More people need to wear glasses than ever before. Increasing screen time is a major factor for over four billion people worldwide requiring vision correction, and that number is only expected to increase once we hit 2050.

If you wear glasses, you can prevent your vision from worsening with the right corrective aids. Though that means wearing glasses or contact lenses, you’ll also want to look into sunglasses.

Sunglasses are essential for protecting your eyes from the sun all year round. That’s because, if left unchecked, its UV rays can slowly damage your eyes over time—speeding the progression of blindness-causing diseases like cataracts and even eye cancer.

But how do you wear them over glasses? Get regular sunglasses and add your prescription to the lenses.

Looking to buy your first pair of prescription sunglasses or already have one for the above reasons? Know that you can enhance your eye health and style with a variety of lens options for your prescription sunglasses.

From protecting against glare with polarized lenses to shielding your eyes from harmful blue light, these upgrades can improve your vision clarity and overall comfort in the sun.

Choosing The Right Lens Material

Impact Resistance

When customizing your prescription sunglasses, consider the impact resistance of the lens material.

Those with active lifestyles or who simply want more durable prescription sunglasses can opt for materials like polycarbonate or Trivex.

These are formulated to prevent breakage caused by accidental drops or impact, which is why they’re also used in personal protective equipment like safety glasses.

Weight Evaluation

Evaluate the weight of the lens material when selecting options for your prescription sunglasses.

Opting for lighter materials, such as high-index plastics, can provide comfort during extended wear without causing strain on your nose or ears.

Optical Clarity

Understand the optical clarity differences among various lens materials available for customization.

Materials like glass offer exceptional clarity but are heavier, while polycarbonate provides good clarity with a lightweight design suitable for daily use.

Understanding Lens Types and Benefits

Single Vision

Single-vision lenses are designed to correct vision at one distance, whether for reading or distance viewing. If you only have a single prescription, this lens will provide the clarity and focus you need.

Bifocal and Progressive Lenses

Bifocal lenses have two distinct optical powers, typically for near and far vision, which you can use if you have more than one prescription—such as one for farsightedness and another for reading glasses.

On the other hand, progressive lenses provide a seamless transition between different view details within a single lens, offering a more natural visual experience.

However, progressive lenses can be more expensive, so feel free to choose between the two depending on your budget.

Polarized Lenses

The benefits of polarized lenses include reducing glare from reflective surfaces such as water or snow. These lenses enhance vision clarity and comfort, especially in bright sunlight conditions.

They can thus come in handy when you’re partaking in outdoor activities like sports—especially since you can get them from dedicated activewear brands that integrate additional technologies for enhanced performance. Just look at the prescription sunglasses from Oakley.

Aside from providing vision correction and glare reduction, models like the Plazma and Crosshair have patented PRIZM™ lens technology—providing improved color and contrast for better sight in bright conditions.

Photochromic Lenses

Popularly known as transition lenses, photochromic lenses adapt to varying light conditions by darkening when outdoors and clearing when indoors.

Their light-adaptive features provide convenience and protection without needing to switch between multiple pairs of glasses.

Selecting Your Lens Color

Outdoor Activities

When customizing your prescription sunglasses, you can choose lens colors that cater to specific outdoor activities.

For instance, using green-tinted glasses while golfing will help enhance the contrast of the grass on the course.

If you like biking, pink or red lenses will improve visibility on the road. And if you want to go fishing—which is one of the best fun things you can do with no money—blue tints are ideal for when you’re on the water.

For everyday use, though, dark tints are great for bright sunny days when you need to reduce glare and protect your eyes.

Depth Perception

Consider how the tint of the lens affects your depth perception. Dark tints enhance contrast and clarity, making them ideal for activities like driving or playing sports where precise vision is crucial.

However, be sure not to get lenses that are too dark if you’re handling a vehicle. It can obscure how you see the road, especially at night, so ask your retailer for lenses that transmit more than 75% of light for nighttime driving and 18-43% light transmission during the day.

Style and Fashion

The color of your lenses not only impacts functionality but also plays a significant role in your overall style and fashion statement.

Opting for light, pastel tints like rose, purple, and blue can add a trendy touch to your look while still enjoying UV protection.

