Prescription Shooting Glasses

Prescription shooting glasses can help you get a better shot if your eyesight is suffering. They're affordable, readily available, and if you've been struggling for a while, you'll wonder why you didn't get a pair much sooner.

There are a few things that you should look for in any type of shooting glasses, including prescription:

• Appropriate lens color: The lens color you need depends on the type of lighting you'll be in when you're shooting. A popular choice is yellow. It's perfect for brightening your view on overcast days or in conditions with low lighting. Other common shades include:
  • Orange: More help for overcast or hazy days
  • Vermillion: Provides additional contrast so that you can see your target more clearly; this one is another good one for low lighting conditions
  • Gray: Better option for sunny days as it adds contrast in brighter lighting
• Comfort and fit: If you can get an adjustable bridge, do. It will allow for a more comfortable fit overall, and if you're going to be shooting for a while, you'll want something that won't distract you, not just with discomfort, but with slippage. Cable temples are also good for keeping the glasses on. They hook around your ears and are quite often cushioned for extra comfort.

Another note on fit: Though there are almost as many styles of shooting glasses as there are sunglasses, you'll be best served by choosing one that hugs your face closely for optimal protection. For example, a wrap style or goggle will be superior to an aviator style.

• Shatter-proof lenses: Polycarbonate is the best option because the material is shatter-proof. If affected by impact, it may crack--possibly even in a spider web pattern--but you generally don't have to worry about shards of it making it into your eyes.

In many cases, you'll find that shooting glasses are not made with the stronger polycarbonate material, but with plastic (often labeled as CR-39) lenses. They are less expensive--and better than nothing--but polycarbonate lenses are still safer.

Unfortunately, there aren't any low-cost options for this type of glasses, simply because they have to be custom made. Expect to pay at least $150.00. Also, in many cases, they will take a few weeks to be made and sent to you. You'll need to plan ahead when ordering them.

There are some manufacturers to look to when you begin your search. Here are a few that design shooting glasses:

• Rudy Project
• Wiley-X
• Oakley
• Zeiss
• Decot

When you have a special eyeglass need, you can always speak directly with someone from your local optical shop. However, some shops still may not be equipped with the styles you need, so while they may still be able to order them for you, you won't be able to try them on right there. At those times, it may just be more convenient to shop online since almost all components of your decision would be equal.

• Oakley: You'll find a few styles that are designed for shooting and can hold your prescription. Simply do a "Shooting" search at the top of the page, then look for the button that says "Available with Oakley Prescription Lenses."
• Rudy Project has a pair of Rydon glasses that are great for shooting. The Rydon style is Rx-able.
• Sport Glasses: Here you'll find DECOT HY-WYD sport glasses for shooting shotguns, rifles, and pistols (plus other activities). Prices differ because there are several styles and features.
• Wiley X: This site has a section just for frames and packages under its Tactical category. Choose from goggle styles or regular sunglasses styles.

When you're searching for your perfect pair of prescription shooting glasses, there will be several other things to customize, from lens type to lens tint. Consider what you're willing to pay and what type of lighting conditions you'll be experiencing when you do most of your shooting. From there, make an educated decision with the help of one of the websites listed above, their customer service, or visit a local optical shop for an optician's assistance in finding the perfect, most comfortable frame for your face.

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