Bifocal sunglasses have evolved immensely in the past decade. With a broad range of sophisticated plastics and an even broader range of fashions available, it can be intimidating to shop for bifocal sunglasses. Learn a couple of key points regarding the different plastics and available styles before you start your shopping.
The Best Materials for Your Bifocal Sunglasses
While the most common plastic for modern bifocal lenses has become CR-39 and it is an excellent plastic with fantastic optical qualities, it might not be the best bet for your bifocal or prescription sunglasses. If you plan on wearing your bifocal sunglasses while active and moving about in a rigorous manner, you will have a greater risk of spilling your shades and breaking them apart. For this reason, more durable plastics such as polycarbonate or trivex may be more appropriate for your shades. Bifocal shades made with these plastics will be both lighter and more resistant to cracking or shattering.
You might still investigate sunglasses made with CR-39 as plastics and construction with such plastics are evolving at quite a pace. However, if you plan to be really active, just remember that sacrificing a little optical quality for durability could be safer and more cost-effective for you over the long term.
Get The Right Fit For Your Prescription Sunglasses
Another difference you should consider when shopping for bifocal sunglasses compared to standard bifocal reading glasses is the fit. In most cases, you will be wearing such prescription sunglasses outdoors and in more active environments than your bifocal reading glasses. So I suggest you go for a more snug fit at the nose and around your ears. You probably also want your sunglasses to fit nearer to your eyes than your bifocal reading glasses to help with shading the sunlight.
Along the same line and relating to my previous comments about plastic, you probably want a lighter weight for your wayfarers than for your bifocal reading glasses.
Brand Name Bifocal Shades
One last point: if you’re integrating your prescription into your sunglasses, I encourage you to consider brand names even if you’re trying to save money. While budget models can be great in their own right, larger companies often have greater flexibility and capability to offer generous and thorough warranties. So go ahead and treat yourself to Ray Ban Bifocal Sunglasses or even Oakley Bifocal Sunglasses.
For the most comprehensive guide to Bifocal Reading Glasses and shopping for bifocals, visit: Bifocal Sunglasses