Polarised Sunglasses vs Regular Tinted Sunglasses: What’s the Difference?

The sun has been making a welcome appearance lately, and with brighter days comes the need for reliable eye protection. If you're on the lookout for a new pair of sunglasses, you might have come across the terms polarised lenses and regular tinted lenses. So, what’s the difference — and which one is right for you?

Regular tinted sunglasses

Regular tinted sunglasses are designed to reduce brightness by darkening your view. They make bright days more comfortable and help reduce squinting by shielding your eyes from harsh light. While they do offer UV protection (depending on the lenses), they don’t do much to cut down on glare.

If you’re after a fashionable accessory to complete your outfit, regular tinted lenses are available in a wide range of colours and styles. They’re ideal for casual use, like walking around town, relaxing in the garden, or short trips outside.

Polarised sunglasses

Polarised sunglasses do more than just dim the light — they contain a special filter that blocks horizontal light waves. That’s the type of light that reflects off flat surfaces such as roads, water, or car bonnets, which can cause intense glare. By cutting through that glare, polarised lenses offer much clearer, crisper vision and reduce eye strain.

These lenses are particularly useful when driving, spending time near water, playing outdoor sports, or enjoying long walks on sunny days. If you often find yourself squinting or feeling tired eyes, polarised lenses can make a big difference in terms of comfort and visibility.

So, which should you choose?

If you spend a lot of time outdoors or driving, or if you’re sensitive to light and glare, polarised sunglasses are definitely worth considering. They’re not only more comfortable for your eyes, but they can also improve contrast and clarity — especially on very bright days.

On the other hand, if you’re mainly looking for a stylish, everyday pair of sunglasses and don’t usually struggle with glare, regular tinted lenses might suit your needs just fine.

At Kelly Eyecare, we stock designer sunglasses including Maui Jim and Ray-Ban — and we can fit them with your prescription too. As always, our team of experts will ensure they’re a perfect fit for your face and lifestyle.

Need help choosing the right pair? Pop in and chat with our friendly team — we’ll help you find the perfect sunglasses to suit your lifestyle and keep your eyes protected all year round.

Prefer to speak to someone first? Just give us a call and we’ll be happy to talk through your options or book you in for a styling appointment.