There are a variety of sunglass alternatives available to successfully screen your eyes from the sun, including polarized and gradient lenses. So, what’s the distinction between polarized and gradient sunglasses?
Polarized sunglasses have a laminate filter that cuts down on glare and eye strain. Gradient lenses, on the other hand, have a gradual change in color, usually from darker at the top to lighter at the bottom.
Before you buy a new pair of sunglasses, think about the main differences between polarized and gradient sunglasses and which one is best for you.
Polarized Lenses Vs. Gradient Lenses
There are many benefits to both polarized and gradient lenses, but there are times when you should choose one over the other.
Here are some important considerations:
- Environment: Polarized sunglasses are ideal for high-glare environments such as water, snow, and pavement. Gradient lenses may be preferable for driving in the afternoon sun and during the day since they block more glare from above.
- UV protection: Neither lens coating is better at blocking the sun’s harmful UV rays on its own; therefore, search for UV400 protection, since nothing is more vital in sunwear than protecting your vision.
- Cost: Usually, high-quality polarized lenses cost more than gradient lenses, but the price can also depend on the style and brand.
- Availability: Both polarized and gradient lenses come in designer styles and can be bought with or without a prescription.
- Versatility: Gradient lenses are more versatile in general, although polarized glasses may be excessively dark in certain situations.
How Do Polarized Lenses Function?
When making polarized sunglasses, a chemical laminate with a vertical pattern is placed on the lenses. When sunlight strikes a flat surface, the reflected light beams flow horizontally, increasing glare and decreasing vision.
Polarized sunglasses, like window blinds, block horizontal rays since they do not fit through the vertical laminate pattern.
Polarized lenses protect your eyes better from glare and are a good choice for anyone who likes to be outside, especially when there is water or other shiny surfaces.
When you wear polarized performance sunglasses, harsh glare is less noticeable and you can see more of the details in a picture.
However, there are some situations where polarized lenses aren’t necessary. Polarized lenses, for example, can make it difficult to see LCD panels, such as those found in automobile dashboards.
Polarized lenses can also interfere with certain windshield tints, so they aren’t always the ideal choice for driving sunglasses. In low-light circumstances, the darkened polarized lenses may also cause eye strain.
Polarized sunglasses are recommended for high-light outdoor activities. Even so, there are times when gradient sunglasses may be a superior option.
DO YOU KNOW WHAT KIND OF SUNGLASSES LENSES YOU’RE LOOKING FOR? Purchase sunglasses from a local optical store or online from an eyewear retailer.
How Do Gradient Lenses Work?
Gradient lenses are tinted from the top down, with the darkest section at the top gradually diminishing to either no tint or a little tint at the very bottom.
There are also double gradient lenses, which have a deeper tint on the top and bottom and the lightest hue in the center. There are also double- and triple-gradient lenses, which fade from one color into another rather than from dark to light.
While polarized lenses are great for bright, high-glare activities, gradient lenses are often the best choice for driving and time spent in overhead sunlight, as the lenses shield from the top while allowing you to comfortably see through the center of the lens.
Also, if you find that some polarized sunglasses are too dark, double-gradient lenses can protect your eyes from bright light and other reflective surfaces on the ground while letting you see more clearly through the center of the lenses.
Do Polarized Lenses Provide More Uv Protection?
While polarized lenses are the best option for reducing glare and eye fatigue, they are not the best option for protecting your eyes from dangerous ultraviolet rays. Polarization, in fact, has little effect on UV protection.
For the best effect, make sure your sunglasses, whether polarized or not, block 100% of UV light.
Also, polarization has become a sign of high-quality sunglasses, but it’s always a good idea to do your research before buying polarized lenses because they aren’t all the same.
The lamination on the best polarized lenses is put between layers of the lens, whereas inferior ones are laminated merely on the rear or front of the lenses, making them susceptible to wear and tear.
Can You Get Polarized Gradient Sunglasses?
If you can’t decide between polarized and gradient lens coatings, gradient polarized sunglasses might be the answer.
The gradient tint protects your eyes from sunlight coming from above, and the polarization cuts down on glare from the road. This makes them a great choice for driving and other activities that take place in bright sunlight.
Even though both polarized and gradient lenses are common, it may be harder to find polarized gradient lenses.
