5 Things to Think About When Buying Prescription Sunglasses

Sunglasses are great for blocking the sun when you’re outside – they will protect you from UV radiation. But if you have a refractive problem and can’t see clearly, you’ll need a sunglass with a corrective prescription built on it. 

You’re better off with a prescription sunglass as more visual impairments result from refractive errors. 

But, several prescription sunglasses options can be overwhelming when shopping for one. That’s why we’ve created a list of 5 things to check for easy shopping: 

• Your recent prescription
• Average costs of prescription sunglass
• Lens’ material
• Choosing the best frame
• Type of lens coating or polarization for extra protection

Let’s explore these critical factors in detail. 

Up-To-Date Eyewear Prescription

The most important thing to know before buying prescription sunglasses is whether or not your known prescription is up-to-date. If it’s been more than two years since you last went in for an eye exam, you’ll want to ensure that your lenses are still accurate by getting a new one. 

The reason for insisting on a recent eyewear prescription is simple. As our eyes change, an older prescription may not be applicable. It will not show the extent of change since your last eye exam. 

As a result, it will help you get the most appropriate refraction (Rx) lens for your eyes. However, if you use an old and wrong prescription, your refractive error can worsen. So, have an updated eyewear prescription before shopping for a prescription sunglass. 

With an updated prescription, your sunglasses will ensure better clarity and safety from UV rays. It will also allow you to customize the RX lens built-in in your prescription sunglass online. Also, with dedicated online optometrist support, you can ensure your sunglass gets you maximum clarity and protection on the go. 

So, ensure you have a recent eyewear prescription before shopping for the prescription sunglass. 

Average Cost of Prescription Sunglasses

The average cost of prescription sunglasses depends on the lens material, frame, and how much coverage you need for your eyes. For example, if you want to protect your eyes from UV rays but don’t care about how stylish your glasses are or how much coverage they offer, then it’s probably best to go for plastic lenses that cost around $20 per pair. 

If the style is vital to you and you desire full protection from wind, debris, and other outside hazards. Then invest in a more expensive pair with polycarbonate or CR39 lenses (plastic) or glass (polycarbonate).

These materials provide better optics and scratch resistance, making them more expensive than regular plastic lenses but less than acetate frames with metal hinges (titanium).

If you live in an area with lots of snow and ice or are concerned about protecting your eyes from debris while driving, you should also consider purchasing polarized lenses. These lenses reduce glare but can cause problems with electronics like cell phones and GPS units, so they aren’t always practical.

The average cost of prescription sunglasses is about $100 for a pair with plastic lenses and $200 for those made from polycarbonate or CR39 material. Glass lenses are more expensive at around $300 because they offer better optics.

You can find prescription sunglasses with polycarbonate or CR39 lenses at most eyeglass retailers, and they come in different styles, colors and prices. They’re also available online through retailers such as Warby Parker. 

Understand Lens Materials and Thicknesses

The lens material and thickness of your prescription sunglasses can significantly affect how they feel on your face. 

Generally speaking, there are two primary lens materials: polycarbonate and plastic. 

Both are impact- and scratch-resistant. They will provide you with the same protection from debris as regular glasses. 

You may dislike the feel of plastic lenses on your face or be concerned about their fragility. If so, you should consider purchasing prescription sunglasses with polycarbonate lenses.

Another factor to be aware of when looking at eyewear is the thickness of its lenses. Thinner lenses are lighter and more comfortable than thicker ones (although this isn’t always true). However, this doesn’t mean that all thin lenses are necessarily lightweight. 

Like any product made of different materials (such as wood), some thinner types weigh more than others. It’s best to read reviews before deciding whether or not something feels too “heavy” after trying it on at home in the front mirror firsthand. 

Right Frame of Your Sunglasses

Your face shape is the first thing to consider when determining what frame shape will be most flattering on you. Round faces are best complemented by oval or square frames, while oblong and heart-shaped faces look great in rectangular and round shapes (depending on whether they have a pointed chin).

Facial structure isn’t the only thing that matters; eye shape is also essential to consider. If you have deep-set eyes, you should probably avoid rimless frames as they are rectangular. They appear even more recessed than they already are. 

The same goes for people with smaller eyes: They should go for larger frames with plenty of width between the lens and frame edges so that light reflects off both surfaces evenly rather than getting blocked by thick material.

The frame shape is not the only thing that matters when selecting a flattering eyeglass frame. The color of your hair and skin tone also plays an essential role in determining which style will look best on you. 

If you have fair or olive skin tones and dark hair, try wearing frames darker than your natural coloring, increasing their color.

While it is important to note that your prescription lenses are the most expensive part of prescription sunglasses, it is also essential to know that you must pair them with a flattering frame. Choosing the right shape will make all the difference in how well your face looks when wearing them or if they look like an afterthought. The right frame can transform an ordinary pair of glasses into something spectacular.

Sunglass With Good Polarization Options

Polarization is a filter that blocks glare. This is particularly useful if you drive or sail but might also be desirable if you fish or play golf. If this sounds like something of interest to you, make sure to look for glasses with it.

If you’re farsighted, then the glare of the sun can be downright blinding and painful. In this case, a polarized lens is a must-have. But if you’re nearsighted, it shouldn’t matter much where light comes from—it will still be bright and uncomfortable. In this case, a polarized lens is a must-have.

When you’re shopping for prescription sunglasses, make sure to look at the available polarization options. You might be surprised by how much this can enhance your vision.

The sun is powerful. You can feel its rays on your face or see them reflected off the ocean. It’s hard to see around them without a glare bouncing into your eyes.

A polarized lens will block this excess light and make it easier to see. This is particularly useful if you drive or sail but might also be desirable if you fish or play golf. If this sounds like something of interest to you, check out our recommended polarized sunglasses.

Final Thought

If you’re looking to buy prescription sunglasses, we hope this article will make it easier to make an informed decision. We know there are many options, and settling on the best sunglass can be challenging. 

You may also face some obstacles, like being denied a prescription sunglass because of an expired eyewear prescription. So, ensure you have an updated prescription, frame size, lens material, and polarization. 

But most importantly, have a budget for your prescription sunglass. You can customize your Rx lens with a recent eyewear prescription and buy your preferred brand online.