Polarised vs Non-Polarised Sunglasses for Driving
By Valley Eyewear / ANZ | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: Comparisons
Compare polarised and non-polarised sunglasses for driving. Learn how polarised lenses reduce glare and which option suits your daily commute or long trips.
Quick answer
Polarised sunglasses are generally better for driving because they cut reflected glare from wet roads, windshields, and other vehicles, improving comfort and safety. Non-polarised sunglasses still block UV and reduce overall brightness, but they don't eliminate horizontal glare. Choose polarised if you drive frequently or in bright conditions; choose non-polarised if you need to see LCD screens clearly or prefer a lower price point.
How glare affects driving vision
Glare from sunlight reflecting off flat surfaces like asphalt, water, or other cars can momentarily blind drivers. Polarised lenses contain a special filter that blocks this horizontal light, making the road and surroundings appear clearer and reducing eye strain. Non-polarised lenses darken the entire scene uniformly but do not selectively remove glare, so bright reflections remain.
LCD screen visibility trade-off
One common downside of polarised lenses is that they can make some LCD screens (like GPS units, dashboard displays, or phone screens) appear dark or distorted when viewed at certain angles. If your car relies heavily on a digital display or you use a phone for navigation, non-polarised sunglasses may be more practical. However, many modern vehicles use anti-glare screens that work fine with polarised lenses.
Polarised vs non-polarised: the trade-offs
- Glare reduction: Polarised lenses block horizontal glare from roads and vehicles; non-polarised lenses only reduce overall brightness. Polarised wins for safety in bright, reflective conditions.
- Screen compatibility: Polarised lenses can darken LCD screens; non-polarised lenses leave screen visibility unchanged. Non-polarised is better if you rely on a digital dashboard or phone GPS.
- UV protection: Both polarised and non-polarised sunglasses can offer 100% UVA & UVB protection when specified. Polarisation does not affect UV blocking. Check the label for UV 400 rating regardless of polarisation.
Lens options for driving
- Polarised Progressive Prescription Sunglass Lenses: Tinted lenses which offer style and protection from the sun's harmful UV rays, with additional glare protection. High sun glare protection from polarization. 100% UVA & UVB protection. Scratch resistant & anti-reflective. If you need prescription sunglasses for driving, these polarised progressive lenses give you clear distance and reading vision while eliminating road glare. The scratch-resistant and anti-reflective coatings also reduce dashboard reflections.
- Polarised Prescription Sunglass Lenses: Tinted lenses which offer style and protection from the sun's harmful UV rays, with additional glare protection. High sun glare protection from polarization. 100% UVA & UVB protection. Scratch resistant & anti-reflective. For drivers who don't require progressive correction, these polarised prescription lenses provide the same glare reduction and UV protection at a lower cost. Ideal for single-vision prescriptions and long commutes.
Which should you choose?
Best for
- Daily commuters who drive in bright sunlight or near water
- Drivers who want maximum glare reduction and less eye fatigue
Not ideal for
- Drivers who frequently use LCD navigation screens or digital dashboards
- Anyone on a tight budget who still wants UV protection without the polarisation premium
