Sunglasses vs. Spectacles — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 21, 2023
Sunglasses are designed to protect the eyes from sunlight and UV rays. Spectacles, commonly called glasses, are made to correct or aid vision.
Difference Between Sunglasses and Spectacles
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Key Differences
Sunglasses are primarily fashioned to shield the eyes from the harmful effects of the sun and ultraviolet radiation. On the other hand, Spectacles are typically utilized to correct vision impairments such as nearsightedness or farsightedness.
While Sunglasses come with tinted lenses, often in various shades and colors, Spectacles generally have clear lenses specifically designed according to the wearer's prescription. These prescriptions are detailed measurements to correct vision issues.
Sunglasses, besides their protective function, are also seen as a fashion accessory. Many people own multiple pairs to complement different outfits or occasions. Spectacles, while functional, have also emerged as a style statement, with many fashionable frames available in the market.
Polarized or mirrored lenses are common in Sunglasses, aiding in reducing glare. In contrast, Spectacles can have special coatings, such as anti-reflective or blue light filtering, to enhance visual comfort, especially during tasks like reading or computer use.
Over time, hybrid models have emerged, with Spectacles incorporating sun-protective tint or Sunglasses being crafted with prescription lenses. This blurs the boundary, offering both vision correction and sun protection.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Purpose
Protects eyes from sunlight and UV rays
Corrects or aids vision
Lens Type
Tinted, often polarized or mirrored
Clear, often with prescription
Usage
Outdoor, sunny conditions
General, everyday use, especially for reading or distance
Aesthetic Role
Considered a fashion accessory
Fashionable frames available, but primary role is functional
Variants
Come in various styles, shapes, and tints
Can be bifocal, trifocal, or have special coatings
Compare with Definitions
Sunglasses
A fashionable accessory often used outdoors.
His collection of designer Sunglasses was truly impressive.
Spectacles
Glasses worn to aid issues like nearsightedness or farsightedness.
After the eye exam, he realized he needed Spectacles for distance.
Sunglasses
Glasses designed to protect against harmful UV rays.
It's essential to wear Sunglasses on sunny days to guard against UV exposure.
Spectacles
Frames that can be a statement of fashion and function.
Her cat-eye Spectacles were both trendy and tailored to her prescription.
Sunglasses
Glasses that can be prescription-based for sun protection with vision correction.
She got prescription Sunglasses so she could read at the beach.
Spectacles
A pair of lenses set in a frame resting on the nose and ears.
The antique Spectacles were a glimpse into fashion from a century ago.
Sunglasses
Eyewear with tinted lenses to shield eyes from sunlight.
She wore her Sunglasses to the beach to avoid the harsh glare.
Spectacles
Eyewear with lenses to correct or assist vision.
She needed Spectacles to read the fine print.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses or sun glasses (informally called shades or sunnies; more names below) are a form of protective eyewear designed primarily to prevent bright sunlight and high-energy visible light from damaging or discomforting the eyes. They can sometimes also function as a visual aid, as variously termed spectacles or glasses exist, featuring lenses that are colored, polarized or darkened.
Spectacles
Something that can be seen or viewed, especially something of a remarkable or impressive nature.
Sunglasses
A convex lens used to focus the sun's rays and produce heat, especially for ignition.
Spectacles
A public performance or display, especially one on a large or lavish scale.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses Eyeglasses with tinted or polarizing lenses to protect the eyes from the sun's glare.
Spectacles
A regrettable public display, as of bad behavior
Drank too much and made a spectacle of himself.
Sunglasses
Tinted glasses worn to protect the eyes from the sun.
Spectacles
A pair of eyeglasses.
Sunglasses
(colloquial) A person wearing sunglasses
Spectacles
Something resembling eyeglasses in shape or suggesting them in function.
Sunglasses
Spectacles that are darkened or polarized to protect the eyes from the glare of the sun;
He was wearing a pair of mirrored shades
Spectacles
Plural of spectacle
Sunglasses
Eyewear with lenses that reduce sunlight glare.
Polarized Sunglasses help fishermen see beneath the water's surface.
Spectacles
A pair of lenses set in a frame worn on the nose and ears in order to correct deficiencies in eyesight or to ornament the face.
Spectacles
(cricket) pair
Spectacles
Optical instrument consisting of a pair of lenses for correcting defective vision
Spectacles
Eyewear that can have specialized coatings for enhanced vision.
His Spectacles had a blue light filter for computer use.
Common Curiosities
Can Sunglasses have prescription lenses?
Yes, many opt for prescription Sunglasses for vision correction and sun protection.
What are Spectacles used for?
Spectacles are used to correct or aid vision based on specific needs.
Why are Sunglasses important?
Sunglasses protect the eyes from harmful UV rays and sunlight.
Are Sunglasses only for sunny days?
While ideal for sunny days, some wear them for style or in varying light conditions.
Are all Spectacles suitable for computer use?
Not all, but some Spectacles have coatings to reduce blue light from screens.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
