Published on May 13, 2024
Are prescription sunglasses worth it?
If you wear prescription glasses, it can be pretty straightforward to shop for a new pair of eyewear. Surprisingly, many people who rely on glasses to see either haven’t thought about prescription sunglasses or are unsure if prescription sunglasses are worth the investment.
The truth is that prescription sunglasses have gained popularity. Vision care clinics and opticians offer a vast array of frame styles and brands to choose from and to which prescription lenses can be added. If you experience visual impairments, incorporating prescription sunglasses into your daily life can be a game-changer, making you wonder how you ever managed without them.
Let's explore why prescription sunglasses could be one of the smartest decisions for your eye health and lifestyle.
Understanding prescription sunglasses
Prescription sunglasses are not merely a fashion accessory; they are custom-made eyewear designed to correct your vision while safeguarding your eyes from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Unlike standard sunglasses, which offer only sun protection, or eyeglasses, which correct vision without shielding your eyes outdoors, prescription sunglasses serve a dual purpose. They are engineered to your specific visual requirements, ensuring clear vision and shielding your eyes from damaging ultraviolet radiation. Not protecting your eyes from the sun can lead to various eye conditions, including cataracts, macular degeneration and sunburn of the cornea (known as photokeratitis).
The benefits of prescription sunglasses
Naturally, the main reason you should wear prescription sunglasses is to see better outside—whether it’s sunny or not.
Prescription sunglasses filter out 100% of harmful UV rays. Did you know that clouds filter only a fraction of UV rays, and your eyes still need protection? In addition, prescription sunglasses reduce glare and reflections when you are out and about. Glare and reflections from the sun’s rays can cause discomfort and even temporary visual loss.
Switching between eyeglasses and sunglasses can be cumbersome and impractical for people who require vision correction. Though there are options like clip-on tinted lenses that provide comparable visibility in sunlight when attached to regular glasses, nothing matches the convenience of prescription sunglasses.
Prescription sunglasses vs. transition lenses
When considering prescription sunglasses, it's common to compare them with transition lenses, also known as photochromic lenses. Transition lenses are clear indoors and darken automatically when exposed to sunlight. While they offer the convenience of not switching between glasses, they may not darken adequately inside cars due to UV filters in windshields.
Prescription sunglasses, on the other hand, provide consistent protection and clarity in sunlight. They are particularly beneficial for prolonged outdoor activities where maximum protection and visual acuity are essential, such as golf, cycling, and tennis. Furthermore, they allow for more style options and the opportunity to have multiple pairs tailored to different leisure activities or aesthetics.
How do to buy prescription sunglasses
Buying prescription sunglasses is a straightforward process.
Begin by booking an eye exam to assess your current eye health and identify the prescription that you need. Even if you already have prescription glasses, an eye exam will ensure that the prescription for your sunglasses is up-to-date.
With this information, your optician will help you select the frames and consider several factors, such as face shape, lifestyle needs, and personal style. Make sure to discuss lens tints, as some colours can enhance contrast for specific activities.
After selecting a frame for prescription sunglasses, your optician will confirm the lens prescription and then take detailed measurements of your pupillary distance and the frame's fit on your face. The chosen lenses are then ordered with the necessary prescription adjustments and treatments, such as UV protection and anti-glare coatings.
During your follow-up appointment for a fitting session, your optician will fit your sunglasses, ensuring they provide the best possible vision correction and comfort.
Prescription sunglasses: Making the investment for your ocular health
Investing in prescription sunglasses means investing in your comfort, convenience and eye health. They offer superior vision correction and protection in one package, and high-quality materials and coatings can also enhance durability, making them a valuable, long-term addition to your eyewear collection. Schedule a visit with us to find the perfect style of prescription sunglasses.
