Polarized vs. Non-Polarized Sunglasses for Driving: Which is Best?

When it comes to choosing the right pair of sunglasses for driving, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether to go for polarized or non-polarized lenses. Each type has its advantages, and the choice can affect your comfort and safety on the road. Let’s break down the differences between polarized and non-polarized sunglasses and help you decide which is better for your driving experience.

What Are Polarized Sunglasses?

Polarized lenses are designed to reduce glare by filtering out horizontal light waves that bounce off flat surfaces, such as roads, water, or the hood of your car. This makes them ideal for blocking out harsh sunlight that can cause eye strain and reduce visibility, especially during bright, sunny days.

What Are Non-Polarized Sunglasses?

Non-polarized lenses, on the other hand, reduce overall brightness but don’t specifically block horizontal glare. They provide UV protection and tint to shield your eyes from direct sunlight, but they won’t perform as well in situations where glare is a major issue.

Benefits of Polarized Sunglasses for Driving

1. Reduced Glare: Polarized lenses are excellent for reducing glare from wet roads, reflective surfaces, and other cars’ windshields or hoods. This means a clearer view of the road, which can enhance your safety and comfort, especially during long drives or in bright sunlight.
   
   
2. Improved Contrast and Clarity: Polarized lenses can make colors appear more vibrant and help you distinguish objects more clearly. This is particularly helpful when you’re driving in varying light conditions, such as during sunrise or sunset when the sun is low on the horizon.
   
   
3. Less Eye Strain: Polarized sunglasses help reduce the need for squinting, which can cause eye fatigue over time. By cutting down on glare, they make driving more comfortable, especially on long trips or in very bright environments.
   
   
4. Better Safety: With clearer vision and reduced glare, you can react more quickly to changes on the road. This can improve overall safety when driving in conditions where sunlight or reflections could impair your vision.

Drawbacks of Polarized Sunglasses for Driving

1. Visibility of LCD Screens: One downside to polarized lenses is that they can make it difficult to read digital screens, such as GPS devices or dashboards, as the polarization can interfere with the light emitted from these displays. This might cause some inconvenience while checking your car’s controls.
   
   
2. Low-Light Driving: Polarized sunglasses may not be ideal for driving in low-light conditions, such as cloudy days or at dusk. They can reduce visibility too much when there isn’t enough sunlight, making non-polarized lenses a better choice in these scenarios.

Benefits of Non-Polarized Sunglasses for Driving

1. Better in Low-Light Conditions: Non-polarized sunglasses still provide UV protection and reduce brightness without affecting your ability to see digital screens or lowering visibility in darker conditions. This makes them a good option for overcast days or driving in shaded areas.
   
   
2. All-Day Versatility: Since non-polarized lenses don’t overly darken your surroundings, they can be worn throughout the day in various lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to dusk, without causing issues in low-light scenarios.

Which Is Better for Driving?

If you frequently drive in bright, sunny conditions, polarized sunglasses are likely the better choice. They will reduce glare, improve your visibility, and enhance your overall driving experience. However, if you often drive during low-light conditions or rely heavily on reading digital displays, non-polarized sunglasses might be more practical.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal driving habits and the conditions you typically encounter.

At Aura Shades, we offer a range of polarized sunglasses designed to provide maximum comfort and clarity, like our popular Toucan Boozing in His Tux and Steph's Killer Drip models.

However, in the event if you require non-polarized sunglasses, reach out to us and we will be able to custom make a non-polarized one for you.