Prescription Sunglasses

Types of Prescription Sunglasses Available

Brands and Styles

You can find prescription sunglasses available in a wide range of styles and designers. Many top brands have authorized prescription eyewear programs, including:

• Bolle
• Oakley
• Dolce & Gabbana
• Maui Jim
• Ray-Ban
• Armani
• Costa Del Mar
• Serengeti

Frames

Lightweight, thin, and super thin frames are available in many styles. Some eyewear retailers offer frame trial programs so you can ensure that you like the look and feel of the frames.

Lenses

Sunglass lenses are available for single vision and multi-focal correction. Progressive, sometimes referred to as no-line lenses, are also available in sunglasses. For those that need multi-focal lenses, progressive lenses may provide a smoother continuum of vision through blended curves in the lenses. Photochromatic, or photochromic, lenses, which change color according to light conditions, are also a popular choice for prescription eyeglass wearers. A photochromatic lens may not provide UV protection -- if it doesn't, UV protective coatings can usually be applied. A variety of tints are available for prescription sunglass lenses.

Prescription Sport Sunglasses

Prescription sport sunglasses, are also available. If you enjoy sports, outdoor recreation, or are just generally active, sport sunglasses may be the route to go. Most optical establishments can manufacture sports wraparound sunglasses with a slight curve, but you may need to take your prescription to a specialty retailer, such as Heavyglare or Surfeyes, if you are interested in more heavily curved sports sunglasses. Typically the more heavily curved glasses will distort vision with prescription lenses, but some manufacturers have the enhanced technology to create these types of glasses with minimal distortion.

Insurance and Cost

Unfortunately, most insurance vision plans do not include coverage for prescription sunglasses. If you are lucky enough to have your insurance plan cover this, make sure the optical establishment or sunglass retailer where you purchase your sunglasses accepts insurance plans -- some may not.

The cost of prescription sunglasses is typically significant, especially if you are going with an established brand. This varies, of course, depending on a variety of factors including the frame and lens styles, materials, how strong your prescription is, and whether you have purchased options such as anti-scratch coating, anti-reflective coating, external mirror coating, or polarized or gradient lenses. You may also need to factor in shipping costs.

Other Options

Besides prescription sunglasses, eyeglass wearers have several other options. These include:

• Clip-Ons: Clip-on sunglasses clip over the exterior of eyeglasses to provide sun protection.
• Rx Adapters: These types of sunglasses attach onto the interior of the glasses by snapping in behind the bridge. Some feel that these are more convenient than clip-ons.
• Fitovers: These sunglasses are typically similar in style to other sunglasses, but they are designed to be large enough to fit directly over most pairs of prescription eyeglasses.

Considerations

• Make sure the sunglasses you purchase clearly state a high-level of UV protection -- 99 to 100 percent.
• Ask about warranties or guarantees on your sunglasses. Many manufacturers offer a quality or money back guarantee.
• It may take up to several weeks to receive your glasses after ordering, so order early if you need them by a certain date.
• Keep in mind that sales of prescription sunglasses are usually final. Make sure you have all of your prescription and other information correct.

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