The Ultimate Guide to Picking the Right Prescription Sunglasses

By December 20, 2022Buyer Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Picking the Right Prescription Sunglasses

Prescription sunglasses can be a gamechanger. Here's our quick guide on picking out your first pair.
By Ben Jackson   December 20, 2022 8:36 am GMT-0700

When you wear glasses, using sunglasses can be problematic. It is a chore to have to take off your eyeglasses and put on sunglasses. Not to mention that if they aren’t prescription sunglasses then you won’t see very well while trying to protect your eyes from the sun. There are clip on sunglasses available that go over your eyeglasses and help to solve the problem.

Yet, if you want to have regular sunglasses then you have to go beyond that. Luckily, you can get a prescription for sunglasses that allow you to see well while also protecting your eyes. You just have to understand the process so you get the right ones. In this article, we will go over what it takes to get your first pair of prescription sunglasses.

Update The Prescription

If it has been more than a couple of years since you got your eyeglass prescription then it is likely time to update it. Vision changes over time so you may be surprised to find out that your prescription is not accurate any longer and you should have a new one that reflects the reality of your eyesight as it is now.

This way when you get the sunglasses they will be the right prescription and allow you to see better than you would expect from your sunglasses. The first step is to go to your eye doctor and see if you need a new prescription.

After the exam, take the prescription to an eyeglass store if your optician doesn’t sell sunglasses there. You’ll need this prescription to the store when you buy the sunglasses so they get the lens right.

Get The Right Lens Material

Not only do you want the lean to be the right prescription, but the material is also going to factor into the decision. Getting the right type of lens is going to make a big difference in what you get out of your glasses.

There is a lens index number that you should be familiar with. The number is going to differ depending on what you want the sunglasses for. For instance, if you plan on wearing them to play sports in the summer then a middle index lens is good since it will be durable and still work with many prescription strengths. For casual wear then look for something with a high lean index that will be thinner and more lightweight for everyday use.

Pick The Frame

Getting the right frame serves two purposes. The first is that it needs to be the right weight and size so you don’t really notice that you are wearing the glasses. The second is that it needs to fit your style so you are happy to wear them.

The second factor is highly subjective and comes down to the individual. Luckily, there is the ideal frame out there for everybody. Picking the frame based on performance is more objective

Look for a frame that is lightweight and not too thick so that it doesn’t cause you headaches or hurt your nose.

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