Lens Tints and Materials

Let’s start with the differences in the materials lenses are made of.

Glass: Though heavier and more expensive than other lenses, glass offers more scratch resistance and good optical clarity.

Polycarbonate: A popular option for its optical clarity and impact resistance while being lightweight and affordable, but it is less scratch resistant.

Acrylic: The cheapest material that is less durable than others and may even distort your vision.

3 Common Types of Sunglass Lenses

Regardless of which type of lens you choose, look for lenses with 99% UV protection or are labeled “UV absorption up to 400nm,” which is the same as 100% UV protection.

1. Polarized lenses

Polarized lenses are generally considered to be the most effective at reducing the glare from sunlight that bounces off surfaces such as pavement, water and glass. That being said, they don’t work with tinted windshields and can create lower visibility, so if you have this problem with your windshield, you may want to try mirrored lenses. It’s also important to note that reducing glare is not the same thing as UV protection, but it does help you see more clearly.

2. Photochromatic lenses (also called transition lenses)

Photochromatic lenses are two-tone sunglasses that get darker in bright light and lighter in low light, making them good for indoor and outdoor use.

Single gradient lenses are darker on top and lighter on the bottom, cutting light and glare from above but not below. This makes them good for driving or reading, but not for water and snow sports.

Double gradient lenses are dark on top and bottom but light in the middle, reducing glare from above and below but providing clear vision in the center. The downside is that these take longer to work in cold conditions, which isn’t helpful if you’re trying to protect your eyes from the snow’s glare.4

3. Interchangeable lenses

Interchangeable lenses are removable lenses of different colors, so you can change them out depending on your activities and conditions.

There are four types of coatings that can be applied to lenses for additional protection.

Anti-reflective: Applied to the back of polarized or mirror-coated lenses to cut glare

UV: Applied to plastic or glass lenses to add UV protection

Mirror: Prevents light from penetrating the lens by reflecting it

Scratch-resistance: Applied to both sides of the lens to protect from scratches5

How to Care for Sunglasses Lenses

Proper cleaning of your lens will enhance the life of your sunglasses and help maintain any coatings that help reduce or eliminate glare and UV rays. Ideally, use a cleaning cloth specifically designed for sunglass lenses — never use paper products or tissues with added lotions or cleaners. Rinse your sunglasses daily with warm water (filtered tap water is best) and use mild liquid dish soap if needed. Do not use abrasive cleaners, soaps or detergents.

Chemicals (from things like hair products, chlorine from swimming pools and glass cleaners) and salt water can damage your sunglasses, so always rinse them off after exposure to the above. Heat can also deteriorate your lenses or warp your frames, so avoid leaving your sunglasses in places with direct heat from the sun.