Prescription Sunglasses Tips
 

Clip-on Sunglass Lenses
If you wear prescription glasses, but don't want to spend extra money purchasing prescription sunglasses, you have another option for protecting your eyes in the sun. Clip-on sunglass lenses are tinted lenses that easily clip on to your regular prescription sunglasses. You can get clip-on lenses that you actually clip on to the glasses, or you can get magnetic ones.

While it is very convenient to use the same pair of glasses for your prescription glasses and for sunglasses, there are also some downfalls to clip-on lenses. Light will probably pass through the clip-on lens, causing significant additional glare and eyestrain that would not happen with prescription sunglasses.
 

Trivex Lenses in Prescription Sunglasses
Because Trivex can be easily tinted while polycarbonate cannot, Trivex is a good substitute for polycarbonate lenses in prescription sunglasses, especially for rimless drill mounted frames. The suggested prescription range is 0 (no Rx) to +/-8.00 sphere.

While Trivex has a slightly lower refractive index than polycarbonate lenses, its specific gravity makes it the lightest of any lens material available today. This means the lens may be slightly thicker than polycarbonate lenses but similar in weight. Like polycarbonate lenses, Trivex also has 100% UV protection, however, it is optically superior to polycarbonate lenses, meaning it is much less distorting.
 

Polarized Lenses as Prescription Sunglasses
Polarized lenses are really beneficial when used for prescription sunglasses. The main benefit of polarized sunglasses is that they block the glare that results from sunlight bouncing on surfaces like water, pavement, and snow. These lenses filter the light waves that cause the glare, but allow other types of light wave in, so the wearer can enjoy the bright, sunny day, but doesn't have to strain their eyes by squinting against sunlight.
 

Prescription Goggles

If you have a prescription, make sure the goggle you choose is available with a prescription lens. Because it can sometimes be difficult to find goggles that can be fitted with prescriptions, you may need to search around a bit. Some goggles come in step diopter options, which are pre-fabricated, usually in half-diopter steps. Therefore, the goggle will probably not be in your exact prescription, but will be cheaper than a custom-made goggle with your exact prescription. These pre-fabricated goggles are only acceptable for those with little or no astigmatism. If you have a large amount of astigmatism (greater than -1.00) then you need to go into a more expensive custom-made goggle.

With step diopter goggles, it is better to round down than up when it comes to your prescription. For instance, if you have a -2.25 prescription, use a -2.00 goggle lens. Some goggles won’t let you put different powers in the right and left eyes, so if your powers vary greatly between the two eyes, you may need to search for a pair of goggles that will give you this option.

Looking For Prescription Sunglasses Deals

Prescription sunglasses can be expensive, so you may want to shop around for some deals before you make a purchase. The good thing is that prescription sunglasses are becoming more and more popular, which means they are available in many various styles and different price ranges. Your best bet for finding a deal is going to your eye doctor and asking. Often, you can get discounts if you purchase your prescription glasses and prescription sunglasses at the same time. Also, retail eye wear stores often issue coupons and special deals for members of organizations such as AAA.

Prescription Sunglasses For Sports

Prescription sunglasses are extremely useful if you are an athlete. With prescription sunglasses, you won't have to choose between having your prescription and being able to see in the bright sun-light. You can have the best of both worlds.

One difficulty of properly designing wrap-around prescription sunglasses is that the curve of the frame requires the lenses to be bent, and images can, in turn, be distorted. However, today there are a large number of manufacturers that are able to work around this difficulty and provide corrective lenses for trendy wrap-around shades, ideal for participating in sports.

If you wear prescription glasses and play sports, prescription sunglasses are a fabulous option for you.