Do you have a fun day planned and are confused about which glasses to wear?
Which is better? Polarized or gradient?
This war has been never-ending indeed. Both lenses have their pros and cons, uses and reasons why to wear them, and so much more.
Where on one hand, polarized provides better visibility, and driving with gradient lenses is better.
So, don’t keep waiting, and scroll through the article to learn all about this war of polarized vs. gradient lenses, and finally know who is the real MVP, and which lenses are just right for you!
Definition
Both of the lenses do provide protection against the sun but in a different ways.
The polarized lenses with the help of their lamination, tend to reduce the glare resulting in lesser eye strain, whereas the gradient lenses have a dark tint intensity, from high to low towards the bottom, and even provide protection from overhead sunlight.
Complete Comparison: Polarized vs. Gradient Lenses
UV Protection
These lenses cannot be compared for UV protection, but any of them with UV400 protection is good enough to protect your eyes from UV rays.
Check out the article to know more about Blue Light and UV Light Glasses
Cost
The cost of both lenses depends highly on the brand, but if compared in terms of high-quality lenses, the polarized lenses are likely to be more expensive.
Usage
The polarized lenses are better for the outdoor environment with a high amount of glare, like water, snow, etc., compared to the gradient lenses which should be used when driving to provide better glare protection even from overhead.
Versatility
With respect to polarized vs. gradient Lenses, polarized tend to be very dark in some situations, but gradient sunglasses are far more versatile when compared.
Working Of The Lenses
The polarized lenses block the horizontal rays, just like the blinds, and provide glare protection to the eyes. These lenses provide better visibility, clearer image details, and lesser eye strain.
The gradient lenses are tinted providing calmness to the eye by reducing the straight strain caused by the sunlight.
Effect On Eye
Both glasses in their way have a very positive effect on the eye.
- Decrease in eye strain, and hence less eye pain.
- Better visibility and image details.
- Reduced glare and soothing vision.
Pros and Cons: Polarized vs. Gradient Lenses
Polarized Lenses
Pros
- Polarised glasses are used to shield our eyes against this prolonged intense glare just like sunscreen protects our skin.
- Apart from providing protection against intense UV rays, polarised lenses enhance our visual clarity and make everything appear sharper.
- They reduce eyestrain and hence, prevent headaches and are comfortable. An added advantage is that polarized lenses can accommodate both prescription and non-prescription sunglasses.
- They can be worn by people of varying needs, from light-sensitive people to those continually exposed to prolonged bright sunlight.
- They are also well-suited for post-cataract surgery patients. Overall, polarized sunglasses help to keep our eyes and eyesight healthy and protected.
Cons
- With polarized glasses, it is difficult to see LCD screens because the filtering mechanism reduces the amount of light your eyes process from an LCD screen.
- This filtering mechanism also changes how you perceive the world, hence, heavy machine users like airline pilots are often restricted to using polarized lenses.
- Polarized lenses also cause you to see grid patterns on the windows of automobiles, but the main problem arises when these grid patterns become too distracting while driving.
- They are costlier than other standard lenses and can even have durability issues.
- High sunlight exposure can cause the chemical film to start fading, which can diminish the protection your glasses provide.
Gradient Lenses
Pros
- Among polarized vs. gradient lenses, the latter ones are basically two-toned sunglasses with a dark and a light part. Usually, the darker tone is on the top and it fades to a lighter tone at the bottom.
- They limit the intense sun glares and are comfortable enough to be able to see through the lighter part of the lens.
- They are very stylish and also come in a number of shades to choose from. They also enhance comfort and reduce eye strain.
- They are best suited for driving as they shield your eyes from the scorching sunlight and at the same time allow some light through so you can clearly read your dashboard.
- They are also very ideal for outdoor activities but can also be worn indoors.
Cons
- Even though gradient glasses have a tint that reduces sun glare but it does not block the UV rays harming your eyes.
- They just reduce the intensity of the light. Hence, they are not exactly healthy for your eyes and are also not the best choice in high-glare surroundings.
- They can also pose serious problems for your eyes because they cause your pupils to dilate.
- Dilated pupils make it easier for UV rays to enter your eyes. Hence, they can adversely affect your eyes if they do not have a UV treatment.
Which One Is Right For You?
If you’re looking for a pair of lenses and your daily routine includes driving, gradient lenses are just what you’re looking for.
But in case you are into sports or work as a lifeguard at a beach, polarized lenses are probably for you due to better glare protection.
In case you cannot decide which one to get, or you are looking for overall protection, getting a polarized gradient pair of glasses can be the solution. These might need a little extra research but are surely worth it.
Brownie Fact
Not only do these lenses, especially in the form of sunglasses provide greater protection to your eyes, but also look amazingly cool! What else does one need, am I right?
What are Polarized Gradient Glasses?
Gradient glasses are two-toned sunglasses with a dark and a light part with the darker tone on the top fading into the lighter tone below.
They are very practical and block out the bright light from overhead to allow significantly more light through at the bottom.
With such features, they are perfect for outdoor activities and at the same time, can also be worn indoors too.
Polarized glasses are the ones in which an invisible filter is built into the glasses to limit the amount of light that can enter your eyes.
They absorb the horizontal light waves and allow the vertical light waves through. This quality results in reducing the harsh sun glare from entering the eyes and gives a sharp and clear vision.
However, when these two are brought together, you get the best of both worlds. Polarized gradient glasses incorporate the best features of both glasses.
They are perfect for outdoor activities and can be worn indoors too.
Conclusion
It is evident that in the war of polarized vs. gradient lenses there is no winner, both of them are great in their way.
Polarized lenses provide better glare protection from the front and are lighter, the gradient lenses on the other hand provide it from overhead and are darker.
There need not be a winner, as the real MVP is the pair of polarized gradient lenses, providing qualities of both!
