A few years ago, I needed new sunglasses and wondered if it was worth it to buy a polarized pair. Popular among athletes, outdoor experts and people who care a lot about their eyes, these lenses filter out certain types of light to help reduce glare better than “regular” lenses do, so you squint less, and can see the world in crisper, sharper detail. The best polarized sunglasses optimize how much you see in bright light, which protects your eye health overall. So, the answer to my question of whether I should buy polarized sunglasses, according to my optometrist? Absolutely.
As an athlete and former competitive freeskier, sunglasses are essential for staying safe on the slopes and road—and they also just feel more comfortable to wear for hours. To pick a great polarized pair from the many out there, I sought the advice of experts. Then, Forbes Vetted’s Gear Editor, Cam Vigliotta, tested out a few of the top picks. Here, you’ll find all of Forbes Vetted’s best recommendations for brands, as well as specific pairs and buying tips.
- Best Polarized Sunglasses Overall: Maui Jim, Raen
- Best Affordable Polarized Sunglasses: Huckberry, Knockaround
- Best Polarized Sunglasses For Sports: Smith, Goodr, O’Neill
- Best Polarized Sunglasses For Style: Sunski, Warby Parker
- Best Lightweight Polarized Sunglasses: Adidas
- Best Extra Large Polarized Sunglasses: Oakley
What To Consider When Choosing Polarized Sunglasses
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, polarized lenses help prevent fatigue, eyestrain and distracting glare from the sun. The combination of polarization treatments and UV protection (look for both when sunglass shopping) provides the best level of coverage for your eyes and vision. Here’s what else to keep in mind:
Styles
Anyone who spends a lot of time in high-glare environments, such as anglers, boaters, skiers or beachgoers, might want to consider wrap-around polarized sunglasses. They offer the highest level of eye protection, and thankfully, look a lot cooler these days. If you’re active, whether you run, hike or bike, go for lightweight, slip-free frames that stay put on sweaty skin and won’t bounce around too much. Aviator sunglasses tend to be the most versatile, since the shape covers a good portion of your eyes without being too wide or narrow. No matter the style, plan to try on a few pairs, to see what you like best in terms of tint and coverage. For that reason, you might want to stick to online retailers with hassle-free return policies.
Lens Color
What is polarization exactly? It refers to the chemical anti-glare treatment put on lenses to reduce glare and help you see better in bright conditions. It works by filtering out horizontal sunlight rays—formed when light bounces off objects and creates what we perceive as a glare—and only allows in vertical light rays. This filtration means that polarized lenses help you see the world in sharper, clearer and crisper detail. Polarization, however, does not affect the color of sunglass lenses. Any polarized lens shade, from black to green to yellow, delivers similar benefits.
Your Lifestyle
The only time polarized sunglasses won’t help you see better is when you’re looking at LCD screens, such as when you’re on phones, certain watches and computers. Many cars also now have LCD displays. So you may need to pop up your sunglasses for a clearer look at screens or keep a non-polarized pair on hand. Yes, it’s slightly inconvenient but experts say it’s usually something worth putting up with, considering the overall benefits polarization provides for short-term vision acuity and longterm eye health.
