Key Takeaways
- Prescription sunglasses combine vision correction with UV protection.
- You can buy them through an optical clinic, online retailers, or big box stores.
- Not every frame works with every prescription, so fit and lens compatibility matter.
- Starting with a current eye exam helps you avoid costly mistakes.
- Features like polarized lenses and UV400 protection are worth looking for.
See Clearly & Protect Your Vision
Having to squint through the sun when you drive or fumbling with clip-on shades gets old quickly. Fortunately, if you wear prescription lenses, there’s a more comfortable option sitting right in front of you: prescription sunglasses.
You can buy prescription sunglasses from an optical clinic, an online retailer, or a big box store. The right choice depends on your prescription, your lifestyle, and how much guidance you want along the way.
At Visionary Eye Centre, we offer a variety of frames and lens options to keep your vision clear and protected from the sun.
What Prescription Sunglasses Actually Are
Prescription sunglasses are exactly what they sound like. They combine your corrective lenses with tinted, UV-protective lenses so you can see clearly and protect your eyes outside at the same time. You don’t have to choose between vision and sun protection.
Prescription sunglasses come in the same formats as regular glasses. Single vision lenses correct one field of vision, bifocals address near and far vision in two zones, and progressive lenses offer a smooth shift across multiple distances. Whatever your prescription looks like, there are sunglasses out there that fit your needs.
If you’re curious about the full range of lens types available, our frames and lenses page covers everything from progressives to photochromic in one place.
Where You Can Buy Prescription Sunglasses
At an Optical Clinic or Eye Care Office
This is the most straightforward route, especially if your prescription is complex or if you’re trying frames for the first time. Our team can walk you through your options in person. You’ll get to try frames on yourself, check how they feel, and ask questions before you commit to anything.
As an optometry clinic, we can also review your prescription on the spot and flag any compatibility issues with the frames you’re eyeing. That kind of real-time guidance can save you the hassle of ordering a pair of sunglasses that won’t actually work.
Online Retailers
Online shopping has made prescription sunglasses more accessible than ever. Most retailers let you upload a copy of your prescription, choose your frames, and select your lens options from home. Many now offer virtual try-on tools that use your camera to show how a frame sits on your face.
This option works well for straightforward, single vision prescriptions. However, if your prescription involves stronger corrections or progressives, the fitting process gets more nuanced, and in-person help tends to produce better results.
Big Box and Optical Chain Stores
Retailers like Costco carry prescription sunglasses at a range of price points. You can often find decent frames and lenses without a big markup. The trade-off is that selection and the level of personalized guidance can vary quite a bit depending on location and staffing.
Can You Put Your Prescription in Any Sunglasses?
Not every frame can hold every prescription. The shape and size of a frame affect how the lenses are cut and fitted, and some prescriptions simply don’t work well in certain styles. A very curved wraparound frame, for example, can distort vision if your prescription is on the stronger side.
Before you fall in love with a particular frame, it’s worth checking with an optometrist to see if it’s compatible with your prescription. That conversation can prevent a frustrating situation where the frames you love come back unwearable.
What to Look for When Choosing Prescription Sunglasses
Lens Features Worth Considering
Polarized lenses reduce the glare that bounces off horizontal surfaces like water, roads, and car hoods. This makes a real difference to comfort when you’re driving or spending time near the water. Any pair of sunglasses that you buy should also offer UV400 protection, which blocks both UVA and UVB rays across the full spectrum of harmful sunlight.
Photochromic lenses are another option. These lenses adjust their tint based on light conditions, getting darker outside and lighter back indoors. They’re a practical choice if you move between environments throughout the day.
Frame Fit and Style
Wraparound frames offer more coverage on the sides, which makes them a solid choice for outdoor and active use. A wider frame can also mean more room for the lens to be cut properly, which matters more when your prescription is strong. Comfort and coverage go hand in hand here. Our post on how glasses should fit covers nose bridge placement, temple positioning, and pupillary distance.
Why Starting with an Eye Exam Makes the Process Easier
Your prescription can shift over time, sometimes gradually enough that you don’t notice right away. Starting with an up-to-date prescription means that the lenses you order should match your current vision situation and not your eyes as they were 2 years ago.
At Visionary Eye Centre, our team is happy to help you navigate prescription sunglasses, from exam to frame selection. Request an appointment at our Sherwood Park or Edmonton location and take the first step toward a pair of sunglasses that works for both your eyes and your life.
