A Complete Guide To Buying Prescription Sunglasses

If you have to wear corrective lenses and spend a lot of time outdoors, the best solution is to take prescription sunglasses.

You get the corrective lens powers in the glasses that also come with the qualities of a sunglass that keep your eyes protected from excessive sunlight and ultraviolet rays.  It also offers clear vision thanks to the powered embedded in the sunglasses.

Whether driving, enjoying outdoor sports, or relaxing at the beach, the right prescription sunglasses can elevate your experience. This guide covers everything you need to know about choosing, customizing, and purchasing your perfect pair of prescription sunglasses.

Why Should You Buy Prescription Sunglasses?

If you’ve ever struggled with clip-on shades or tried layering regular sunglasses over your prescription glasses, you’ll know how inconvenient and uncomfortable it can be. Prescription sunglasses solve these issues with a seamless, stylish alternative.

Benefits of Prescription Sunglasses:

• UV Protection: Protect your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays, reducing the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
• Enhanced Vision: Enjoy sharp, clear vision tailored to your prescription, even in bright sunlight.
• Glare Reduction: Polarised lenses minimize glare, making outdoor activities like driving or water sports more comfortable.
• Convenience: No more switching between regular glasses and sunglasses or fumbling with clip-ons.
• Customizable Style: Choose frames, lens tints, and coatings to match your needs and personal style.

By investing in prescription sunglasses, you can protect your eyes and improve your outdoor experience with greater visual clarity and comfort.

How to Choose the Perfect Prescription Sunglasses

Selecting the right pair of prescription sunglasses involves more than just picking a frame. You must consider your prescription needs, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the best choice:

Understand Your Prescription Needs

If you have both distance and reading prescriptions, decide whether you need single-vision lenses (for nearsightedness or farsightedness) or multifocal lenses (bifocals or progressives). When in doubt, consult your Optometrist to determine which lens type works best for your lifestyle.

The best way to understand these is from an Optometrist. They use numbers, abbreviations, and mathematical signs to help identify your vision problems. Optometrists will also make your prescription for the type of glasses you’ll need.  They will include the following things in the prescription –

SPH (Sphere)

The optometrist identifies the lens power needed to correct your vision. If you have a plus (+) sign, it means you have farsightedness. A Minus sign (-) means nearsightedness. The higher your power level is, the higher the need for vision correctness.

CYL

Your prescription will also have a CYL number if you have a vision problem called astigmatism. It’s a condition to describe that your eyes aren’t focusing evenly. However, your prescription may or may not have the CYL number based on whether you have this condition or not.

PRISM and BASE

Your prescription may have a prism number when your eyes have muscle imbalance. This number is usually in fractions.  You may see that there’s a prism number of 1.5 or similar.

The lens power for your eyeglasses is measured using something called a diopter. It typically ranges between 0.00 to +/-20.00.

Choose The Right Frame

The frame you select should comfortably fit your face and complement your features. Frames are typically measured in three dimensions: eye size (lens width), bridge size (distance between lenses), and temple size (arm length).

Active Lifestyles: Wraparound frames provide extra protection and keep you secure during sports or outdoor activities.

Everyday Wear: Lightweight and stylish frames ensure comfort and a fashionable look for daily use.

Facial Structure:

A pair of eyeglasses not only helps you correct your vision. It also helps you stylize yourself and elevates your looks. Consider your face shape and find out the shape that works best. Here are some tips –

• Oval Face: The most versatile facial shape is the oval face. If your facial shape is oval,  you can make any shape of eyeglasses look good on you.
• Round Face: Use rectangular and angular frames for a round face shape. These shapes can add a definition to your round face.
• Square Face: Do you have a sharp face with a chiseled jawline? In that case, use a round or an oval-shaped glass.
• Heart-Shaped Face: Look for frames that have a wider bottom half to balance out the narrow chin.  Especially women with a heart-shaped faces would rock cat-eye or aviator styles.
• Diamond Face:  again, Cat-eye or slightly rounded frames accentuate your cheekbones if you have a diamond face. The cat-eye frames also help soften the angular features.

Select Lens Materials

Your lens material can influence weight, durability, and clarity. Popular options include:

• Polycarbonate or Trivex: Lightweight and impact-resistant, ideal for active use.
• Glass: Offers superior clarity but can be heavy and prone to shattering.
• Plastic: A budget-friendly option suitable for casual wear.

Choose a material that fits your lifestyle and activity level.

Pick Lens Tints And Coatings

Lens color and coatings are critical for optimizing your outdoor vision:

• Tints: Amber enhances contrast in sunny conditions, while grey provides neutral color perception. Polarisation: Reduces glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, or roads, making it perfect for driving or water sports.
• Coatings: Anti-scratch, anti-reflective, and UV-blocking coatings can enhance lens durability and performance.

The right combination of tints and coatings ensures your sunglasses meet your needs.

Tips for Getting the Most from Your Prescription Sunglasses

• Think About Your Activities: Match your sunglasses to your lifestyle. For instance, polarised lenses are great for water sports but may not work well with digital screens.
• Consider Spare Frames: If you love your existing frames, ask about adding prescription sunglass lenses to them.
• Check for Warranties: Ensure your purchase includes a warranty, especially for premium brands or custom options.

Investing in prescription sunglasses is a decision that pays off with better eye protection, comfort, and style.

Need Help Finding Your Style?

Even with all the tips, you might need some visual guidance to show you the way. If you don’t know what’s your style, you can get help from eyewear influencers who can help you with their expertise.

1. Michelle Visage

2. Lyn Slater

3. Kat Farmer

4. Alex Stedman

5. Amy Roiland

Find their IDs on Instagram and follow their content to see what’s your style.

Make the Switch to Prescription Sunglasses Today

Prescription sunglasses are a game-changer for people who spend time out in the sun. They protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and ensure clear, comfortable vision in bright conditions. Take the first step by consulting your Optometrist or exploring trusted retailers for customizable options.

Upgrade your outdoor experience with prescription sunglasses that combine protection, clarity, and style. Don’t wait—your perfect pair is just a step away!

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