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Sun protection

Sunglasses that also fix your vision.

If you wear glasses every day, prescription sunglasses do what clip-ons can't — give you crisp vision and full sun protection in one pair. Almost any frame style, any lens type, and any tint can be made with your prescription.

Choosing yours

Decisions to make —
before ordering.

Tint

Gray, brown, or specialty

Gray preserves natural color and is most popular for general use. Brown enhances contrast and is favored for driving and outdoor sports. Specialty tints (green, copper, rose) suit golf, fishing, or specific lighting conditions.

Polarization

Often yes — sometimes no

Polarized lenses cut reflected glare from roads and water. Worth the upgrade for driving, water sports, snow, or beach use. Skip if you regularly view LCD screens outdoors (pilots, equipment operators).

Lens design

Single vision, bifocal, or progressive

Any prescription lens design that exists for clear glasses also exists for sunglasses. Progressive sunglasses for adults over 40 are common, especially for outdoor lifestyles.

Frame

Larger sunglass-style frames

Sunglasses tend to use larger, more wraparound frames than indoor glasses — both for style and to block more light. Larger frames may require thinner lens materials (high-index) for strong prescriptions to avoid heavy edges.

Consider them especially if

You're outdoors frequently, drive a lot, have had eye surgery or have certain eye conditions (the AAO recommends UV protection for everyone after cataract surgery), or you have light-colored eyes which transmit more UV. The benefit compounds over decades.

Common questions

Honest answers to common questions.

Aren't photochromic lenses (Transitions) good enough?+

For many people, yes. Photochromic lenses darken in UV exposure, so they're a one-pair solution. The trade-offs: they don't darken well inside cars (windshields block most UV), they take 30-60 seconds to transition, and they never get as dark as dedicated sunglasses. If you spend a lot of time outdoors or driving, a dedicated pair of prescription sunglasses is often clearer for that purpose.

How much do prescription sunglasses cost?+

Similar range to your regular glasses, often with polarization adding $50-150. Mid-range prescription sunglasses are typically $200-500; premium designer options run higher. Many vision plans cover one pair per benefit period, so check whether prescription sunglasses qualify.

Can I get the same lens types as my regular glasses?+

Yes — single vision, bifocal, progressive, computer/office, all with various coatings, all available with prescription. The lab takes your existing prescription and adds the tint and any UV/polarization treatments.

How dark should the tint be?+

Standard sunglass tint blocks 75-85% of visible light. For very bright environments (water, snow, high altitude), darker tints (around 90% block) make sense. For occasional outdoor use, lighter tints are more versatile. Polarization works at any darkness level.

Do I need a separate eye exam?+

Not usually — your current glasses prescription works for sunglasses. Some patients have slightly different needs for outdoor use (e.g., a small prism adjustment), but for most people, the regular Rx is what gets put into the sunglass frame.