What Is Better, Polarized or Prizm Sunglasses? | Which one to Pick?

When it comes to baseball or everyday sunglasses, polarized, non-polarized, and Prizm(not prism) come to our minds. By the way, between polarized and Oakley’s Prizm, there are a lot of differences. 

But the question is, what is better Polarized or Prizm sunglasses? Both serve different purposes. In short, polarized are mostly not perfect for baseball players because it prevents different color from different sides. And gives a smooth and slightly darker scene with the true colors of objects.

On the other hand, Oakley’s Prizon lenses technology developed by Oakley provides more vivid colors, which enhances the sight experience. It also enhances specific colors and optimize visual clarity in various environments.

But, this brief isn’t all meant to describe the state of these two types of lenses. There are many things to clarify to understand the purposes of both lenses. In this article, I will explain everything about these lenses and compare them to understand their own purposes. 

What Is Polarized Lens?

Polarized lenses are related to glare and light. Before getting into it, let’s understand how glare works. When the light comes from the sun or any other sources, they actually fall into several surfaces. After falling onto the surfaces, the light’s glare or reflection insert into our eyes.

If the surfaces are uneven, like grasses, trees, asphalt, etc., the light will be scattered and will come to our eyes vertically. In this case, the glare will not distort our sight. So, no issues with the glare or light. We will normally see the object.

But, if the light fall directly into smooth surfaces like calm water, mirrored sheet, car hood,  flat and shiny surfaces, the light will create glare on the surfaces. And it will be reflected in a single direction. The created glare will come into our eyes horizontally. 

In this case, the glare will directly hit our eyes and distort our sight. As a result, we will miss the true color of the objects. 

So, what do polarized lenses do here? Polarized lenses are designed specially to prevent direct and smoothly reflected glare into your eyes. More specifically, polarized lenses block the horizontal glare and allow vertical glare to enter our eyes. 

Additional Read: 14 Best Youth Baseball Sunglasses To Grab In 2022

How Does a Polarized Lens Work?

The working process of polarized lenses is fun. A technology named PolarCoat^TM  applies a surface treatment called polarizing film on the backside of the lenses with 99% polarization efficiency(PE) to polarize the lens. 

This special chemical (polarizing film) filters the horizontal light or glare, and just allows the vertical light to enter your eyes. 

Imagine that you have a miniblind that runs vertically across your window. Only the light that can get through the blind is seen. A vertical opening will be created for the vertical lights by the polarized lens when it is used in this manner.

Your eyes will not be subjected to the overwhelming horizontal glares that directly fall into the smooth surfaces. Because of this, your vision and the objects around you might become a little bit darker. However, the colors are accurate, and it is simple to identify and comprehend the various objects.

The Perfect Factors of Wearing Polarized Sunglasses

Everyday activities are not appropriate times to use polarized sunglasses. There are certain specific occasions in which it is strongly suggested that you put on a pair of polarized sunglasses. Here are some of the unique occasions to which you are invited if you are wearing polarized sunglasses:

Driving at Daylight

Driving is one of the most crucial events when you should wear polarized sunglasses instead of other glasses at daylight. Because you will experience glares on your car hood if it’s a bright sunny day.

Aside from this, night light also creates glare from different sides as light is placed in different places. As a result, the polarized lenses will prevent excessive glare and give you comfortable views. 

Fishing, Boating, and Sailing

Polarized sunglasses are required for any movement that takes place on the water’s surface. For example, if you spend all day on the sea fishing or boating, you can experience eye strain by the end of the day.

Additionally, there are too many reflections of  light on the surface of the water, which can distract your sight. Wearing polarized sunglasses will help you steer clear of predicaments like these.

Snowy Environment

In all honesty, it is dependent on the circumstances. In a snowy climate, wearing sunglasses that are polarized will, in most cases, be beneficial to your walking. This is the standard scenario.

However, in order to maintain your safety when driving in conditions where there is snow and ice on the road, you need to have good visibility. In these kinds of situations, polarized sunglasses are not a good idea to wear. You should put on a pair of polarized sunglasses whenever you are behind the wheel on a day when the sun is shining extremely brightly.

