Yes! You can absolutely get prescription sunglasses.
Those of us who wear glasses every day know the struggle of making sure we can see clearly while protecting our eyes from the sun. Some of us may have desperately tried the sunglasses-over-the-glasses trick in the past. Others may have resorted to buying non-prescription sunglasses (followed by a day stumbling around the beach).
Luckily, there’s another option: prescription (Rx) sunglasses. Prescription lenses in sunglasses can accommodate most vision needs, just like prescription lenses in regular eyeglasses. For instance, if your everyday glasses correct refractive errors like astigmatism, nearsightedness, presbyopia, or farsightedness, you can get sunglasses that do the same.
So let’s get into what you really want to know: How to get prescription sunglasses and whether or not they’re worth it. (Spoiler alert: They are.)
How To Get Prescription Sunglasses
The process for getting prescription sunglasses is the same as getting prescription eyeglasses. First and foremost—you’ll need an up-to-date prescription!
If you already have one, you can get prescription sunglasses online or in optical shops by following the steps below. But if your prescription has expired, you’ll need to get it updated first (keep reading and we’ll help you with that task too).
How To Get Prescription Sunglasses Online
Buying prescription sunglasses online is remarkably easy! Check out our handy guide for buying sunglasses (or regular eyeglasses) online: How to Buy Glasses Online in Just 6 Steps.
Here’s what you’ll need:
TL;DR the handy guide for buying online? No problem. Here’s the process in a nutshell:
- Pick your frame style: Choose whatever style of sunglasses you like best.
- Customize your pair: This will include your frame width, prescription type (non-prescription, single-vision, progressives, or readers), and lens options.
Read more: How to Find Your Frame Size
- Add your prescription: You can upload a scan or photo of your prescription, or you can add your eye doctor’s information so we can request it directly.
- Input your insurance information: If you’re using vision insurance to buy your sunglasses, you can add that info when you check out.
That’s it! Once you’ve made all your selections, you’re ready to purchase your new prescription sunglasses.
How To Get a Sunglasses Prescription
If you don’t have a prescription or your prescription is expired, consider one of the following options before you order prescription sunglasses:
Option 1: Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with your eye doctor. It’s a good idea to have regular eye exams so your doctor can check for changes in your prescription needs and assess your overall eye health.
Option 2: If your prescription is expired, but you’re still seeing well with your current prescription, find out if you’re eligible for renewing your prescription online.
Are Prescription Sunglasses Worth It?
Prescription sunglasses give you the best of both worlds. Not only do they help you see clearly, they also protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.
Some benefits of prescription sunglasses are:
- Clear vision in the sun: Even on the brightest days, you can see clearly with your prescription.
- UVA and UVB protection: Think sunscreen, but for your eyes! Sunglasses protect your eyes and the skin around them from all types of UV damage.
- Polarized lenses reduce glare: You can get prescription sunglasses with scratch-resistant polarized lenses. Grey lenses are best for sports in that they offer true color perception and reduce glare off water. Brown lenses enhance contrast and are excellent for fishing. Green lenses transmit colors evenly and help dim glare.
- Better protection when you drive: Photochromic lenses that change color when you’re in the sun don’t work well inside a car and they aren’t polarized. Prescription sunglasses will give you the best protection for your eyes, even when you’re driving.
- Less squinting: Without sunglasses, we’re more likely to squint in the sun. And without prescription lenses when we need them, we’re more likely to squint to see clearly. Squinting can cause eye strain (as well as wrinkles). With prescription sunglasses, these issues are covered.
- Convenience: No more trying to fit regular sunglasses over your glasses or choosing between sight and comfort in the sun!
Personal preference will naturally play a part in your decision to buy prescription sunglasses. They may be especially appealing if you choose glasses over contacts for daily wear.
When in Doubt, Talk to Your Eye Doctor
If you’re on the fence about prescription sunglasses or have any questions, you can always reach out to your eye doctor. They can provide personalized guidance based on your prescription needs. And if you have an eye disorder that calls for a complex prescription with custom lenses, they can advise you on whether prescription sunglasses will meet your needs.
