Eye health resource
What Are Polarized Sunglasses and Are They Better for Your Eyes?
Polarized sunglasses reduce reflected glare, while UV protection protects your eyes from ultraviolet radiation. Learn when polarization helps and what to look for in sunglasses.
Reviewed for accuracy by Justin Bazan, OD on .
Polarized sunglasses can be especially useful when reflected glare is the problem. Their filter reduces glare bouncing off surfaces such as water, snow, pavement, and windshields, which can make outdoor vision more comfortable.
But polarization and ultraviolet (UV) protection are not the same thing. For eye protection from sunlight, the more important label is that the sunglasses block 99–100% of UVA and UVB radiation or are rated UV400. Polarization is an additional glare-reducing feature.
What Does Polarization Do?
Sunlight can reflect strongly from horizontal surfaces. Polarized lenses filter much of that reflected glare, which may make details easier to see in bright situations and reduce visual discomfort.
That can be particularly useful for activities such as:
- Driving in bright conditions
- Boating and fishing
- Spending time around water or snow
- Outdoor activities where reflected glare is distracting
Polarization does not make your prescription stronger or improve the underlying health of the eye. Its main benefit is glare control.
Are Polarized Sunglasses Better Than Regular Sunglasses?
They are better for some situations, but not automatically better for every person or activity. A good pair of non-polarized sunglasses with proper UV protection can still protect your eyes from ultraviolet radiation.
If glare is a frequent problem, polarization may add meaningful comfort. If glare is not a major concern, UV protection, fit, prescription accuracy, lens quality, and how you actually use the glasses may matter more.
Polarization Is Not the Same as UV Protection
Choose sunglasses that clearly state they block 99–100% of UVA and UVB or provide UV400 protection. Do not assume a lens provides adequate UV protection merely because it is dark, polarized, expensive, or from a designer brand.
Fit matters too. Frames that fit comfortably and provide good coverage can reduce light entering around the lenses. Wraparound styles may be particularly useful in very bright or reflective environments.
Are There Downsides to Polarized Lenses?
Polarization can sometimes make certain LCD or digital displays look darker, distorted, or harder to read at particular angles. That can matter with some dashboards, phones, instrument panels, or equipment. The effect depends on the display and the lens orientation.
For that reason, the best sunglass lens is not determined by one feature alone. It should fit the way you drive, work, travel, exercise, or spend time outdoors.
Prescription Polarized Sunglasses at Park Slope Eye
Park Slope Eye’s optical focuses on prescription eyewear, including prescription sunglasses. Depending on your prescription and needs, polarized prescription lenses may be one useful option.
You do not have to purchase eyewear from Park Slope Eye to receive your prescription. If you would like help comparing prescription-sunglass lens options, we are happy to explain the tradeoffs and provide a quote. Learn more about our in-office prescription eyewear.
Originally published . Substantially updated .