Materials of Polarized Sunglasses

Polarized sunglasses are typically made of shatter-resistant materials such as polycarbonate polymer. The frame could be made of either metal or plastic.

Polarized lenses to employ a unique polarizing film. The film prevents reflections and only enables vertical lights to pass through.

Advantages of Polarized Sunglasses

Before you use polarized glass, you need to have your questions answered concerning the UV protection it offers. Polarized lenses offer some protection from ultraviolet light, although this protection is not nearly as effective as that offered by other types of UV lenses.

Let’s know the advantages of using polarized sunglasses in our daily activities.

Reduced Glare

Polarized lenses blocks horizontal light waves come from water, roads, and different shiny objects. So, you can enjoy clearer and more comfortable vision at the time of outdoor activities.

Enhance Color Perception and better Contrast

As polarized lenses filter out scattered and reflected light, they enhance color perception and make colors appear more vibrant and true to life. It also improves contrast by reducing the brightness of the bright areas.

Better Eye Comfort and Eye Protection

By reducing the glare, polarized sunglasses increase eye comfort and reduce eye fatigue. So you can enjoy your outdoor activities with the best experience.

These lenses also give protection from harmful UC rays. Thus they prevent eye damage and reduce the risk of conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration.

Disadvantages of Polarized Sunglasses

As you know, everything is not made for everyone, so polarized sunglasses. So, you can’t wear polarized sunglasses in every place. In simply, polarized sunglasses are not for everyone. 

In some instances, you have to avoid polarized glasses. 

Trouble With LCD Screens

When looking at an LCD panel, for instance, you are not allowed to use polarized glasses. Polarized glasses reduce the glare from LCD screens, however, this makes the information on the display difficult to read.

Therefore, some professionals, like pilots, will be put in harm’s way. In this regard, you should avoid looking at any form of LCD panel when wearing polarized lenses in order to maximize your viewing experience.

Expert recommend not to use polarized sunglasses at the time of using smartphones, GPS devices, and certain car dashboards.

Not Ideal for Nighttime Driving

As they can reduce the visibility of low-light conditions, such as streetlights and oncoming headlights, you should not use the polarized lens to avoid accidents.

Despite this, it is acceptable to use polarized sunglasses during the day. You should avoid using them when there is low-light conditions or when there is ice on the road, especially at night.

What Is Okley Prizm Lens?

Oakley, one of the industry leaders in the production of sunglasses, is responsible for the development of the unique lens technology known as Prizm. In contrast to polarized lenses, it has a purpose-built design that enhances the color and contrast of the objects you see.

Instead of reducing glare, the primary objective of the Oakley Prizm lens is to improve the wearer’s perception of color as well as crispness and contrast. As a direct consequence of this, you have the ability to recognize each and every object in its own right around you.

By the way, Oakley Prizm lenses are primarily intended for use in sports such as baseball and basketball, in addition to other types of outdoor games. Additionally, there are Prizm daily lenses as well as Prizm Snow lenses that can be used for everyday activities.

So in simple words, whereas polarized lenses prevent particular light rays/glare, Oakley Prizm lenses allow all and enhance the contrast and color. 

How Does an Oakley Prizm Lens Work?

Prizm lenses can have their hue customized. For illustration’s sake, you ought to make use of particular models for specified functions. Because Prizm lenses amplify the wavelength of a particular color, which is vital for the particular work you are performing, you should wear them. On the other side, the lens will reduce the number of other lights and colors simultaneously.

If you play baseball, for instance, you should get lenses designed specifically for baseball because they will accentuate the green color and the intricacies of the field. In addition to this, it will differentiate the green hue from the yellow color. This indicates that they will lessen the number of other colors that your eyes are exposed to.

So you will feel the real color of your surroundings. Also, your eyes will not hurt to consume different colors at the same time. 

Additional Read: What Is Cycle In Baseball? I Bet You Didn’t Know These

Materials of Prizm Lens

Plutonite is the material that is used to make prism lenses. Oakley is the owner of the trademark for the material known as Plutonite. In reality, it is a polycarbonate of very high grade. In addition to this, Plutonite is very resistant to impact.

