Ask the Doctor

By Dr. Stephen Taylor
Optometrist

Polarized vs Non-polarized sunglasses

Question: I have noticed some premium brand sunglasses are polarized and some are not. I thought polarized lenses were supposed to be better. Why might someone choose a non-polarized lens even at a higher price point?

Answer: So you’ve noticed some high-end sunglasses aren’t polarized, and you’re wondering why. It’s a great question, and it comes down to the wearer’s specific needs and preferences. While polarized lenses are fantastic for reducing glare, particularly reflected glare off water, snow, or shiny surfaces, they’re not always the ideal choice for everyone. 

Think of it like this: polarization works by filtering out horizontal light waves, which is what causes that annoying glare. However, some professions or activities actually benefit from seeing that reflected light. Digital displays can appear distorted or even blacked out when viewed through polarized lenses. Certain liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and heads-up displays (HUDs) are examples. You could see how this would be less than ideal for a pilot, for example, and for this reason polarized lenses are not recommended for aviation. Also, some skiers or cyclists prefer non-polarized lenses because they want to see icy patches, which can be more visible with the reflected light.

Additionally, some photographers and videographers prefer non-polarized lenses because they want to control the glare and reflections manually for artistic purposes. They might use specific filters to achieve a desired effect, and polarized lenses would interfere with that.

Finally, some people simply don’t find the glare reduction significant enough to warrant the potential drawbacks of polarization but they still want to shield their eyes from harmful UV radiation. They might prefer the unfiltered view and broader range of fashion tints that good quality non-polarized lenses provide. It really comes down to both subjective taste and also how you intend to use your sunglasses. 

While polarized lenses offer significant advantages for many, they aren’t universally superior. It’s all about what best suits your lifestyle and visual needs, and your eyecare professional will be happy to give you a personalized recommendation, so please ask your optometrist what they suggest for you in terms of eye protection for the coming sunny season.