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What’s the difference between Polarized Sunglasses & UV-Blocking sunglasses?

Happy little daughter in sunglasses sits on fathers back. Family on beach.

A common misunderstanding among sunglasses-wearers is that UV-blocking sunglasses and polarized sunglasses are the same thing. However, they provide different levels of protection! It’s important to know how each type of sunglasses function and when they are necessary to wear.

The Inside Scoop on Polarized Sunglasses

When you’re enjoying an ocean-view or simply driving to work, glare reflecting from objects around you (such as another vehicle or the water) can cause you to squint and negatively affect your vision.

Polarized sunglasses allow you to see more clearly when glare occurs because it removes the glare from reaching your eyes! Glare occurs when light reflects off different types of surfaces, creating horizontal lines. Polarized sunglasses have filters in them that blocks the horizontal lines which decreases or eliminates glare.

Depending on the activity you’re doing, polarized sunglasses may be better than UV-blocking sunglasses (or vice versa). Let’s take a look at how UV-blocking sunglasses work:

All About UV-Blocking Sunglasses

You’ve grown up learning that the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays can cause serious eye conditions such as macular degeneration, eye cancer, vision loss, and unusual growths on the eye. UV-blocking sunglasses can help prevent these conditions from forming and protect your eyes. If you wear UV-blocking sunglasses, your sunglasses stop the UV rays from reaching your eyes.

When choosing your UV-blocking sunglasses, it’s important to know that different sunglasses offer different amounts of protection. Some boast 100% protection against UV rays while others offer 75%. There are some contact lenses that can block harmful UV rays, as well. Talk to the friendly team at First Look Optical Shop about whether you should combine UV-blocking contact lenses with UV-blocking sunglasses or if one would suffice.

Do you have questions? Call First Look Opticians at 478-743-2636

Wearing protective sunglasses every day and having regular comprehensive eye exams are two of the best ways to prevent eye conditions from forming. Whether you need to schedule an eye exam or you’d like to purchase protective eyewear, Vision Eye Group and First Look Opticians are here for you.