Benefits of Using Prizm Lens

The primary advantage of wearing Prizm lenses is that they improve your ability to see the vivid colors and contrasts of your surroundings. This is the most important advantage. On the other hand, your eyes will not be harmed in any way.

So, the core benefits are as follows the Prizm lenses will incorporate with you. 

• Provide you with more crunch, vivid, and vibrant color
• Details of objects are highlighted precisely
• Also, the depth perception of objects is increased
• Helps you to detect the hazard of your surroundings and save yourself from any unwanted incidents
• Enhance natural details and clarity, and son.

Can Prizm Lenses Be Polarized?

Yes, polarized versions of Prizm lenses are also available. However, not all Prizm Lenses have a polarized coating on them. You will need to purchase either Oakley’s Prizm Polarized or HD Polarized lenses if you want your Prizm lenses to include the polarized feature.

Different Types of Prizm Lenses to Use in Different Environments

Prizm Field Lens 

Prizm field glasses are specifically intended for sports such as baseball, cricket, and other similar activities. They heighten the contrast between the baseball and the blue sky or the green grass, helping to differentiate between the two. All of the colors become vibrant and distinct. You also have the option of selecting glasses that are tailored specifically for either the infield or the outfield.

The Prizm baseball lenses have a VLT of 15%, which stands for visual light transmission. The higher the VLT, the more the hue will be lightened.

You might check out one of the best Oakley Prizm field lens sunglass: Oakley Men's Oo9208 Radar Ev Path Rectangular Sunglasses

Prizm Golf 

Prizm Golf lenses are made to interpret the contrast between the green grass and the surrounding environment. The lenses have a specific purpose, which includes determining the distance, speed of the ball, and quality of the grass, among other things.

There are two different kinds of Prizm lenses available here: Prizm Dark Golf and Prizm Light. The VLT of light golf is 30%, whereas dark golf has a value of 20%.

Prizm Trail Torch

It can be difficult for Prizm Trail Torch lenses to perform their function in the dimly lit conditions of mountain paths, which often have gravel and roots. You have to keep your eyes open and pay attention in order to avoid potential dangers in an environment with a lot of shade.

The Prizm Trail Torch has been brought along to amplify the red and brown hues and make the difficulty level more manageable. As a direct consequence of this, you will have an easier time recognizing potential risks on the trails.

The VLT of the Prizm Trail torch is 35%.

Prizm Road Lenses

You are moving quickly through the streets. You need to have Prizm Road lenses no matter what you’re doing, whether you’re riding a road bike or walking down the road. In either dim or bright settings, your Prizm Road glasses will be able to provide you with the support you need.

You will have little trouble adapting to the numerous minor road modifications. As a result, various surface textures will each be associated with particular importance. When you wear road Prizm lenses, it will be easier for you to differentiate between the lights of cars and road signs.

Whether you prefer to walk or ride a bike, the Prizm road lenses make it easier to investigate your surroundings. The VLT of Prizm Road lenses is 20%.

Prizm Fishing Sunglasses (Deepwater Polarized, and Shallow Water Polarized)

For activities that take place on the water, such as fishing, sailing, or boating, the best type of lenses to wear are polarized ones, as we have stated previously. The most amazing thing about Prizm lenses is that they can also be combined with polarized lenses, which will allow you to view colors in their truest form while simultaneously shielding your eyes from excessive glare.

A harmonious marriage of the two glasses. Prizm lenses with deep water polarization and shallow water polarization are designed specifically for the activities they are used for. Deep sea lenses attenuate the visibility of blue colors while bringing out the vibrancy of green and red hues.

On the other side, shallow water polarized glasses make it easier to locate fish while fishing inshore.

The VLT for shallow water polarized is 15%, and for deep water polarized is 12%. 

Prizm Ski and Snowboard Sunglasses

Oakley Prizm Goggles are an absolute necessity if you plan on going skiing, snowboarding, or just walking around in an environment that already has snow on the ground. When there is strong sunlight reflecting off of the snow, you will require less stark contrast.

