Photochromic Sunglasses Prescription

If you need to wear glasses all the time, photochromic sunglasses, prescription included, could be your new best friend. That is, at least, until you get in the car to drive.

Sunglasses that do it all

What Photochromic Sunglasses Are

Photochromic sunglasses have lenses that darken when exposed to UV rays. They are clear indoors and usually won't go completely dark in areas where you're exposed to some UV rays, such as in the car or in a shady picnic area. In many ways, they're the best of all worlds.

For someone who is in and out of doors frequently and requires a prescription in order to see well, photochromic sunglasses (prescription is included in the lenses) are one way to keep from juggling a pair of sunglasses, a pair of regular glasses, and in some cases, a pair of reading glasses, too. They darken in the light and lighten up when you go indoors, so there is no need for multiple pairs.

Photochromic Sunglasses: Prescription Necessary?

You don't necessarily need a prescription to get photochromic sunglasses, though you'll need one to get anything other than "plano" (prescription-free) lenses installed. You probably won't be able to pick them up anywhere other than an optical shop, either, so if you're not a constant eyeglass-wearer, you probably won't want to go this route due to the price. Unless you have perfect vision and enjoy wearing glasses for the way they look, you would be better served to simply buy a pair of sunglasses with your preferred tint.

Even someone who wears contact lenses most of the time may prefer to invest in a pair of inexpensive regular eyeglasses to wear at night and a pair of sunglasses that fit over glasses for a less expensive alternative. Prices vary from store to store, so the best deal will depend on your needs and the stores in your area.

Pros and Cons

Pros of Photochromics

• You won't be required to carry around multiple pairs of glasses anymore; consolidation will make your life easier and keep your hands free. Since there aren't as many to keep up with, you're less likely to drop a pair and break them or forget about a pair in a seat and break that.
• Depending on your needs, photochromic glasses could end up costing less than other alternatives you may consider. If you don't drive much, but you need a pair of prescription sunglasses for long walks and outdoor activities, you may find photochromics to be a less expensive option than a pair of regular eyeglasses and a pair of prescription sunglasses.
• You can choose almost any frame you like in the optical shop and have them turned into one pair of all-in-one glasses. The only real factors are whether your prescription will fit. For example, you wouldn't want to choose a very shallow frame if you need to fit in bifocals.

Cons of Photochromics

• The biggest downfall when it comes to photochromics is their lack of an ability to darken in cars (unless you drive a convertible, of course). Since many of the UV rays are blocked, you won't get the full effect of sunglasses while behind the wheel. Sometimes that's where you need it most.
• Though recent technology has made this less of an issue, the lenses don't immediately go clear the second you step inside. You will still be "in the dark" for a few seconds once you step indoors. This may not be an issue for most people, but it's worth consideration.
• Since you'll be wearing the same pair as sunglasses and everyday glasses, you may need to choose a larger lens than you would normally like for day-to-day wear. Some people prefer their sunglasses to cover a larger surface area in order to block out as many UV rays as possible.

How to Buy a Pair

To purchase a pair of photochromic sunglasses, prescriptions aren't necessary if you just want clear lenses as mentioned above. However, as with any vision correcting lenses aside from generic reading glasses, a prescription will be necessary.

For your convenience, you may be able to walk right out of your eye appointment and order a pair of photochromics from the practice's optician. Photochromic lenses are a common option at almost any eyeglass shop, so you should have no problem ordering a pair. The optician will be able to measure your pupillary distance (which is especially important to get correct if you're going to be ordering bifocals of any kind) and let you try on frames.

Another option is to shop online. Find out which frame styles you like by trying on a few (take note of the lens and bridge sizes for a better idea of what fits and what doesn't). Then go online to compare prices. If you didn't have your PD measured while in a store, most sites will offer a guide to finding your own with the help of a friend.

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