The Best Polarized Sunglasses

Buying Guide

If you’re choosing polarized sunglasses, you want your eyes to be protected in high-glare situations such as when you’re on the water or in the snow.  Polarized sunglasses have a chemical applied to them that absorbs horizontal light waves (reflections) while allowing in vertical ones (direct light). Thus, the light you see is a touch darker, but is also crisper and more detailed.

When choosing polarized sunglasses, you’ll want to consider the tint color of the lens, the optical and physical properties of the lens (distortion, scratch-resistance), whether or not the lens has coatings (such as anti-reflective), and the amount of light the lens lets in. If the sunglasses list a protection index number, you want at least a category 2.

Choosing a pair of polarized sunglasses online can be challenging because you can’t try them on. However, you can work around that challenge with a little research. A website that sells glasses will offer information to help you determine what frames look best on your face shape, and some may offer virtual tools to assist in that process.

However, you shouldn’t feel constrained to what experts say will flatter your face shape. Most glasses frames can look good on anyone, and you shouldn’t limit yourself if you prefer something different.

You’ll also want to factor in price. All polarized sunglasses will offer adequate UV protection, but more expensive ones might have better materials and higher quality overall. They may offer a better visual experience and last longer — but, if you lose sunglasses easily, such advantages may not matter.

• Not all ultraviolet rays from the sun are the same. Likewise, not all items meant to protect you against UV rays are the same. You want sunglasses that will block out both UV-A and UV-B rays.
• UV-A is similar to blacklight. It’s what causes tanning, but also results in premature aging to skin and damage to skin cells.
• UV-B is a small but dangerous portion of natural sunlight, and can cause eye strain and sunburn. It is thought to be the main culprit behind skin cancer.
• UV-C light is absorbed by the ozone layer, so it does not threaten us. Humans use it as a disinfectant.
• UV-A and UV-B light can, over time, lead to macular degeneration, cataracts, pterygium, and temporary blindness if eyes aren’t protected.
• Some sunglasses come with a UV number, such as UV400. UV400 glasses block UV rays all the way up to 400 nanometers, protecting you from almost 100% of UV light.
• Watch for lenses advertised as “polarized” which actually aren’t. You can test a pair of sunglasses by looking at a shiny horizontal surface through them, then turning them 90 degrees to the side. If the lens is polarized correctly, the surface’s glare should reduce quite a bit without blotching.