And when it’s darker in most situations which are going to happen throughout the whole winter season, you have to choose bright color contrast lenses. 

Here are some suggestions for different Prizm Goggles for different snowy environments. 

Lens Name	VLT	Best Use
Prizm Black Iridium	5.5%	Bright Sun
Prizm Dark Gray	12%	Bright sun
Prizm Shaphire Iridium	13%	Sun and cloud
Prizm Jade Irridium	13%	Sun and cloud
Prizm Torch Iridium	17%	Sun and cloud
Prizm Rose	26%	Cloud, Snow, and partial sun
Prizm Persimmon	28%	Overcast, whiteout, and night
Prizm Hi Pink Irriudium	46%	Overcast, whiteout, and night

Oakley Prizm Everyday Lenses

You are not deprived of wearing Prizm lenses in your day-to-day life in any way, shape, or form despite their more specialized applications. Prizm everyday lenses were developed to be worn throughout the day. Therefore, wherever you travel, you will always have the choice to relax and improve your eyesight.

The Prizm Everyday lenses feature the following advantages for you-

• A hue closer to the true red
• Improve the tint of the blue sky, as well as the shade of green
• In addition, a polarized version that eliminates glare from reflected light comes from smooth surfaces.

Comparison Between Polarized and Oakley Prizm Lens at a Glance

Now it’s time to compare both polarized lenses and Prizm lenses at a glance to understand their own perspective. Here is the comparison table for easy understanding. 

Attribute	Polarized Lens	Prizm Lens
Definition	Polarized lenses eliminate the horizontal glare that is caused by smooth surfaces, thereby mitigating the potential lighting and sight issues.	Oakley came up with the Prizm lenses in order to improve the color, vibrancy, and contrast of whatever you are looking at. As a consequence of this, you will have an easier time recognizing potentially dangerous objects and shadows that are in your path of movement.
Working Mechanism	Polarized lenses use a chemical named polarizing film to prevent horizontal glare.	Particular lenses use a particular wavelength of colors to increase their visibility in a particular environment by reducing other exposure in your eyes.
Benefits	Reduces glareGives eye comfort and helps to avoid eye strainTrue color vision	Increased color, vividness, and contrastOptimized for sports and daily lifeBright colors with no eye-hurting.
Materials	High-grade polycarbonate and shatter-resistant glasses.	A special type of polycarbonate named Pltonite Lens made by Oakley
UV Protectin	Provide protection against ultra violate rays of reflected surfaces. Not that much effective against the vertical UV rays come from sun.	Provide protection against ultra violate rays of sunlight
Using Perspective	At bright sunlightAreas where there are a lot of smooth surfaces like sea, and other smooth surfaces.	Sport timeSnowy environmentEveryday life

Which Is Better, Polarized Or Prizm Sunglasses?

So, what is the verdict now? Which one is better the polarized vs Prizm sunglasses? In short, both are the best in their respective perspectives. 

Prizm sunglasses are made to enhance colors and contrast. They provide vivid colors. On the other hand, polarized sunglasses are made to prevent horizontal glare. 

So, both have different purposes. You have to choose the right one based on your needs. 

But, if you want to feel the polarization in the Prizm sunglasses, you have polarized Prizm sunglass options. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there any option to buy a Prizm prescription lens?

Yes, you can buy Prizm prescription glasses as per your need. You have to put the information about whether you need single-vision or progressive-vision lenses. You also can choose from two options- either inserting your requirement manually or uploading the image of the prescription. 

2. Do Prizm Lenses have UV protection?

Yes, Prizm lenses have UV protection. Though the process of protecting your eyes from UV rays is different in Prizm lenses than in others. 

3. Is Prizm polarized better than polarized?

Polarized lenses stop glare from entering your eyes. Prizm polarized glasses do both preventing glare and enhance color contrast which enhances the viewing experience. So, Prizm polarized lenses could be a little beneficial here based on your needs. 

Final Verdict

So, what is better polarized or Prizm sunglasses have you found? No one is better than another one. They have different perspectives to serve. 

So, in their own perspective, they both are better. By the way, if you are searching for the best baseball sunglasses, you should go for the Prizm lenses. 

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