Do TAC Glasses Actually Work? Pros, Cons & Costs
Updated on  May 1, 2024
5 min read

What are TAC Glasses?

4 sources cited
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TAC Glasses Review

TAC sunglasses are special polarized lenses made from triacetate acetate cellulose. They reduce glare and improve vision clarity while driving, playing sports, or simply being outside in the sun.

Whether you’re an avid outdoor athlete or spend much time outdoors, you must protect your eyes while in the sun. This article will help guide you while shopping for TAC glasses.

Where to Buy Sunglasses

Biggest Selection: GlassesUSA

Fastest Delivery: EyeBuyDirect

Best Independent Retailer: Warby Parker

Do TAC Glasses Actually Work?

According to customer reviews, many people who wear TAC glasses are impressed with the glare reduction they provide, especially with oncoming headlights while driving. Visual clarity and their ability to enhance colors are also better than regular glasses.

Bell + Howell Tac Glasses

Several people who bought Tac glasses from ‘As Seen on TV’ ads (made by Bell + Howell) were disappointed with their cheap plastic frames.

They complained the frames broke after a day. A couple of customers also claimed the TV ad was false advertising.

It’s important to note that Bell + Howell’s Tac glasses are not made from triacetate acetate cellulose. The brand’s use of “Tac glasses” is a marketing term short for tactical, inspired by military eyewear.

Pros and Cons of TAC Glasses 

TAC glasses encompass light filtering technology, making outdoor activities more enjoyable.

The pros of tac glasses include:

  • Multi-layered lenses reduce glare
  • Inexpensive
  • Enhance colors and improve vision clarity
  • One size fits all
  • Lightweight and comfortable

The cons of tac glasses include:

  • Cheap frames 
  • Can shatter easily
  • They are not prescription glasses
  • They are not designed for high-impact situations 

How to Choose the Right TAC Glasses

Choosing the perfect sunglasses for your lifestyle can be confusing. We break down the factors to consider when deciding if TAC glasses are right for you.

Considerations When Buying TAC Glasses

Some things to consider when buying TAC glasses include:

  • Comfort and fit. Are they lightweight? Do they fit your face shape?
  • Style. TAC glasses don’t come in a variety of styles or colors
  • Quality. Will the frames easily break?
  • Price. TAC glasses tend to be less expensive than other polarized lenses
  • Prescription. TAC glasses can’t be customized with your prescription

Top Brands and Models of TAC Glasses

Bell + Howell Tac lenses are the most popular and affordable TAC glasses on the market, sold at big box stores such as Walmart and Home Depot. They can also be purchased online through Amazon and As Seen on TV ads.

Other top brands of TAC glasses include:

TAC Glasses vs. Other Options

TAC glasses are different from other glasses because of the layers of triacetate acetate cellulose. This helps reduce glare and provides 100% protection from harmful UV rays.

Other polarized lenses are made with polycarbonate. Polycarbonate lenses are known for being highly durable, flexible, and available in many different styles.

The key differences between TAC glasses vs. polycarbonate include the following:

  • TAC glasses are more scratch resistant
  • Polycarbonate lenses tend to be more expensive 
  • TAC glasses are better at absorbing glare 
  • TAC glasses improve optical clarity
  • Polycarbonate lenses are shatterproof

Situations TAC Glasses Might Be Helpful in

TAC glasses are designed to improve vision during outdoor activities by reducing water and sun glare, enhancing colors, and improving visual clarity.

Situations and activities that TAC glasses are helpful for include the following:

TAC Glasses for Day and Night Driving

Original TAC glasses made from triacetate acetate cellulose work well for driving during the day. However, not all TAC glasses are safe to use while driving at night because it makes things darker and more challenging to see.

According to research, yellow lens night glasses don’t improve your vision or make driving at night safer. Unfortunately, this is what Bell + Howell offers in their line of night vision glasses.

If headlight glare is an issue while driving, you should have your eyes checked by an eye doctor to rule out eye conditions such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration

TAC Glasses for Outdoor Activities

Most people take advantage of wearing TAC glasses during outdoor recreational and sports activities such as cycling, fishing, golfing, and running. 

Customers are impressed with how much clearer they see wearing TAC glasses than ordinary sunglasses. They also report the benefits of reduced glare from the sun, especially during water sports and activities. 

TAC lenses offer 100% UV protection to prevent eye damage. This protection is critical for people spending long hours outdoors.

Prolonged UV exposure can lead to dangerous eye conditions, including:

  • Cataracts
  • Eye cancer
  • Growths on the eye
  • Snow blindness

How Much Do TAC Glasses Cost?

Like regular sunglasses, the price of TAC glasses varies depending on the brand and quality:

  • Bell+Howell Tac glasses are the most affordable at $25, but customers complain that the frames break easily. 
  • Higher quality TAC glasses from Oakley are more expensive at $133, while Outlaw Eyewear’s TAC glasses are $754. 
  • BattleVision TAC glasses are also affordable at $20 and come with a second pair for free. 

How to Care for TAC Glasses

Caring for TAC Glasses is the same as caring for regular glasses. Most TAC glasses come with a soft cloth for easy cleaning.

Here are the general cleaning tips:

  • Wipe lenses with a soft cloth to keep clean
  • Keep them in a safe place when not in use
  • Avoid leaving TAC glasses in excessive heat
  • Regular maintenance 

Purchase warranties for TAC glasses will vary by brand. Typically, the higher the price, the better the warranty.

For example, Outlaw Eyewear offers an automatic two-year warranty against manufacturer defects, while Bill+Howell provides a 30-day full refund or replacement.

Summary

TAC glasses are special polarized lenses designed to reduce glare, enhance color, and provide optical clarity. They are inspired by military-grade eyewear. 

TAC glasses are great for outdoor sports, cycling, running, fishing, and golf. You can buy cheap versions of TAC glasses at popular stores such as Walmart and Home Depot, and they are also advertised as an As Seen on TV product.

Best Places to Buy Glasses

Best Overall

Warby Parker has stylish, high-quality frames at affordable prices.

Also Great

Liingo Eyewear is another great option to buy glasses online.

Best on a Budget

EyeBuyDirect has a wide variety of budget frames starting at $6.

Best Places to Buy Contacts

Best Overall

Discount Contacts is our #1 recommendation to buy contacts online.

glasses usa logo
Also Great

GlassesUSA has a huge selection of contacts, glasses, & sunglasses.

Updated on  May 1, 2024
4 sources cited
Updated on  May 1, 2024
  1. KastKing. “What is the difference between PC lens and Tac lens on sunglasses.” 2022. 
  2. Review of Optometry. “Yellow Lenses No Help in Night Driving.” 2019. 
  3. Tupert, D. “The sun, UV light, and your eyes.” American Academy of Ophthalmology,” 2020.
  4. Boyd. K. “Tips for choosing the best sunglasses.” American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2021.
The information provided on VisionCenter.org should not be used in place of actual information provided by a doctor or a specialist.