When the sun is shining bright, reaching for a pair of sunglasses is second nature. But for those who wear prescription glasses, protecting your eyes from the sun isn’t always straightforward. Should you layer sunglasses over your regular specs? Struggle with magnetic or clip-on shields? Fortunately, there’s a more seamless and effective option: prescription sunglasses. These are sunglasses equipped with your custom vision correction, so you can see clearly while shielding your eyes from harmful UV rays — no awkward attachments required.
In this post, we’ll explain what prescription sunglasses are, how they work, how to get them, and why they’re a smart investment in both your comfort and long-term eye health.
What Are Prescription Sunglasses?
Prescription sunglasses are customized lenses that combine your corrective vision prescription with sunglass tints and coatings. In other words, they help you see clearly and protect your eyes from the sun — all in one pair.
Most prescriptions can be turned into sunglasses, even if you have a high prescription or need progressive lenses. And today’s options are as stylish and diverse as regular sunglasses, with the added bonus of keeping your vision sharp outdoors.
Why Prescription Sunglasses Matter
Wearing sunglasses isn’t just about comfort or fashion — it’s about protecting your eyes from long-term damage caused by UV rays. Unprotected exposure to ultraviolet light can increase your risk of:
- Cataracts
- Macular degeneration
- Corneal sunburns (photokeratitis)
- Growths on the eye (like pterygium)
Prescription sunglasses offer that crucial UV protection without compromising your ability to see clearly. They’re especially valuable if you spend lots of time outdoors or behind the wheel during the day.
Benefits of Prescription Sunglasses
Still debating whether prescription sunglasses are worth it? Here are some major benefits that might help you decide:
1. UV Protection
Quality prescription sunglasses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, protecting your eyes from short- and long-term sun damage.
2. Comfort & Clarity
Say goodbye to glare, eyestrain, and awkward layering. Prescription sunglasses eliminate the need for bulky add-ons or constantly switching between glasses and shades.
3. Fewer Headaches
Squinting against bright light or using non-prescription sunglasses can lead to tension headaches and fatigue. Prescription lenses maintain visual clarity and ease.
4. Convenience
No more clip-ons or forgetting your sunglasses at home. A dedicated pair of prescription sunglasses can be your everyday outdoor essential.
5. Customization
You can tailor your prescription sunglasses with frame styles, tint colours, polarization, lens materials, and coatings — making them as unique as you are.
How to Get Prescription Sunglasses
Getting prescription sunglasses is easy — and starts with your optometrist. Here’s a simple step-by-step:
1. Book an Eye Exam
If you haven’t had an eye exam recently, schedule one to check your prescription and overall eye health. Your optometrist will provide a current prescription for both regular and sun lenses.
2. Try on Sample Frames
Different face shapes suit different styles. Browse a wide range of frames to find one that fits well and reflects your personal taste. Comfort matters too — especially if you’ll be wearing them for hours at a time.
3. Select Your Frames & Lenses
From designer brands to budget-friendly finds, many frames can accommodate prescription lenses. Choose from materials like:
- Plastic: Lightweight and cost-effective
- Polycarbonate: Impact-resistant and great for active lifestyles
- High-index: Thinner and lighter for strong prescriptions
Your optician can help guide your decision based on your needs and lifestyle.
Choosing the Right Lenses
There’s more to sunglasses than just dark lenses. Keep these lens features in mind:
- UV protection: Make sure your lenses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Darkness alone doesn’t indicate UV safety.
- Polarization: Great for reducing glare from water, snow, or roads — ideal for drivers and outdoor lovers. Just note: polarized lenses may make it harder to read screens.
- Lens colour: While colour doesn’t affect UV protection, it can improve contrast and reduce eye fatigue. Grey lenses are neutral, brown enhances depth, and green offers high contrast.
- Size matters: Larger lenses or wraparound styles provide better overall coverage from the sun.
- Specialty tints: Athletes might benefit from amber, green, or contrast-enhancing tints depending on their sport.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Prescription Sunglasses
- Don’t assume expensive = better: Affordable sunglasses can still provide full UV protection. Focus on lens quality, not price tags.
- Double up if needed: Some people opt for prescription sunglasses and transition lenses for maximum flexibility.
- Take care: Clean your sunglasses with a microfiber cloth and lens cleaner. Store them in a hard case when not in use.
Ready to Upgrade Your Outdoor Vision?
Prescription sunglasses combine form, function, and fashion, giving you clear vision and protection from the sun’s harmful rays. If you’re in Winnipeg and ready to explore your options, Village Optical is here to help. Our team can guide you through every step, from eye exams to frame fitting, to help you find the perfect pair. Request an appointment today and protect your eyes in style.
