People who love to be outside as much as possible, playing their favorite sports or enjoying a walk with their dog, yet need prescription eyewear often feel in a predicament. They need glasses to be able to see, but don’t want to have to carry around both prescription glasses and sunglasses at all times, constantly switching back and forth between them. Their problem can be solved with either prescription sunglasses or clip-on shades.
Prescription Sunglasses
Sunglasses with prescription lenses are an easy-to-wear and seamless solution because they look almost the exact same as your normal sunglasses. With these, the prescription is added to the lenses, helping to protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays and the glare they emit.
Prescription sunglasses allow you to go about your normal life in comfort without having to worry about the sun constantly shining in your eyes. Contact lens wearers often find that prescription sunglasses are a more practical alternative when outside since you do not have to worry about battling the elements. For beachgoers, for example, you probably do not want to wear your contact lenses where the water and sand can get on them, and where you can risk losing them in the ocean. All it takes is one big wave or a friend playfully pushing you over to have you without not only your ability to see, but also the necessary cash to replace your lenses. With prescription sunglasses, you can wear them anytime, anywhere.
Prescription sunglasses are available for virtually all types of lens prescriptions, including bifocal and progressive lenses. Prescription sunglasses are generally a little costlier, but are well worth the investment because of the many benefits they provide.
Clip-on Sunglasses
Clip-on sunglasses are regular prescription eyeglasses that have shades that are clipped snuggly to the frames on top of the original lenses. Like prescription sunglasses, they provide you with clear vision and help to shield your eyes from the sun’s UV rays.
Clip-on glasses are a good choice if you move frequently between the indoors and outdoors throughout the day. They allow you to flip the shades up and down when you need them, rather than having to take them off completely and find a place for them somewhere where they are easily accessible in a moment’s notice.
A disadvantage of clip-on glasses is that due to frequent clipping, they can get scratched or broken very easily. They can also add unnecessary weight to your frames and inhibit your peripheral vision with the double lenses.
There are ups and downs to both types of eyewear, but many people would find that prescription sunglasses are the most advantageous solution. If you feel prescription glasses are best for you, head to your local eyeglass store to check out their selection. You may be able to even get a special discount if you purchase your prescription sunglasses at the same time as your regular ones.
Dr. Grace Kim is Chairperson for Clinical Advisory Panel of America’s Best, a nationwide eyeglasses retailer. With over 300 locations nationwide, America’s Best provides thousands of high quality eyewear to customers every day. They carry a wide selection of designer eyeglasses and contact lenses in each of their stores, and they also offer eye exams. Learn more about designer eyeglasses at https://www.australiaglasses.com/