Deciding On Lens Coatings

UV Protection Coatings

This is arguably the most important coating you should look for, especially since you’re looking to buy sunglasses that provide both vision correction and UV protection.

These coatings should block out UVA and UVB rays, safeguarding your eyes from potential damage caused by prolonged sun exposure.

Anti-Reflective Coatings

When customizing your prescription sunglasses, consider adding an anti-reflective coating to reduce glare and improve vision clarity. This coating helps minimize reflections for better visibility in various lighting conditions.

Scratch-Resistant Coatings

Opting for scratch-resistant coatings can enhance the durability of your lenses, ensuring they remain in top condition for longer.

These coatings provide a protective layer that safeguards against scratches from daily wear and tear.

Exploring Lens Upgrades

Blue Light Blocking

With how screen-heavy daily life is today, it pays to be aware of how the blue light emitted by screens can affect your vision by damaging your retinal cells and speeding the progression of myopia.

That’s why it’s so important to take a break from screens. However, the sun is still the biggest source of this light—making blue light-blocking technology a crucial feature to consider when customizing prescription sunglasses.

In the same way blue light glasses shield you from this kind of light and provide visual comfort while using screens, prescription sunglasses that use this technology can help reduce eye strain and protect your eyes from harmful blue light exposure when you’re outdoors.

Horus X is one brand that offers such sunglasses, with models like Stockholm Sun and The One Sun blocking up to 96% of blue light.

Mirror Coatings

Incorporating mirror coatings into your lenses not only adds a touch of style but also provides additional protection against the sun’s harsh glare.

These coatings help reduce glare by reflecting light away from your eyes, making them ideal for outdoor activities under bright sunlight.

Gradient Tinting

Gradient tinting offers a versatile solution for varying light conditions. With darker shades at the top fading to lighter tones at the bottom, these lenses provide both style and functionality. They are perfect for driving or spending time outdoors, where lighting conditions change frequently.

Frame Eligibility for Prescription Lenses

Compatibility Check

When getting prescription lenses, ensure your frame is suitable. Not all frames can accommodate prescription lenses.

High prescriptions may not fit certain frame styles because the lenses need to securely fit into the sunglasses of your choice—which may be an issue for slimmer models.

In particular, certain frame styles—like rimless or semi-rimless—might not support all prescriptions. They are better suited for lower prescriptions.

Frames with thicker rims are more versatile for prescriptions. They offer better stability and support for the lenses.

Ideal Frame Materials

Consider frame materials that work well with prescription lenses. Premium materials like titanium or acetate are durable and lightweight, ideal for prescription use.

Meanwhile, metal frames are adjustable and sturdy, making them a good choice for most prescriptions. They provide a classic look with reliable support.

Measuring for Perfect Fit

Pupillary Distance

To ensure the ideal choice of prescription lenses, start by learning how to measure your pupillary distance (PD) accurately.

PD is the distance between the centers of your pupils and plays a crucial role in lens customization. By measuring this in millimeters (mm), you guarantee a precise fit for your lenses.

Frame Size Importance

Understanding the importance of frame size is key to achieving comfort and optimal vision with your prescription sunglasses.

The frame size determines the area available for fitting the lenses. Choosing a frame that matches your face size ensures that the lenses sit correctly in front of your eyes, enhancing both style and functionality.

Nose Bridge Measurements

Consider nose bridge measurements when customizing your prescription sunglasses for maximum value. The nose bridge width affects how the sunglasses rest on your face.

A proper fit on the nose bridge ensures stability and prevents discomfort during prolonged wear, making it an essential factor to consider for a seamless wearing experience.

You can even get a good fit for your prescription sunglasses by buying a specific type of frame. For example, those of Asian descent with lower nose bridges can get aptly named “Asian fit” or “low nose fit” sunglasses from brands like Gentle Monster and Rocket Eyewear.

Enhancing Vision and Style with Customization

Customizing your prescription sunglasses allows you to enjoy optimal vision correction, sun protection, and style in a way that meets your unique needs and preferences.

Whether you prefer classic aviators or trendy cat-eye frames, there’s a perfect pair of prescription sunglasses waiting for you. Enjoy the sun safely and in style!