12 Reasons To Consider Prescription Sunglasses

1. Modern UV Protection

Not all sunglasses provide complete ultraviolet light protection. A common misconception is that all sunglasses, whether from a thrift shop or a professional optical, completely block UV rays. However, to be considered UV sunglasses, the lenses must effectively block 75% to 90% of visible light and provide UVA and UVB protection to block 99% of ultraviolet radiation. Sunglasses with UV 400 lens coating offer nearly 100% protection from UV light, blocking wavelengths up to 400 nanometers, including both UVA and UVB rays. Pursuing prescription sunglasses is an excellent opportunity to ensure that you are getting the best UV protection.

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2. Increase Your Coverage

Eyeglasses with light-sensitive photochromic lenses and clip-on sunglasses are great options to consider when seeking sun protection. However, a shortcoming of these options is they use an ophthalmic frame, which typically offers considerably less coverage than sunglasses. The eye, eye tissues, and eyelids are all susceptible to sun damage. Increase your level of protection by pursuing the coverage offered by prescription sunglasses.

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3. Grade Your Shade

Are you a progressive lens wearer? Combining gradient tints with progressive lenses can offer incredible visual acuity and protection. The darker tinted portion of the lens (at the top) reduces eye strain and the tendency to squint when looking at distance, while the lighter tinted section at the bottom makes reading distance activities easy.

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4. You Are Nearsighted

Prescription sunglasses are particularly great if you have trouble seeing objects in the distance. If you’re nearsighted, also known as myopia, and tend not to wear glasses while you’re reading, working or getting things done around the house, prescription sunglasses can bridge the gap once you’re outside on a sunny day. Want sharp vision at near, intermediate and far distances? Sunglasses with progressive prescription lenses are available!

5. Optimize Your Vision With Task Designed Tints

Sunglass lens tints should complement your lifestyle and how you use your eyes the most. An array of lens tint colour options are available, with each offering a unique amount of light transmission, contrast enhancement, and colour enhancement. Each of which is best suited for different light conditions and activities. Oakley’s PRIZM lens technology enhances colour and contrast so that more detail is visible. The PRIZM collection includes lenses designed for driving, golf, fishing, trail, etc.

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6. Polarize Your View of The World

Many prescription sunglass lenses have the option to be polarized. Polarized lenses significantly reduce glare and improve visual clarity. How do they do this? Polarized filters consist of vertical openings that block out all the horizontal light waves bouncing off smooth surfaces, like roads, water, urban landscapes. Accordingly, polarized lenses are fantastic for daytime driving and outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and cycling.

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7. Eliminate 2 From Your Contact List

Contact lens wearers should regularly give their eyes a break from lens wear. It is also strongly recommended that individuals not wear their contact lenses while swimming or in situations where they may become exposed to liquids that may contaminate them. Owning prescription sunglasses means you can regularly give your eyes a break, avoid hygiene risks that may be encountered at the beach or in the hot tub while enjoying ample sun protection.

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8. Shed Some Weight

One of the most frequently identified shortcomings of clip-on sunglasses is the extra weight they place on the nose. For some, the amount of weight a clip-on represents is insignificant and unnoticeable. However, for those with moderate to high prescriptions the added weight can make their eyewear uncomfortable and cause them to slide down the nose. Prescription sunglasses eliminate the balancing act and, with a suitable lens index, can be incredibly lightweight.

9. Immediate, Dedicated Sun Protection

While light-sensitive, photochromic lenses provide several benefits, a common frustration with them is the time required to transition from clear to tinted and vice versa. Prescription sunglasses offer instant sun protection and relief. That means you can put them on and hit the road immediately.

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10. Eliminate The Need To Power-Down With A Backup

Reduce the risk of having to power-down due to breakage by having dedicated prescription eyewear for your active outdoor lifestyle. Accidents happen, and a backup pair of prescription eyewear, whether they are with clear, tinted, or photochromic lenses, can be a lifesaver.

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11. Sun Protection is Needed Year-Round

Up to 90% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays can pass through clouds, especially when cloud cover is thin or patchy. Accordingly, UV light is a threat to your eye health when the sun is shining AND when the sky is overcast. Whether you are, driving, walking, running, biking, or just sitting on the deck with friends, your eyes will benefit from the protection and visual acuity provided by prescription sunglass lenses.

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12. Benefit From Stability

For individuals on a budget and that have limited health benefits, the prospect of purchasing prescription sunglasses in addition to ophthalmic readers may seem financially out of reach. However, for those with a stable prescription and eyewear in good shape, it may be worth considering an investment in prescription sunglasses with the health benefits available to them before losing them.