Understand how natural light travels before you get familiar with polarized and non-polarized lenses. Lights move across the environment in waves. The light waves bump into more than a single surface, so are scientifically termed as ‘Unpolarized light’. Alternatively, light waves that vibrate on a single surface are called ‘Polarized light’. 

Light waves travel in horizontal and vertical directions. The former is more problematic as it creates undesired and possibly dangerous glare due to bouncing off from different surfaces. This is the key difference between polarised vs non polarised lenses. You can gain more information about it in Banton Frameworks Blog. The former transforms light waves, which reduces vision disturbance, while the latter does not filter light properly, so the glare is severe. 

Difference between a polarized lens and non-polarized sunglasses

• Glare protection – the ability to remove glare is extremely different in both types. A polarized lens is specially designed to lessen the glare as well as ensure that wearers can see clearly in direct sunlight. Sunlight creates annoying and dangerous glare, so polarized lenses work in removing the vision interfering glare.
• Clear vision – In direct sunlight, the wearer can see clearly with polarized sunglasses. As the glare is eliminated, the polarized lens helps to get a better outside view.

When to wear polarized sunglasses and when not to wear?

For outdoor activities, some kind of sunglasses has to be used to avoid UV rays. In some situations, it is wise to wear regular or non-polarized sunglasses.

Not to wear polarized sunglasses…..

• Skiing – The glare helps to differentiate the snow surface from ice, while skiing. It helps you to see the path clearly and avoid dangerous accidents. 
• Flying – While flying polarized lens makes it hard to see or read the GPS and controls in the cockpit, so regular sunglasses are recommended for pilots.
• Operating heavy machinery – Polarized lenses make it tough to see LCDs or screens or controls, so never use them.

Wear polarized sunglasses…..

• Driving – During sunny daytime, polarized sun shades are a boon to the drivers, especially when the brightness hits at a right angle on the windshield and the glare distracts your vision. 
• Fishing – Glare reflects off the water surface and wearing polarized glasses is the best option. 
• Biking – Glare from the road can distract the biker but wearing polarized sunglasses the potential of endangering the lives of others and themselves is reduced significantly.
• Walking – Outdoor activities like daytime shopping or visiting the mall or going anywhere else wearing polarized sunglasses help to protect vision from harsh glare. 

When you are deciding between polarized and non-polarized lenses, you need to consider other advantages like reduced eye strain, enhanced comfort, and improved visual clarity. 

Polarizing your prescription sunglasses offers the benefits of polarization as well as vision correction. Polarized prescription sunglasses cost a little more but are worthy. 

Choosing polarized or non-polarized sunglasses is a personal preference. It can depend on how you will use the shades. Few people are inclined towards polarized lens perks, while some prefer regular sunglasses for a view closer to their naked eye. It is not wrong as long as they wear sunglasses.