall amount of light reaching your eyes evenly in all directions. Consider it a dimmer control.

A polarised lens has added laminated film in it whose molecules are oriented in one direction only. This film works like vertical blinds. Vertical light waves travel normally through the film, while horizontal waves, which are the type of waves created by reflection of sunlight off a smooth surface, are blocked. Glare is thus reduced effectively with polarised lenses, while a non-polarised lens just reduces visibility in general without distinguishing between helpful and glare light waves.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Where Polarised Lenses Win

The benefit is not only that of comfort alone. With fewer reflections, there is less need for squinting, hence no eye strain as the day progresses. People who work in driving, fishing, or spending considerable time on the coast will certainly benefit from this aspect as each hour passes. Polarised lenses may prove to be very effective in color enhancement because of their capability of filtering out visual noise caused by reflections.

Where Non-Polarised Lenses Still Make Sense

A polarised lens is not necessarily the better option for all people. Some scenarios where a non-polarised lens may be superior:

• Heavily screen-based activities. When someone is frequently glancing at their phone, an automated teller machine screen, or a vehicle dashboard with electronic screens, a polarised lens makes these screens appear dimmed or striped depending on the angle. A non-polarised lens does not have that effect.

• Low-glare environments. In a garden, on a walk in the city in the shade, or when using sunglasses mostly for fashion purposes, there is little light to reflect and filter out with polarisation. Hence, no major practical advantage.

• Price point. Sunglasses using non-polarised lenses are less expensive to manufacture, and thus more affordable. If one needs only UV protection, without the extra cost of the glare-reduction coating, this is perfectly reasonable.

• Professional situations. Air pilots and some machinery operators are discouraged from using polarised lenses as they make it difficult to read some instrument screens.

A Common Misconception Worth Repeating

Polarity cannot be determined based on price and darkness of lenses. Lenses can be really dark and non-polarised, or lightly colored and 100% polarised. There is only one way to check: by reading the product tag or doing a simple test, like viewing the lens through another polarised lens or a phone screen at an angle. For more details on how to perform these tests, refer to our pillar guide above.

Making the Call

People who find themselves having to drive regularly, being close to water bodies, and being out in the open for long periods of time would benefit greatly from investing in a pair of polarised lenses. For people who require the occasional use of lenses, as well as the ability to work on their computer screens for hours, normal lenses should suffice.

In any case, UV protection should not be the one element that you settle for second best. Both polarised lenses and UV400 protection are two different elements.

At PolarSun, every pair, polarised or not, comes with UV400 protection as standard, a 6-month warranty, and free islandwide delivery. If you're still unsure which style and lens combination suits you, our virtual try-on lets you check before you buy.