Polarized Bifocal Sunglasses

Why Choose Polarized Bifocal Sunglasses

The reasons for polarized sunglasses in general are obvious:

• UV protection for eyes and skin around eyes
• Better vision in bright light
• Less glare
• Fewer headaches from sun exposure
• Safety while driving (you can see what darts out in front of you sooner, giving you more time to react, for example)

The reasons for bifocals, too, are obvious if you need them:

• Read easier
• Navigate maps more efficiently
• Fewer headaches from strained eyes while trying to read or inspect an object closer than arm's length

Putting the two together to create the ideal sunglasses for driving because you can see more clearly plus you can see your speedometer and map more clearly if you need one.

There won't be any pulling over and struggling for twice the amount of time it used to take you to read a map and be on your way. You'll pull over and move your eyes down rather than having to pull out a separate pair of glasses. The process is quick, easy, and convenient!

If you like to read outdoors on your deck or on the beach, you'll love the polarized option for your bifocals, as well. You won't have to switch your glasses back and forth if you need to look up every now and then at something far away. You also won't be as likely to get the watery eyes, the eyestrain, or the headaches that come from trying to read when the light from the sun is just too strong.

Line Vs. No-line

You may have been wondering what the difference really is between bifocals with a visible line and bifocals with no line at all.

• With lines
  • There's more of an obvious "jump" you'll have to get used to when going from looking off into the distance to reading something up close.
  • There's not a transition stage.
  • Some people, especially those who are just getting bifocals for the first time, feel self-conscious about the lines because they feel they visibly age them.

• Without lines
  • There's a more gradual transition between the prescription you need for distance and the prescription you need for reading.
  • The transition area allows you to see things clearly not only up close and at a distance, but in the intermediate area as well.
  • No one knows whether you have single vision lenses or bifocals.

In general, opticians seem to be recommending no-line bifocals to those who are just now branching out into bifocal territory, whether they need them in the form of clear lenses or sunglasses.

Choose the same sort of bifocal for your polarized bifocal sunglasses as you did for your original everyday eyewear. Your eyes will never get accustomed to bifocals if you switch from type to type.

Design Your Own

Almost any optical shop can have polarized bifocal sunglasses made for you. That's typically the only way it can happen, so it gives you complete control over the frame, the fit, and in some cases, the tint. You won't normally find ready-made bifocal sunglasses, simply because the way a pair of glasses fits influences the efficiency of the bifocal. There are individual measurements that need to be taken to ensure the correct vision. Here's how the process works:

• Take in your prescription. It doesn't have to be a prescription from their doctor; it just has to be a current prescription.

• Choose a frame that is deep enough to hold a bifocal. The optician will be able to assist you here.

• The optician will take a measurement and decide whether your choice of flat top or no-line bifocals will fit. They will also take a measurement to find the distance between your pupils so that the prescription is lined up correctly in the lenses.

• Tell the optician you would like polarized lenses. They may offer you a selection of tints to choose from.

• The order will be written up and sent out or your sunglasses can be made on-site, depending upon the type of optical shop you visit.