Polarized vs. Non-Polarized Sunglasses

There are two main types of sunglasses on the market today: polarized and non-polarized. So, which one should you buy?

Polarized sunglasses are designed to reduce glare from reflective surfaces, such as water, snow, and glass. They work by filtering out horizontal light waves, which are the ones that create glare. This makes them ideal for activities like driving, fishing, and skiing, where glare can be a major problem.

Non-polarized sunglasses, on the other hand, don't reduce glare. Instead, they rely on dark lenses to block out sunlight. This makes them a good choice for general use, but they're not ideal for activities where glare is an issue.

So, which type of sunglasses is best for you? It depends on how you plan to use them. If you'll be spending time outdoors in bright conditions, polarized sunglasses are a good choice. But if you're just looking for a basic pair of shades, non-polarized sunglasses will do the job just fine.

 

What Are Polarized Sunglasses?

Polarized sunglasses are designed to reduce glare from reflective surfaces, such as water, snow, and glass. They work by filtering out horizontal light waves, which are the ones that create glare.
This makes them ideal for activities like driving, fishing, and skiing, where glare can be a major problem.

 


How Can You Tell If Sunglass Lenses Are Polarized?

There are a few ways to tell if sunglasses are polarized. One is to look at the lenses from the side. If they're polarized, you'll see a dark band running across the middle of the lens. Another way to tell is to look at a reflection in a polarized lens. The reflection will be disrupted, while a reflection in a non-polarized lens will be a continuous image.


Who Invented Polarized Glasses?

Polarized sunglasses were invented in 1936 by Edwin H. Land. Land, who also invented the first instant camera, was looking for a way to reduce glare when driving. He came up with the idea of creating a filter that would block out horizontal light waves, which are the ones that create glare. Land's invention revolutionized sunglasses and made them much more effective at reducing glare.