Looking for a new pair of shades? While many people wear sunglasses because of their style, they are very beneficial to the health of the eyes.
UV light from the sun damages more
than our skin. The bright rays can cause damage to our eyes over time, which is
one of the main reasons to wear
sunglasses on a regular basis.
But sunglasses aren't all created
equally. There are different types, and some are more beneficial to the eyes
than others.
Polarized vs non-polarized
sunglasses, this is the first (and main) question you need to ask yourself. But
most people have no idea what polarized sunglasses even are.
Keep reading our polarized
sunglasses guide below to learn more.
What
are Polarized Sunglasses?
Polarized sunglasses are the
upgraded form of sunglasses. They don't just provide shade for your eyes.
Along with UV light protection,
which prevents damage to your retina from the bright, summer rays, polarized
glasses also prevent glare.
This is the main benefit of
polarized glasses versus their normal, non-polarized counterparts. But it's not
a benefit to be taken lightly, as it makes a huge difference.
Polarized sunglasses have a
chemical-based filter on the lenses which blocks much of the light reflected
off of water, snow, and wet objects like grass. The filter actually scatters
the light as it comes back to you so that it doesn't make its way into your
eye.
This helps to prevent eye strain, as
far less harmful light makes it to your eye. And overall, you get a clearer
picture through your glasses.
Glare reduction is essential for
many outdoor recreational activities like fishing. But it's also very important
for improving safety while running, driving, or working in certain
conditions.
Uses
for Polarized Sunglasses
So when is glare reduction the most
important? Here are some of the top reasons to wear polarized sunglasses.
Fishing
One of the most common reasons to
wear polarized sunglasses is while fishing. Sunlight on the surface of the
water can create a massive glare.
This can make it unenjoyable to look
at the water for long periods of time. But with polarized sunglasses, this
glare is greatly reduced.
And it makes it possible to see
beyond the surface of the water and to actually see fish swimming beneath the
surface.
Without polarized sunglasses, it can
be impossible to see fish on a sunny day. But with the right shades, you'll
know where to cast and will have a much easier time fishing.
Not fishing, but spending a day on
the boat? Wearing polarized lenses while boating is just as important, as it
can help you to see obstacles as you navigate.
Driving
Driving can be difficult,
particularly in the early morning when the sunrise causes harsh reflections and
shines a bright light at difficult angles.
But wearing polarized sunglasses can
make driving much easier. All of these harsh reflections will be diffused as
you drive, making it easier to see the road and potential hazards, even if the
sun is directly in your eyes.
Snow
and Sun
Snow is water. So when the sun
shines on the snow, it can create the whitest, brightest scene you've ever
seen.
While it can be very pretty, it can
be very hard to see, focus, and navigate while walking or driving. When the sun
shines in winter, it's very important to wear high-quality, polarized
sunglasses, such as those from Clearly, to ensure your safety.
Golfing
Golfers rely on a long line of sight
down the fairway in order to make the best hit. But depending on the sun, the
dew on the grass, and many other elements, it can be hard to see.
By simply wearing polarized glasses
while golfing, you can increase your visibility and prevent your eyes from
feeling strained while playing 18 holes.
What
are Non-Polarized Sunglasses?
So what are non-polarized
sunglasses? They are regular sunglasses.
They have tinted lenses that help
provide shade and lower brightness, helping to prevent eye strain. But they
don't have the additional chemical filter that scatters and blocks glare.
Non-polarized sunglasses are
typically cheaper than their polarized counterparts. If you're just looking for
something simple and cheap, this is your option.
While they provide some benefits,
they aren't well suited to outdoor activities or driving under special
circumstances.
The plus side is that since they are
cheaper, you won't be as upset if you break them or lose them.
Polarized
vs Non-Polarized Sunglasses
Polarized vs non-polarized, which
should you buy? It depends on what you need sunglasses for.
If you're just looking for an
accessory to complete your outfit, then you'll have many more styles to choose
from when buying non-polarized sunglasses, since the majority of shades out
there are non-polarized.
But if you are an outdoor enthusiast
in any way, you'll benefit far more from polarized lenses. Likewise, if you
drive a lot of work outdoors, you'll eyes will appreciate the polarized lenses
as well.
They are a bit more of an
investment, as polarization is an upgrade and an added expense. So you'll want
to take good care of them, which can be hard to do if you're out on a boat,
jumping in the water, or hiking a mountain.
It might help to purchase a strap
for your polarized glasses to make it less likely you'll lose them.
You'll also have fewer style
options, as fewer companies produce polarized lenses. In recent years, this
meant choosing glasses that have an overly-athletic style.
But today, more companies are
producing polarized sunglasses for the lifestyle user, making it easier to find
some in your preferred style. And with the increase in companies producing
them, they are becoming more affordable than ever before, making it a
no-brainer to try polarized lenses.
And once you try them, you'll never
want to go back.
Go
Polar Today
Polarized vs non-polarized
sunglasses, you finally know the difference. Non-polarized lenses are tinted
and provide basic sun protection. But polarized lenses have a specialty filter
to truly block glare and harsh light, making them a better option for those
outdoors for longer periods of time.
Looking for more polarized
sunglasses tips? Head to our blog to find other helpful articles today.
