Polarized or photochromic? Choosing sun lenses for Phoenix
Polarized vs photochromic lenses for Arizona drivers and golfers: how each works, where each falls short, and which one to choose for Phoenix sun.
In Phoenix your sunglasses do more work than your regular glasses. The two big choices are polarized and photochromic, and they solve different problems.
Polarized lenses
Polarized lenses block the horizontal glare that bounces off windshields, pools, pavement and water. Colors look richer and your eyes relax. For driving, golf and anything on the water, this is the lens to beat. Maui Jim builds their whole line around it, and we make them in your prescription.
Photochromic lenses
Photochromic lenses are clear indoors and darken in UV light. Newer versions like ZEISS PhotoFusion X darken and clear faster than older generations. They are great if you go in and out all day and want one pair.
The windshield catch
Most windshields block the UV that triggers photochromic lenses, so they darken only partly in the car. If you drive a lot, which in the Valley is almost everyone, a dedicated polarized pair is still worth having.
Our usual advice
- One pair only: photochromic everyday glasses.
- Drive a lot or golf: add a polarized prescription sun pair.
- Wear progressives: get progressive sunglasses too, so you can read your phone outside.
