There's only one difference: a polarized lens blocks glare and a non-polarized lens doesn't. Sun protection is the same as long as both have a UV400 filter. Go polarized if you drive a lot or spend time near water; non-polarized is all you need for city wear and is more comfortable if you look at screens all day.
Point-by-point comparison
| Feature | Polarized | Non-polarized |
|---|---|---|
| Glare off water, pavement and snow | Eliminates it | Only softens it, through the tint |
| UV protection | Provided by the UV400 filter | Provided by the UV400 filter |
| Contrast and clarity | Higher outdoors in bright light | Standard |
| Screens (phone, dashboard, ATM) | May look darker depending on the angle | Look normal |
| Best for | Driving, water, snow, outdoor sports | City, everyday wear, screens |
When to choose polarized
- You drive often during the day, especially on the highway.
- You fish, go boating, or spend summer at the beach or the pool.
- You ski or head to the mountains.
- Glare really bothers you and your eyes feel tired by the end of the day.
When non-polarized is enough
- You mostly wear your sunglasses in the city.
- You're constantly checking your phone or a screen while wearing them.
- You prefer a mirrored or gradient lens for style and glare doesn't bother you.
What about mirrored lenses?
Mirrored is something else: a coating on the outer surface of the lens that reflects part of the light. It reduces brightness, but it doesn't filter glare the way polarization does. A lens can be mirrored, polarized, or both. Browse our mirrored sunglasses.
How it works at ORBITAL
All our lenses are VSL™ and filter UV400 and blue light, polarized or not. Eye protection is covered in any model you choose; polarization is a comfort decision based on how you'll wear them.
FAQ
How can I tell if a lens is polarized?
Look at a screen through the lens and rotate the sunglasses. If the screen goes dark at some point in the rotation, it's polarized. We walk through it step by step in Polarized Sunglasses: What They Are, How They Work and When They're Worth It.
Are polarized lenses better for driving?
During the day, yes: they cut glare off the road and other cars. Keep in mind that some dashboards and in-car screens may look dimmer.
Do polarized lenses offer more sun protection?
No. Protection comes from the UV400 filter, which is independent of polarization. More in UV400 and Blue Light: What a Sunglass Lens Really Protects You From.
