Can You Get Prescription Sunglasses?

Yes, you can get prescription sunglasses to help you see better outdoors, especially during bright and sunny days. While sunglasses offer adequate shade and eye protection for activities like morning commutes and summer hikes, the absence of prescription lenses makes seeing clearly difficult for individuals with conditions including farsightedness, nearsightedness or astigmatism.

We'll walk you through the process of getting your first pair of prescription sunglasses, how they work and whether they're worth the investment.

How to Get Prescription Sunglasses

You can follow this step-by-step guide to get your new prescription sunglasses.

1. Book a Comprehensive Eye Exam

Getting prescription sunglasses is similar to ordering corrective glasses — the first step is to get a prescription from an optometrist.

A prescription usually expires after a year or two of receiving it. If you have a recent one, you can use it to get new sunglasses with corrective lenses.

However, you should schedule a comprehensive exam if your prescription has expired. This will determine the specifications of your new lenses and assess your overall eye health. Remember to mention that you're interested in getting prescription sunglasses because this affects certain eye measurements taken.

2. Get Your Prescription

After the exam, make sure to get a copy of your prescription. It’s wise to save a copy if you lose or damage your new glasses and need a new pair.

This document contains the specific lens level required to correct your vision. It also includes other important measurements, such as your pupillary distance, which is the horizontal distance between your pupils’ centers.

The following are common questions about sunglass prescriptions:

• Can you use insurance for prescription sunglasses? Yes. You can typically use a vision insurance policy, Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) for prescription sunglasses. Many vision insurance plans provide annual allowances for lenses and frames, which can be applied to prescription sunglasses. You'll need to cover the difference if the cost exceeds your allowance. To ensure coverage, verify your specific plan's terms before your next eye doctor appointment.
  
  
• Can you get prescription sunglasses online? Yes, many eye care stores offer online ordering options for prescription sunglasses. To place your order, you must also provide a prescription with your pupillary distance and other details, including your payment method and whether you're using insurance.
  

3. Select Your Sunglass Frames

Before getting prescription sunglasses, you need to choose the right frames that match your style. Choose an eyewear provider that offers a wide inventory of sunglasses for women and men. Consider the shape, material and size of the frames. Certain frame styles may be better suited for higher prescriptions, and a trusted eyewear expert can help guide you through your selection.

When it comes to frame style and shape, take your time to try them on to see which ones best complement your face. Some online sellers offer convenient virtual try-on features so you can visualize how different frames will look on your face before ordering.

4. Choose Your Lenses

You can get prescription sunglasses with different types of lenses, including single-vision, multi-focal and progressive. Eyewear providers typically offer customization for sunglass lenses, such as your preferred tint. A few common choices include:

• Polarized: These lenses reduce glare from surfaces reflecting light, improve visibility, and provide high-quality UV protection.
  
  
• Mirrored: Featuring a reflective coating, mirrored lenses offer more glare reduction and protection from UV light. It's ideal for outdoor adventurers.
  
  
• Photochromatic transition: This convenient option shifts from clear to tinted depending on the surrounding light. Transition lenses are ideal if you don't want to switch to sunglasses when going outdoors.
  

5. Get Your Sunglasses

Your new sunglasses are sent to a lab specialist who carefully aligns and crafts them to your specifications. The waiting times vary, with some providers offering same-day pickup. You may also choose to have your new spec shipped and delivered directly to your doorstep for peak convenience.

How Do Prescription Sunglasses Work?

Prescription sunglasses are a fantastic solution that combines the benefits of corrective lenses with UV protection and comfortable shade. Sunglasses effectively reduce bright outdoor light, but they're not enough if you need vision correction. Wearing non-prescription sunglasses to dim the glare means sacrificing clear vision, which can be challenging.

Imagine trying to navigate sunny streets with blurry vision, squinting constantly. This is especially difficult if you spend extended hours outdoors, whether you're driving, watching a sporting event or simply enjoying a walk. The strain on your eyes can lead to headaches and fatigue, significantly affecting your mood and health.

The good news is that prescription sunglasses offer the perfect balance. They restore clear vision while shielding your eyes from UV rays and intense sunlight. With prescription sunglasses, you can fully enjoy bright outdoor activities without compromising your sight or comfort.

Are Prescription Sunglasses Worth It?

Prescription sunglasses are a worthwhile investment for anyone who needs vision correction and spends time outdoors. They offer clear vision in bright environments, so you don't need to strain your eyes.

Prescription sunglasses offer essential UV protection, safeguarding your eyes and surrounding skin from sun damage. Polarized lenses further enhance the experience by minimizing glare, with various tint options available for specific activities like sports or fishing. If you are looking for maximum convenience, choosing a pair with transition lenses will give you the benefits of regular prescription glasses and sunglasses in one.

Ultimately, prescription options provide greater comfort, eliminating the hassle of wearing sunglasses over regular glasses. If you prioritize clear vision, eye health and ease under the sun, prescription sunglasses are a wonderful fit for you.

Get Your Stylish Prescription Sunglasses From Eyemart Express

Want better vision outdoors, especially on bright days? You can get prescription sunglasses from Eyemart Express. We offer an extensive selection of trendy prescription sunglasses for men and women, with customizable features such as tint color, polarization or photochromic transition lenses that adjust with indoor and outdoor light. We partner with skilled optometrists who provide thorough eye exams while helping you get your new pair conveniently.

For over 34 years, Eyemart Express has brought quality, accessible eye care to customers throughout the United States. Our team of doctors and eyewear experts takes pride in helping you find a pair of glasses that makes you feel happy, confident and protected. We have over 250 stores across more than 40 states, so finding a location near you is easy.

Get the right pair of prescription sunglasses that suits your style, and see the moment with Eyemart Express! Browse through our online inventory of sunglasses and order a pair or schedule an exam with one of our in-store eye care experts.