We all know how important sunglasses are; for the sake of protecting your eyes. However, having polarized sunglass is even more essential in this case.

For those of you who are unaware, polarized sunglasses are anti-glare sunglasses, which block glare (glare travels horizontally) of light waves and help decrease eye strain. Hence, we know they are always a better option for you!

Meanwhile, looking for the best sunglasses might need to be clarified. It is because there is a massive amount of brands in the market that all claim to make the best products. Therefore, you need to know how to look for polarized sunglasses beforehand, as the manufacturers sometimes do not mention it on the package. Some articles might be misled as polarized, while others are not. And we would not want you to go through this loss!

Therefore, we are here with a guide to help you know how to tell if your sunglasses are polarized or not. Follow these simple steps to have better knowledge for buying your ideal sunglasses.

Why is Wearing Polarized Sunglasses Ideal?

We understand that only some know how beneficial polarized sunglasses are or how polarized sunglasses work. Let's dig into the details on this one to help you better understand why should you wear polarized sunglasses.

As we mentioned earlier, they are also known as “anti-glare” glasses; due to their property of reducing the glare of the light. It automatically reduces the pressure on your eyes, keeping them and your eyesight safe. It is also beneficial in extreme weather conditions, such as a scorching sunny day or snowing outside.

Adding on to it, these sunglasses help reflect direct sunlight into your eyes, which means protecting against harmful UV radiations as well. Also, polarized sunglasses help filter vertically polarized light, and ambient light, which increases your vision in bright light waves without adding to your eye strain. Also, polarized lenses neglect horizontal light and allow vertical light only.

If you are worried about the cost or pricing, we have other good news for you. The polarized sunglasses are primarily similar to the prices of regular sunglasses, which means you won't have to buy the very-expensive options to get the polarized ones. If you look through some famous Ray Ban polarized sunglasses in 2022, you might notice that they have an option in every favorite model to be polarized. It entirely depends upon the customer's choice.

Colour Options Available in Polarized Lenses

Nowadays, polarized lenses come in different varieties of colors; each of them has its own benefit and function. So, you can get them as per your personal preference and the extent of your use. The colors available by brands are as follows:

• • GRAY – The gray-colored polarized lens has a filter that helps all the colors to get past the lenses; smoothly.
• • BROWN – The brown-colored polarized lenses improve the contrast feature, which is better for cloudy days.
• • ROSE – The rose-tinted polarized lenses increase contrast, reducing eye strain on bright sunny days.
• • YELLOW – The yellow color in polarized lenses helps absorb the blue or ambient light; to protect your eyes in outdoor settings.
• • GREEN – Lastly, the polarized green lenses are a great option to filter out extreme white or bright light/glare.

How to Tell If Your Sunglasses Are Polarized or Not?

Now, you are stuck when you have ordered online sunglasses without making sure that the sunglasses are polarized or not. But you don't have to be anymore!

We are here with multiple tests you might do at home to check whether you have bought a polarized sunglass. Therefore, worry no more and try the following methods to see if you can get the correct answer.

Method # 1: Look at the label or sticker of the product

This has to be the first and the easiest method, as you literally have to do nothing else than look at the sticker. If your sunglasses are polarized, it has to be mentioned on the label. This is because every famous/competitive company has to post product descriptions on the label as an obligation. Thus, you might see the mention of being polarized on the label if your sunglasses are one of them. If you don't, then we believe you got the other option.

Method # 2: Try reflecting surfaces or water

Another method to determine whether you have polarized glasses is to wear your sunglasses to a swimming pool or a beach. You will have to see if the bright light or reflected light is bounced off by the sunglasses. Polarized sunglasses would reduce the glare before reaching your eyes, while regular sunglasses wouldn't. If you feel a sudden sharp light in your eyes, you have non-polarized sunglasses. Nevertheless, the test might help you clearly confirm whether you should wear your sunglasses in bright sunlight.

Method # 3: Try using polarized lens test cards

You might not know, but numerous companies are now selling polarized test cards worldwide to help customers tests their sunglasses. They claim that when you look through the cards with any polarized sunglasses, you will see an image on them. Conversely, if you are wearing a regular pair of sunglasses, you won't be able to see the image, and the card would instead appear blank. This is a tried-and-tested method to determine the polarized glasses on your sunglasses.

Method # 4: Work on a Computer Screen or LCD screen

You would need either a computer or a TV screen for this method. In addition, try keeping the screen white or bright as much as possible. For example, while working on a computer or laptop, open up a word document or a blank notepad document. Afterward, move your head in a 60-degree direction, tilted while looking at the screen. If in return, you see a darkened or black screen, you are wearing polarized lenses. The logic behind this is that computer screens also end up having the same anti-glare properties as polarized sunglass; therefore, both cancel out each other's effect resulting in a black screen. If the results are otherwise, you know what that means!

In any case, it is only sometimes possible to check your sunglasses outside your home at all times; therefore, we have also listed out some tests you could do at home. Please keep reading to know about them!

The Best Sunglasses Polarized Test for Pairs

If you still need packaging or labels on your sunglasses now, it has been days or months since you got them. But, suddenly, you want to check whether they are polarized; you are not alone. Hence, we have some easy hacks for you as well. Without you needing to step outside the house, the following are some of the best tests for your sunglasses:

Test # 1: When you have a single pair of sunglasses

If you have no other glasses to compare to, test with your single pair. For that, wear your sunglasses and look at any bright surface. This reflective surface could be water, glass, a digital screen (e.g. a mobile device), or anything with sharp light vision. Tilt your head at 60 degrees again, and if your image starts getting brighter, then you probably do not have a polarized pair. On the contrary, if the image receives lightened or darkened while tilting your head, the sunglasses are a polarized pair.

Test # 2: Compare your sunglasses with another pair

The second method we recommend is comparing your sunglasses with a polarized one, whether you buy it or get your friends. Compare the light reflection properties for both sunglasses; in different locations. Wear the sunglasses outside in bright light and dark areas and compare what you see. In the end, you might also rotate the sunglasses. If on turning at a 90-degree angle, the lens blackens out, it means both sunglasses are polarized. On the other hand, if on rotation, if one of them gives a clear vision and the other borrowed pair is at the back, it means your new sunglasses are, unfortunately, non-polarized.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Polarized Lens Look Different Than the Other?

When we consider the looks or the appearance, polarized and non-polarized sunglasses look the same. You cannot tell the difference only by looking at them. Therefore, you would have to check the label for the mention of being polarized or tested with the other methods.

2. Are All Sunglasses Polarized?

Actually, only some of the sunglasses are polarized because of the different preferences of the client worldwide. You might say that all the sunglasses are supposed to be UV protection, but as for polarization, no!

3. What does it mean when your sunglasses are polarized?

Polarized sunglasses mean an anti-glare or anti-reflective glass for your sunglasses. To create them, a particular chemical is applied to the lens to filter the ambient or reflective surfaces. Therefore, polarized sunglasses keep your eyes protected and safe from the direct beams of harmful light.

4. Who Needs Polarized Sunglasses?

Polarized sunglasses cannot be mentioned explicitly for use in any profession. However, for anyone who spends a great time of the day outside or for people who are involved in boating, fishing, hiking or running, etc., polarized sunglasses are an ideal option.

5. Which is a better option, polarized or non-polarized lenses?

If we compare both types, polarized sunglasses definitely win. This is because they are easy to wear, accessible in use, reduce the strain or pressure on the eyes, protect your eyesight from increased damage, and have an anti-glare coating on the lens. On the contrary, polarized sunglasses do not possess these properties.