UV, tinted OR Polarised lenses

Cathalog

Ok, so I'll be getting 2 new pairs of glasses soon enough in Specsavers. One of which will be a pair of sunglasses.

Now they have a few options according to their website. I'm not even considering the Reactions as the sunglasses are partly-required for driving.
I'm interested in:

Option A:
UV filter €19 & Tinted colour €19
Total = €38

Option B:
Polarised
Total = €90

Option C:
Ultradrive Night
Total = €45

What are the main differences between these 3 options, other than the price?

I know the ultradrive nights block UV and blue light. Does anyone have any experience with them? Are they worth it? Would they work as sunglasses at the beach? If not, scrap option C!

I know how polarised lenses work, they block electromagnetic radiation (UV, light etc.) that travel (as waves) in certain directions [if you get two pairs of polarised glasses and put them in front of each other, but with one turned at 90°, it should block all light] but what benefit does this have over just a UV filter with a tinted lens?

And, you don't need to tint the lens on top of getting a polarised filter do you? (which would mean it'd cost 110 euro)

Many thanks for your replies.

Oafley Jones

Cathalog wrote: »

I know how polarised lenses work, they block electromagnetic radiation (UV, light etc.) that travel (as waves) in certain directions [if you get two pairs of polarised glasses and put them in front of each other, but with one turned at 90°, it should block all light] but what benefit does this have over just a UV filter with a tinted lens?

Can't answer your other questions, but polarised will remove glare.

Daisies

If you want the best type of sunglasses I would go for polarised lenses. They also block 100% of UV. The main advantage over the standard tint is that it cuts out the glare. Things like light reflecting off wet roads, water etc is the main glare issue.

The Ultradrive ones will not be 100% dark all the time as they are partially reactions. While they hold a degree of tint (which is polarised also) all the time, they are not as dark as sunglasses all the time.

Hope this helps

Cathalog

Daisies wrote: »

If you want the best type of sunglasses I would go for polarised lenses. They also block 100% of UV. The main advantage over the standard tint is that it cuts out the glare. Things like light reflecting off wet roads, water etc is the main glare issue.

The Ultradrive ones will not be 100% dark all the time as they are partially reactions. While they hold a degree of tint (which is polarised also) all the time, they are not as dark as sunglasses all the time.

Hope this helps

Great! Thanks for the reply. Yeah, I just tried on a pair if polarised glassed there and (even though they weren't the correct prescription), I could notice the sheer different in colours. Really is lovely to look through - I'm sold - wish it wasn't €50 more expensivethough! I'll scrap the UltraDrive then.

Last question:
How about getting the "UltraClear" lenses for my ordinary glasses? Have you any experience using those?
Are they useful when driving at night. It says that they reduce light scatter.
Currently, light from dipped headlights of approaching cars do affect me - but I think that this is just because my old glasses are not strong enough anymore.
Is it worth €45?

Daisies

Cathalog wrote: »

Last question:
How about getting the "UltraClear" lenses for my ordinary glasses? Have you any experience using those?
Are they useful when driving at night. It says that they reduce light scatter.
Currently, light from dipped headlights of approaching cars do affect me - but I think that this is just because my old glasses are not strong enough anymore.
Is it worth €45?

The Ultraclear (aka Anti reflection) coating is brilliant. I never had it before I started working as an optometrist and I honestly would not go back. You only really notice the difference once you have been using it for a while. I find any artificial lights are a lot less "starburst" like. This goes for oncoming headlights, computer screens, even just lights in the house.