You found a pair of sunglasses you love, but you also need vision correction to see clearly. You shouldn’t have to compromise both effective UV protection for your eyes and sharp vision.
You can absolutely have prescription lenses fitted into most sunglass frames. This process is quite common and allows you to customize your favorite sunglasses for your vision needs. You can enjoy the sunny outdoors with confidence, knowing that your eyes are protected and your sight is crystal clear.
Yes, You Can Pair Your Prescription With Most Sunglasses
You can enjoy clear vision and sun protection at the same time. Putting prescription lenses into sunglass frames is a popular request we handle often. This process allows you to use a favorite pair of non-prescription sunglasses or choose a new style that fits your look.
It’s a Straightforward Process
Most optical shops can fit prescription lenses into a wide variety of sunglass frames. The key is to determine if your frames are suitable for new lenses. An eye care professional can quickly assess your sunglasses to see if they’ll work for your prescription.
Why Prescription Sunglasses Are a Great Idea
Prescription sunglasses offer a convenient way to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of UV rays without sacrificing visual clarity. Deciding where to buy your glasses is an important step, and working with an optometrist ensures you get a quality, comfortable solution.
Frames That Work & Frames That Don’t
Not every pair of sunglasses is a candidate for prescription lenses. The frame’s shape, size, and material play a significant role in whether it can hold a new set of lenses. A professional can help you figure out if your frames are a good fit for your vision needs.
What Makes a Frame Rx-able?
Frames that are “Rx-able” are designed so their lenses can be removed and replaced. These frames typically have a small screw or a similar mechanism that allows an optician to easily swap the lenses. Most frames from well-known eyewear brands are designed this way, and you can explore our collection of frames and lenses to see examples.
Frames to Avoid
Some frames cannot hold a prescription lens due to the nature of their design or material. You may want to look out for these styles, as they can present challenges:
- Frames with a very high or dramatic curve, often called “wraparound” styles, can distort vision with a prescription. These styles have a long history in fashion and sports, but they often require specialized lenses to work with a prescription.
- Sunglasses where the lenses are permanently fixed or glued into the frame cannot be replaced.
- Frames made of materials that are too brittle or inflexible might not handle a lens replacement.
Explore Your Lens Options & Features
Once you have a suitable frame, you have several choices for your new prescription lenses. You can customize them to match your lifestyle and vision needs, just as you would with regular eyeglasses. The possibilities allow you to create a pair of sunglasses that works for you.
Tints, Polarization, & More
You can choose from a variety of lens features to enhance your vision outdoors. Popular options include:
- Lens Tints: Available in different colors and darkness levels—gray tints reduce brightness without changing color perception, while brown tints can enhance contrast.
- Polarization: This feature reduces glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and roads, which can improve comfort and visual clarity.
- Photochromic Lenses: Also known as transition lenses, they automatically darken in sunlight and lighten indoors, giving you one pair of glasses for all conditions.
- Blue Light Filtering: Some lens treatments can also filter blue light from the sun and digital screens.
Single Vision vs. Progressive Lenses
You can get single vision lenses if you are nearsighted or farsighted. If you need correction for both near and distant vision, progressive lenses are a great option. The latter is common for people experiencing age-related presbyopia, as progressives provide a seamless transition between different prescription strengths.
Simple Steps to Get Your Lenses
Getting prescription lenses for your sunglasses is a multistep process. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Have Your Prescription Ready: You’ll need an up-to-date prescription from your eye doctor to get started. A comprehensive eye exam is the only way to get an accurate prescription.
- Select Your Frames: You can bring in a pair of sunglasses you already own or choose a new pair from our collection—one of our opticians will confirm they are Rx-able.
- Choose Your Lens Type & Treatments: You’ll decide on the lens material, tint, and any additional features like polarization to suit your activities.
- Get a Professional Fitting: Once the lenses are made, an optician will fit them into your frames and adjust them for a comfortable, secure fit on your face. This personalized fitting is a key part of our service for all our adult and senior patients.
How an Eye Doctor in Lake Elsinore Can Help
Get a Frame Assessment
Bring your favorite sunglasses with you to your appointment for a consultation. We can examine them on the spot and tell you if they can be fitted with new prescription lenses. This takes all the guesswork out of the process.
Discuss Your Vision Needs
As your eye doctor in Lake Elsinore, we’ll talk with you about your lifestyle and how you plan to use your sunglasses. This helps us determine the right lens type and treatments for your lifestyle Whether you drive, play sports, or relax by the water, we can help find the right options from our selection of popular sunglasses brands.
Protecting your vision while enjoying the sun has never been easier. At Total Vision Lake Elsinore, our team is ready to help you combine your favorite style with the clear vision you deserve. Schedule your appointment today, and let’s create your perfect pair of prescription sunglasses.
