When it comes to protecting our eyes from harmful UV rays sunglasses are the must have accessory. That does not change once someone needs a prescription. This guide is designed to answer all your questions regarding prescription sunglasses, through the eyes of an expert.
The first hurdle to overcome is the question "Are prescription sunglasses a good idea?".
When patients ask this in practice, my response is "Prescription sunglasses are absolute game changers, and once you have had a pair, you will never be without!".
They are a great investment, and to anyone who has tried it will know that it is not a good look, nor is it practical to balance a pair of regular sunglasses on top of your own glasses. Having a pair of prescription sunglasses combines vision and sun correction is the ultimate convenience.
Prescription sunglasses are great not only on holiday but when driving in the sun, spending time outdoors, and in winter when the sun is low and dazzling.
What Type of Sunglasses Do Opticians Recommend?
So the most important thing when choosing sunglasses is the level of UV protection that they offer. We always recommend 100% UV protection. These lenses block 100% UVA & UVB rays, to protect your eyes from harmful UV exposure.
Once you have that box ticked, then it comes down to lifestyle and personal preference. If you are really active, an outdoors adventure type, the polarised lenses might work really well for you. Not only do they provide 100% UV protection, but they also help to eliminate glare, so think reflections on water and snow.
Some people who wear varifocal sunglasses, like to have a graduated tint which get's lighter towards the lower part of the lens. They can find this makes reading easier in the sunglasses if they are not in the brightest of conditions. Other people like graduated sunglasses lenses as it gives a cool vibe, think 70s sunglasses.
We can make your prescription sunglasses a whole variety of colours from the usual brown, grey and green's to pink, yellow and blue. Just let us know what colour you fancy.
Ultimately as long as your prescription sunglasses provide 100% UV protection, then the rest is up to you, think about your specific needs and requirements. We are always here to help if you are unsure
Can you put a prescription into any sunglasses?
You can put prescription lenses into most sunglasses but not all. When choosing frames for prescription sunglasses it is also important to consider the following factors:
Frame size and shape:
Shape is a big consideration, we don't want the sunglasses too small so the light comes over the top, they need to do their job. However for prescription sunglasses we don't always want them too big depending on your prescription, as it can lead to distortion, increased thickness and lens weight.
Lens Curvature:
When spectacle frames have increased curvature, think wrap around sporty frames, the distortion and aberrations in the lenses increase. Now there are some specialist lenses available to alleviate this issue, but it all depends on the frame itself. Heavily curved frames are no good as prescription varifocal sunglasses.
Material and Durability of a Frame:
As when buying any glasses or sunglasses the quality of the frame is important. If we want our eyewear to last, we need to invest. Many cheap imported sunglasses are not designed to be fitted with prescription lenses. Often cheaper frames may have a shallow bevel which is not designed to hold a proper spectacle lens, or the material of the frame is poor and not designed to last.
Our sunglasses and glasses frames are all made of good quality materials, many of which were hand crafted in Europe. Any of our frames that are not suitable for prescription lenses on our website will not give you the option to add lenses once added to basket.
Professional Opinion and Advice:
Ordering prescription sunglasses does not need to be a daunting task. We understand prescriptions, the complexities and limitations of frame and lens combinations. If you ever need any assistance or have any questions do not hesitate to ask.
How Much Do Prescription Sunglasses Usually Cost?
So prescription sunglasses can vary in cost. As we said earlier, prescription sunglasses are an investment. Prescription sunglasses lenses can be fitted into our glasses or sunglasses frames, with prices starting from £34.00. Our single vision lenses with 100% UV protection start at £45.00. Naturally if you want designer prescription sunglasses the price will be more. Top Tip - Don't forget that if you are in a health scheme such Westfield Health, you can claim for prescription sunglasses too.
In summary not only do prescription sunglasses enhance our style when on holiday but they give the ultimate visual comfort when out in the sun. The must add accessory to your eyewear collection.