How To Get Prescription Sunglasses

Adding your lens prescription to your sunglasses can help protect your eyes from the sun's harmful UV rays while allowing you to see clearly outdoors. No more struggling to see when you go outside or the alternative: awkwardly stacking normal sunglasses on top of your un-tinted prescription glasses.

Despite these benefits, a majority (68%) of people who wear prescription lenses still do not wear prescription sunglasses! If you're one of those people, make an appointment to have your eyes examined and add a prescription to your sunglasses. You won't regret it.

Below, we'll dive further into what prescription sunglasses are, how to get them, and their unique benefits.

What Are Prescription Sunglasses?

Prescription sunglasses are sunglasses with your eyeglass prescription manufactured into the lenses. If you have a refractive error, such as astigmatism or farsightedness, sunglasses with a prescription can help make outdoor activities or driving during the day safer for your eyes. At Pearle Vision, you can find prescription sunglasses in a variety of lens types, including bifocal, multifocal and transition lenses.

How Much Do Prescription Sunglasses Cost?

In general, most sunglass prescriptions cost between $100 and $500 to fill. However, some pairs can be more expensive, especially if they are from a designer brand or are used for a specific activity such as sports.

Factors that can influence the price of prescription sunglasses include:

• Frame material
• Lens material
• Lens coatings
• Prescription complexity
• Brand
• Insurance coverage

Steps to Get Prescription Sunglasses

Getting a pair of rx sunglasses is easy. Here's how to add a prescription to your sunglasses:

1. Either provide your current glasses prescription or schedule an eye exam: If you have an up-to-date glasses prescription, simply bring it to your optometrist. If you need to update your prescription or are due for an annual exam, make an appointment to check the health of your eyes and vision. From there, your eye doctor can write you a prescription for your everyday eyeglasses and sunglasses.
2. Select the frames that fit your look and lifestyle: You don't want to purchase just any frames for outdoor wear. Find a pair that compliments your face shape and style. Keep in mind that most designer brands will be able to support prescription lenses, while some off-brand frames may not have the structure to do so.
3. Customize your lenses: There are many ways to customize your prescription sunglasses. For example, you can add various coatings such as anti-scratch coatings or water-resistant coatings. You can also add a number of other features such as UV protection, anti-reflective technology, polarization, and various tints.

Ready to add a prescription to your sunglasses? Make an appointment at your neighborhood Pearle Vision EyeCare Center to get started.

Prescription Sunglasses vs. Transitions® Lenses

Both prescription sunglasses and Transitions® Lenses protect your eyes from UV rays and glare for the sun—and both are excellent choices. However, there are differences between the two types of eyewear.

Prescription sunglasses provide dedicated sun protection. They are designed to reduce glare and enhance visibility in bright, outdoor sunlight. They come in a wide variety of styles and frame designs. They also provide immediate sun protection without the need for a transition period. However, they are meant for outdoor use and may not be suitable for extended indoor use. This means that wearers will have to switch between their prescription sunglasses and regular prescription glasses.

Transitions® Lenses are photochromic, which means they automatically adjust their tint based current light conditions. Transitions® darken in bright light and go clear in low light, thus eliminating the need to switch between sunglasses and eyeglasses. However, Transitions® Lenses require a few minutes to transition between light and dark and do not have as many tint options as prescription sunglasses.

Overall, prescription sunglasses are the better choice for individuals who spend a significant amount of time outdoors for work or recreation. On the other hand, Transitions® Lenses are a better fit for those who want the convenience of a single pair of glasses and are the perfect choice for those who travel frequently between indoor and outdoor environments.

What Should I Consider When Buying Prescription Sunglasses

There are many factors to consider when buying prescription sunglasses. Some key considerations include:

• Prescription - Make sure that the sunglasses accommodate your prescription.
• Lens materials - Choose a lens material that fits your lifestyle.
• Lens tint - Choose a lens tint that matches your preferences and activities.
• Frame material - Consider the frame material's durability, comfort, and style.
• Frame style - Choose a frame style that complements your face shape and fits your personal style.
• UV protection - Ensure your sunglasses provide 100% UV protection.
• Coatings - Choose lens coatings that match your needs and lifestyle (e.g. anti-scratch coating, anti-reflective coating, polarized coating).
• Fit and comfort - Make sure your sunglasses fit comfortably.
• Activity-specific features - Consider glasses with features designed for specific activities, such as sports.
• Insurance and FSA coverage - Find out what portion of your prescription sunglasses your vision insurance policy covers.
• Brand - Different brands offer different features and styles and offer selections at different price points.
• Budget - Pick sunglasses that fit into your budget.

Are Prescription Sunglasses Right for Me?

Wearing prescription sunglasses will help you see better outdoors while protecting your eyes from the sun. They are essential for your eye health when spending time outside in the summer or winter. Whether it's bright and sunny or cloudy outside, the sun's harmful UV rays are always present.

Plus, getting a prescription for your glasses is easy. Simply schedule an eye exam at your neighborhood Pearle Vision, where an eyecare expert will help you through the process of picking out the perfect lenses and frames.

Prescription Sunglasses FAQs

Can you get sunglasses with prescription lenses?
Yes, you can get sunglasses with prescription lenses. In fact, most major manufacturers provide this option. Even better, some manufacturers also offer transition lenses that will darken (essentially turning into sunglasses) when exposed to sunlight, and then lighten when returned to indoor conditions. Schedule an eye exam for more information about getting a sunglasses prescription.

How do I buy prescription sunglasses?
In order to buy prescription sunglasses, you need to bring your prescription to a glasses provider, such as Pearle Vision. They will help you select a pair that can handle your prescription and meet all your other needs and preferences. Some vision insurance plans will pay for part or all of the cost of prescription sunglasses, but exact coverage varies.

Are prescription sunglasses FSA eligible?
Yes, prescription sunglasses are typically eligible for reimbursement through a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). In fact, sunglasses generally have to have a prescription to be FSA eligible. It is highly advisable to consult with your FSA administrator and to coordinate with your vision insurance provider. Find out more ways to use vision benefits before they expire here.

What types of lenses could be used for prescription sunglasses?
A wide variety of lenses can be used for prescription sunglasses, each of which has its own unique set of capabilities and advantages. Some of the most common types of lenses that can be used for prescription sunglasses include:

• Single vision lenses
• Bifocal lenses
• Progressive lenses
• Polarized lenses
• Photochromic lenses
• High-index lenses
• Polycarbonate lenses
• Anti-reflective coated lenses
• Mirrored coated lenses