Which is better, UV or polarized sunglasses?

Choosing UV sunglasses with a 400 UV rating or buying polarized sunglasses is almost similar. There is only a little difference in price, customization, and its working. The most important function of sunglasses is their provision of 99-100% UV protection for your eyes. UV protection is mandatory, whilst polarization is an optional upgrade which simply blocks glare for visual comfort and provides no extra protection.

Searching online, Polarized sunglasses have much more hype than normal sunglasses, as they are a better option. But it's not 100% true, but why? 

Read this blog to understand the difference between UV and polarized sunglasses. This will help you make an informed decision about your next set of shades.

If that sounds helpful, this is the article for you.

Onwards.

 

What are UV sunglasses?

UV sunglasses are created to block ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. These UV rays can be divided into 3 parts: UVA (320–400 nm), UVB (280–320 nm) & UVC (less than 250nm). Direct contact with UV rays can impact your skin and eyes.

UV sunglasses with UV400 protection are considered the gold standard. This lens can block all light rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers. This means you will get 100% protection from UVA, UVB & UVC rays. This rating you can find outside the box.

What are CE sunglasses?

The CE mark is a regulatory certification, not a brand or UV protection level by itself. CE sunglasses comply with EU safety, health, and environmental protection standards. On any legitimate sunglasses frame, you should see a small CE logo stamped on the interior surface of the frame, usually on one of the temples (arms). This signifies the sunglasses conform to the European standard EN ISO 12312-1:2022 and that the lenses provide UV protection up to 380 nanometres.

• CE stands for Conformité Européenne (European Conformity).

• All legitimate sunglasses must be CE marked.

• But not all sunglasses are rated as UV400.

Why is UV protection important?

Direct contact with ultraviolet rays(UV rays) can significantly damage your skin. Not only your eyes, but UV rays can impact your whole body. Prolonged exposure without adequate protection can result in various eye problems, such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and cornea burns, also known as photokeratitis.

UVC, the least harmful frequency of ultraviolet light, is largely intercepted or absorbed by the earth's atmosphere. Nonetheless, a minor fraction of this light penetrates through, underscoring the importance of UV400 sun lenses that provide protection against it.

UV light sub-type	Frequency (nm)	Danger to eyes & skin
UVA	315 - 400	High
UVB	280 - 315	Medium
UVC	100 - 280	Low

 

What are polarized sunglasses?

Polarized sunglasses offered 100% UV protection from the sun by default. They also have additional filters that reduce glare from surfaces such as water, snow, and glass. Glare is a phenomenon where light waves bounce off reflective surfaces at unwanted angles, causing visual discomfort and reduced visual clarity.

The filter within polarized lens is called a polarizer. This thin chemical film is applied as a layer either upon the lens' surface or sandwiched within two layers of the lens construction.

The polarizer contains microscopic rows of neatly aligned molecules which are orientated vertically in relation to you and your sunglasses. These vertical rows block horizontally reflected sunlight (glare) which is how they provide significantly smoother vision compared to non-polarized lenses.

Comparing UV and polarized sunglasses

 

UV sunglasses are a great option for everyday use. Although they don't block glare, they provide 99-100% protection against invisible UV light. Its opposite, polarized sunglasses, are designed to reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, roads, or snow.

Furthermore, UV lens are available in variety of colors and darkness level of them. You can get a customzed UV sunglasses that suits your prescription, lifestyle,and intended application.  Whereas polarized glasses only have 3 color options to choose from.

UV lenses are much more prevalent than polarized lenses as they're easier to manufacture, without the additional polarizer film upon or within the lens.
Subsequently, non-polarized lenses are on average 30% cheaper overall and will easily handle most light conditions

For the same reasons above, this is why polarized lenses are more costly. They're more intricate to manufacture and tend to be around 25-30% more expensive on average.

 

4 reasons to upgrade to polarized sunglasses

• Enhanced Clarity and Comfort: Polarized lenses can reduce glare from reflective surfaces like wet roads, water, and snow. This will give you more comfort, clarity, and a clearer vision.

• Reduced Eye Strain:  Use these glasses for a long time in bright light without any eye strain. These lenses can block 100% UV light and reflected light.

• Improved Visual Precision: These lenses improve the sharpness and contrast of your vision, which is particularly beneficial for activities like driving or water sports where accuracy is crucial.

• Safety: They are the safest option during outdoor activities and driving in a bright light. Because polarised lenses provide 100% UV protection with reduce glare.

 

Can sunglasses be both UV protective and polarized?

Yes, sunglasses can simultaneously be both UV protective and polarized. This is because UV protection is added as a coating whilst the polarizer film is either applied externally or sandwiched within two layers of each sunglasses lens. The UV coating blocks invisible ultraviolet light, and the polarizer filter blocks visible light (glare).

Shopping around, you might've noticed that polarized sunglasses come in a wide variety of options including frame types, lens material, lens colors and types of prescription.

If you're thinking about getting a good pair of polarized sunglasses, its important to go with that match your vibe and offer a prescription option also. 

Depending on your lifestyle and corrective prescription, there are various factors to consider if you're looking to invest in some good quality sunglasses with polarized lenses.

 

 

How to choose the right polarized sunglasses for you

Although there's many shapes, styles and brands to choose from, there are two main sunglasses frame formats.

Polarized sports sunglasses are typically very lightweight with strong base curvatures that closely wrap around your head and eyes. These performance orientated frames are mass produced, usually injection moulded from thermoplastic material such as nylon (TR90) with little craftmanship.

Polarized fashion sunglasses are typically made from acetate and/or metals such as titanium or nickel alloy with aesthetics and fashion trends in mind. These frames feature low base curvatures, thus being much flatter and less closely fitted to your eyes. Instead of injection moulding, fashion sunglasses are manufactured using multiple automated and manual processes during manufacture.

For lightweight performance, wraparound polarized sports sunglasses are an obvious choice. If fashion and aesthetics are more important to you, polarized lenses can fitted to just abut any frame you like the look of.

 

 

Lens material

Not all polarized lenses are made equal. They can vary vastly in terms of material, quality and optical performance which can read about in this article. But as a quick reference, here are the four main types;

• Acrylic: a budget polarized lens option with moderate durability and scratch resistance

• Polycarbonate: Lightweight and impact-resistant, ideal for sports and active lifestyles.

• CR-39: Offers clear optics and is lighter than glass, fantastic for prescription use.

• Glass: Provides superior clarity and scratch resistance, but prone to shattering

 

Summary

Finally, UV protection and polarized sunglasses are quite similar. But getting polarized lenses will give you 100% UV protection with reduced glare. Whereas, Sunglasses with a UV400 rating & CE rating ensure 100% block of ultraviolet rays ranging b/w 100-400nm. Normal glasses don't give glare protection. Keep in mind that polarized is a good option, but they are more expensive and have fewer color options.

 

Hopefully, you found this article helpful. If so, please check out our other polarised sunglasses blog posts for more helpful advice.

Thanks for stopping by.