Do I Need Prescription Sunglasses?

Especially in the summer months, it can be nice to slip on a pair of sunglasses that also double as corrective lenses. It makes it easier to see clearly and adjust to the light outside without the need for wearing contact lenses. You also won’t need to go without any corrective lenses while wearing regular sunglasses.

In recent years, more people have begun to seek out prescription sunglasses as they realize the benefits they can have for everyday use.

Kimberly Rosati, OD, with Rochester Regional Health has gone through the process for many people who seek them out and explains how it works from start to finish.

How do prescription sunglasses work?

Even if you have a more complex prescription such as bifocals or progressive lenses, sunglasses with prescription lenses are something you will be able to get.

Most people who seek a prescription for sunglasses spend a lot of time doing outdoor activities such as sports, gardening, landscaping, or frequent driving. The ease and comfort proves to make them indispensable for plenty of people who seek them out.

Another added benefit of prescription sunglasses is protecting your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light rays.

“UV rays can cause damage to your eyes in a number of different ways,” Dr. Rosati said. “The more exposure your eye tissue and corneas and retinas have to that kind of radiation, the higher risk they have for developing cataracts and certain kinds of eye cancer.”

What is the process for fitting?

If you have been fitted for regular lenses before, the process is very similar for a pair of prescription sunglasses.

First, you will need to schedule an appointment with your eye care provider. At the appointment, you will need to go through a standard eye exam to ensure you have the correct prescription.

Once the lens prescription has been determined, you can choose your frames. If you have the ability to try on multiple pairs of sample frames at a retail outlet such as Reed Eye Associates, see how you look in different styles.

“We have a lot of different styles and colors to choose from,” Dr. Rosati said. “If you have a certain look you are going for or just want to try something new off of our shelves, we are happy to help.”

The time between putting in your order and receiving your new prescription sunglasses varies, but is generally 10-14 business days.

Features for prescription sunglasses

There are certain things you can make sure your sunglasses have. Some are seen as standard for eyeglasses and sunglasses; others are add-ons but are extra layers of protection for the health of your eyes.

• UV 100% protection: This is the standard across the board for prescription sunglasses. You want to make sure you have little to no exposure to UV rays – even on cloudy days, those rays still come through. It protects both the eyes and the skin around the eyes.
• Polarized lenses: These are helpful for filtering out certain kinds of light rays. A chemical coating is applied to the lens to keep out horizontal light rays that reflect off of snow or water.
• Anti-scratch protection: Lenses have been coming with this protective layer for a long time, but it is still worth checking to make sure it is applied.