When shopping around for sunglasses, you may find that both ultraviolet (UV) and polarized sunglasses are popular. But if one had to choose, which of these are better?

Both UV and polarized sunglasses can be beneficial. UV lenses protect the eyes by blocking the sun's UV rays, while polarized sunglasses reduce the glare that bounces off surfaces so you can see more clearly. However, only UV sunglasses protect your eyes from vision degeneration.

UV and polarized sunglasses both serve important purposes. Read on below to learn more about each of them.

Which Are Better: UV or Polarized Sunglasses?

Sunglasses are an essential accessory.

Far more than simply being stylish, they protect the eyes against the sun’s harmful rays. Using sunglasses can prevent vision disorders in the long run. But when shopping around, you may notice that UV and polarized sunglasses are prominent choices.

Which one is better than the other?

The truth is that not one of them is better than the other. There are certain situations wherein UV protection is more important than polarized lenses, and vice versa. But at the end of the day, polarized sunglasses do not offer the same vision protection that UV lenses do.

When UV Protection Is Better

Sunglasses that block at least 100% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays, or UV 400 sunglasses, are recommended for anyone who spends any amount of time under the sun.

Whether you are going out for a drive, walking to do errands, or plan to spend a day at the beach, wearing UV sunglasses is critical for eye protection. They protect your eyes when you are both directly and indirectly under the sun, which is why wearing them even while you are in a car is recommended.

Without it, your eyes hurt from straining or can be prone to vision problems such as carcinomas, glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration in the future. Additionally, some individuals may be prone to migraines and headaches without UV sunglasses.

Most sunglasses already have built-in UV protection in the lenses. The most reputable eyewear brands also indicate the level of UV protection in their eyewear, but always be sure to use only sunglasses with 100% protection against UVA and UVB light. Cheaply made sunglasses only filter part of the sun’s rays and don’t provide enough protection.

When Polarized Sunglasses Are Better

Polarized sunglasses are different from UV sunglasses because they are manufactured to provide the wearer with sharp clarity and contrast. This is due to the invisible filter that has been built into the lens. Because of this technology, polarized lenses eliminate the glare that bounces off horizontal surfaces including (but not limited to) water, snow, and the road.

Glare hinders eyesight, distorts color, and can even cause temporary blindness. This is why people who engage in activities such as golfing, boating, fishing, skiing, or surfing rely on polarized sunglasses.

However, polarized sunglasses offer no protection to the eyes from the sun’s rays. Polarized lenses may help the wearer see better in certain scenarios but they still do not shield from UV rays unless specified.

You Don’t Have To Choose

UV or polarized lenses are not better than the other.

They each serve extremely important purposes. Individuals who see the value in both don’t have to choose: polarized lenses with UV protection are available too.

Conclusion

UV or polarized sunglasses are not better than the other. Each of them have important functions for eye health, though you can use sunglasses with both polarization and UV protection for the best results.