Prescription Sunglasses

It’s almost summertime and that means sunny days.  And the need to protect your eyes from UV rays!

You wear eyeglasses.  You’re driving on a sunny day.  The sun is shining in your eyes.  It’s annoying.  It’s frustrating.  It’s dangerous.

You wish at that moment that you had spent the money on prescription sunglasses.  Clip on or magnetic attachments to your regular eyeglasses are inconvenient, bulky, and not fashionable.  Prescription sunglasses help solve safety and irritation issues.

Prescription Sunglasses

Photo by John Muir

Prescription sunglasses can even be helpful for contact lens wearers who may be going to the beach and don’t want to risk the sand and water irritating your eyes with your contact lenses in.   Also, swimming in lakes or oceans while wearing contact lenses can subject your lenses to bacteria and organisms in the water, which can cause eye infections.

Types of Prescription Sunglasses

Like regular eyeglasses, they come in a variety of options, such as bifocal lenses and some that may be helpful when reading outside.  High-index, polycarbonate and plastic options are all available.

Style is also not an issue.  You don’t have to give up your fashionable sunglasses just because you need a prescription.  There are a variety of designers and frames available with prescription sunglasses.  The main difference is that wraparound frames are not usually an option.  With prescription lenses, too much of a curve can cause distorted vision.   There are some options with less extreme curves, which may be an option with certain prescriptions.

Other Options When It Comes to Vision

There is another option if you don’t want to deal with two pairs of eyeglasses, one regular and one for sun protection.  These have a photochromic tint.  Transitions are lightweight, light sensitive glasses that adjust for you as the lighting changes.  They offer amazing UV protection and have a built-in scratch resistance to increase durability.  They are also extremely comfortable.

Polarized sun technology is another way to protect your eyes if you are an outdoor enthusiast.  These lenses are designed to work with you for water sports, snow sports, and even everyday driving.  Bright light reflecting can make seeing difficult and dangerous, so these Polarized lenses meet maximum UV protection needs and reduce glare.

Drivewear prescription lensesprovide yet another option by combining the Transitions technology with Polarized lenses.  These are special photochromic prescription lenses that change from a light to dark tint depending on the lighting.  They are also designed to offer the same comfort and protection of other polarized prescription lenses.

There are also lots of options to keep prescription sunglasses affordable.  Check out some of our inexpensive ways to protect your eyes from UV damage and keep safe when outside in our Patient Education section.  You can also ask your eye doctor about what will work best for your lifestyle and prescription.

Find an America’s Best store near you today to check out the prescription eyeglasses we carry!