When it comes to shades, the choice shouldn’t hinge solely on style or fit. You also need to consider the type of UV protection you’ll receive: photochromic or polarized. Photochromic sunglasses adjust their tint in response to the intensity of UV light. Polarized sunglasses reduce glare by blocking light that reflects off flat surfaces, like roads or water.
Which solution is better? Stick around. We’ve got a lot to cover!
The Science Behind the Lenses
Photochromic lenses are more commonly referred to as “transition” lenses due to their working mechanism. If you’re out at midday, when the sun is at its hottest and brightest, your photochromic sunglasses will darken, giving your eyes a reprieve from the intensity.
Then, if you step inside a cozy cafe with just the right indoor lighting, your sunglasses will transition to a lighter (or clear) tint.
It’s not magic; it’s photochromic! These lenses are made with molecules that are reactive to ultraviolet light. The transitions are smooth and seamless. You shouldn’t notice the change. Instead, you simply see everything clearly, without needing to make any adjustments.
Polarized lenses, on the other hand, are primarily designed to reduce glare. They are made with filters that block horizontal light waves. You might even see a difference when you’re facing reflective surfaces, such as water, snow, and roads.
In the sun, polarized lenses typically help you see better without straining your eyes. This makes polarized lenses incredibly popular among athletes and people who spend a lot of time outdoors, whether working or not.
Several factors should be considered when choosing between photochromic and polarized lenses. In the following sections, we’ll compare how each type performs under various conditions. Plus, we’ll explore which style best suits you. And because no lens is perfect, we’ll also break down the potential drawbacks of both to help you make the most informed choice.
Light Adjustment
The automatic shade adjustment of photochromic sunglasses is perhaps the coolest thing about this eyewear. Your sunglasses adjust automatically to an appropriate amount of tint. Forget about bringing two pairs of glasses for a day out. One is all you need!
With polarized sunglasses, there is no way to adjust to changing light conditions. Polarized sunglasses are great when the sun is high and you’re outdoors. However, once you’re in low-light conditions, you’d need to remove your sunglasses.
Winner: Photochromic Sunglasses
Glare Reduction
Glare makes you squint your eyes. You strain to see things more clearly over the light reflected on the surface in front of you. This tires out the eyes and causes eye strain. Remove the glare and everything’s great!
This is the primary benefit of polarized sunglasses. They reduce glare while giving your eyes protection from harmful UV rays. You don’t strain your eyes, and sunny days feel more comfortable. You also enjoy better color contrasts through polarized lenses.
Photochromic sunglasses might also offer moderate glare reduction.
Winner: Polarized Sunglasses
UV Protection
Aside from adjusting to light, transition sunglasses are designed to protect you from harmful solar radiation. This lessens your risk of developing cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye diseases. Get the whole range of UV protection for your eyes without bringing your entire sunglasses collection.
You can also get UV protection from some polarized sunglasses. It depends on the brand’s lens construction. Check with the brand to see if their lenses are made to protect against UV rays.
Winner: Photochromic Sunglasses
Notable Disadvantages
Just when you thought photochromic sunglasses might be the clear winner, there are a few disadvantages to discuss.
For one thing, they are sensitive to extreme temperatures. Remember the molecules I mentioned? They sometimes adjust a bit slower than you’d like. They can also be too sensitive to indoor lighting and darken when exposed to fluorescent or halogen lights.
If cost is a major concern, it’s worth noting that the price of photochromic sunglasses is typically higher than that of polarized sunglasses.
While polarized lenses are more affordable, they sometimes cause distortions or darkening when filtering light from LCD screens, such as those found on car dashboards, smartphones, or tablets.
Photochromic vs. Polarized Style Off!
Style can be the deciding factor when performance features are evenly matched. Let’s see how each type of sunglasses holds up in the looks department. Maybe the most important thing is knowing which one best fits your everyday aesthetic.
Standout Photochromic Sunglasses
Unisex Ray-Ban WAYFARER Sunglasses
The massive appeal of Ray-Ban WAYFARER Photo Striped Grey sunglasses lies in the fact that the frames transition with the lenses. After starting as a solid neutral tone, a camo-like pattern appears when you step into the light. The lenses go from clear to a deep shade of blue.
These are the kind of classic frames you can wear with just about anything! Make them your new go-to. Verified EZContacts customer David H. gave them five stars and called them the “Best of the best”!
Men’s Oliver Peoples MR. FEDERER II
Roger Federer, the former professional tennis player once ranked number one in the world in men’s singles, inspired these men’s sunglasses. It’s easy to understand why; the classic look masks the powerhouse within!
They’re made from acetate, which makes them highly flexible, durable, and resistant to warping. Available with lenses that are both photochromic and polarized, you can wear these durable and stylish shades both on and off court!
Women’s Tory Burch TY7208U
These women’s Tory Burch sunglasses are sure to turn heads! The transparent cat-eye frames are distinguished by the metallic stylings at the hinges and along the arms. Combined with lenses that transition from photo green to dark green, and you’ve got some stunning shades. Consider these the designer photochromic sunglasses of discerning fashionistas!
Ladies who visit EZContacts seem to agree! Verified EZContacts customer Karina said they’re “simply unique” and make you feel “beautiful and confident.” Tori Vigil knew they’d be perfect for her daughter:
Sweet 16
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“All daughter wanted for her sweet 16 birthday and all she’s talked about for six months is the sunglasses. It took me three paychecks to save up for it, but I was able to buy them for her. She is over the moon and this is the very sweetest 16.”
Popular Polarized Sunglasses
Unisex Maui Jim KAWIKA
Maui Jim KAWIKA sunglasses sport semi-rim frames with HCL Bronze polarized lenses, available in Hawaii LAVA and Neutral Grey. These lenses are made using the brand’s proprietary MauiPure technology, are lightweight, and boast superior durability.
Whatever activity awaits you outside, you can always rely on Maui Jim’s polarized lenses to keep your eyes protected and looking way cool!
Verified EZContacts customer Douglas H. rated them five stars and left the following review:
My 3rd Pair
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Maui Jim sunglasses are brilliant.
2 Island Time, & the Kawika.
Perfect change up.
Nothing cooler or more quality”
Men’s Costa del Mar RINCON
Costa del Mar sunglasses are synonymous with water sports, and the brand upped its game with the RINCON! The Matte Smoke Crystal (charcoal grey) frames are sleek, while the Green Mirror polarized lenses reflect aquatic blues, inviting you to jump in and enjoy the outdoors.
Take it from verified purchaser Victor A.:
Awesome quality and great price
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“price cannot be beat and they look even better in person”
Women’s Michael Kors ANAHEIM
Michael Kors MK2137U ANAHEIM sunglasses are a modern take on Jackie O-style, featuring oversized frames and understated elegance. Solid black frames come with Dark Grey, Brown, or Cordovan Gradient lenses (shown above).
Dreaming about your grand entrance? These are the sunglasses for you. Verified buyer Mary Kristine K. couldn’t resist them, and we don’t blame her. Just look at these shades!
The Verdict
So, which one is better? Choosing between photochromic sunglasses and polarized truly comes down to your priorities.
When Photochromic Sunglasses Win:
- You often move between indoor and outdoor settings.
- You enjoy convenience.
- You want seamless visual transitions without any need for manual adjustments.
When Polarized Sunglasses Win:
- You are often outdoors, under bright sunlight.
- You regularly need to combat glare.
- Glare reduction greatly improves your visual clarity.
Ultimately, you decide. The key is to consider your day-to-day lifestyle before you buy your pair.
