Prescription Sunglasses: Everything you Need to Know Before Getting a Pair for you

They are just as they sound; prescription sunglasses are sunglasses made with your specific eye prescription. Put simply; prescription sunglasses are just regular sunglasses with power.

As simple as this seems, investing in a pair of prescription sunglasses is both exciting and confusing at the same time. Let’s say it this way; prescription sunglasses are intended to give you the best of both worlds. Your eyes are protected from UV rays, and you can still see at your best.

Buying prescription sunglasses is more complex than buying regular prescription glasses. You will have to deal with issues like lens color, pupillary distance, and even the frame.

This piece will try to reveal as much as possible about these sunglasses before you get a pair for yourself.

What Are The Types of Prescription Sunglasses

Like your regular eyeglasses, prescription sunglasses come in a variety of options. Let’s look at the options available;

· Single Vision Lenses

This type of sunglasses is intended to correct an individual visual issue. You can order single-vision lens prescription glasses online by Overnight Glasses. You should know that single-vision lens sunglasses will only rectify one focal length if prescribed.

Simply put, your prescription sunglass will correct only a single distance.

· Bifocal Lenses

Unlike single-vision lenses, if your prescription sunglasses have a bifocal lens, they are intended to correct two focal distances. In a bifocal lens, you’ll notice that such sunglass is divided by a visible line.

· Progressive Lenses

This has everything you will need in prescription sunglasses. This new lens technology corrects vision issues far and near. These types of lenses do not have visible lines present on bifocal lenses.

5 Factors to Consider When Choosing Prescription Sunglasses

Choosing your first pair of prescription sunglasses does not have to be overwhelming. Here are a few things to consider to make your decision easier. If you are still unsure, then don’t hesitate to consult an optometrist;

1. UV Protection

In choosing your prescription sunglasses, make it a priority to look at the UV-blocking properties. Ensure that your sunglass offers 100% UV protection or something as close to it as possible.

2. Polarization

If you spend much time in an area with plenty of sand, water, or snow, you must ensure great polarization in your sunglasses. With polarized lenses in place, your sunglasses will be equipped to reduce the glare of reflected light.

However, a polarized lens in sunglasses will make it difficult to see your smartphone screen, LCD, or LED screens.

3. Materials

Depending on your needs, prescription sunglasses can be made of different materials. Your prescription sunglass can have a lens that is shatter resistant. Lenses can be made out of Trivex or polycarbonate.

Prescription sunglasses lenses can also be made out of glass. However, this is quite heavy and easily prone to cracking. Nonetheless, the choice of material is a factor of your needs.

4. Lens Colour

There are many colors available when it comes to the lens of prescription sunglasses. You can choose between green, grey, and brown lenses. However, you need to know that the lens color does not play any role in blocking light from the sun. But it can play a role in the visual contrast.

Note that some lens colors can increase contrast; this can be an excellent option for athletes, e.g., golf or baseball players.

5. Lifestyle

In choosing a prescription sunglass, you need to consider your lifestyle. Think deeply about your routine and everyday activities. By assessing your lifestyle, you can select the right features of your prescription sunglasses.

How to Care and Maintain Prescription Sunglasses

You’ve invested a lot in choosing prescription sunglasses; you need to go an extra length in caring for it. Here’s direction on caring for your prescription sunglasses;

·         Always rinses your glasses with water before wiping or cleaning them. There’s a chance that specks of dust or dirt have settled on your lens, leading to scratches if you wipe it on the lens.

·         There are also chemicals in the form of sprays and cleansers for cleaning sunglasses. You should use only these chemicals, not household cleaners or detergents, to clean your prescription sunglasses.

·         Rather than wiping your sunglasses with a cloth after cleaning, you should allow it to air dry. This will prevent unnecessary material from coming close to your lens.

·         It would be best not to use paper towels, napkins, or tissue to clean your lenses. These are textured materials that will easily scratch your lens. It would be best not to use the tail for your shirt to clean your prescription sunglasses.

·         Learn to store your glasses properly when they are not in use. This will limit their contact with dust and dirt. Protect your prescription sunglasses from getting bent, broken, or scratched.

·         Lastly, it would be best to wash your sunglasses at least once a day to keep it optimal. The cleaner your sunglasses, the less eye-straining you will have to deal with.