If you have a prescription and are looking for sunglasses, you’ll have to decide between prescription sunglasses, clip-on lenses, or photochromic lenses. Each of these options offers unique benefits and can be tailored to fit your lifestyle.
What Are Prescription Sunglasses?
Put simply they’re sunglasses with your prescription added to the lenses. These sunglasses are custom-made to fit your specific prescription, so you won’t have to wear contacts underneath. Prescription sunglasse lenses can be fit to any frame, giving you the freedom to express your individuality and style. This means you can select frames from your favorite independent brands. So that your sunglasses enhance your personal collection with stylish, high-quality designs. Prescription sunglasses offer the flexibility to enjoy a variety of looks while maintaining the functionality and comfort of perfectly tailored lenses.
What Are Clip-On Sunglasses?
Clip-on sunglasses are a convenient and versatile accessory that easily attach to your existing prescription glasses, transforming them into sunglasses. They provide a practical solution for those who want to avoid switching between multiple pairs of eyewear. Unlike prescription sunglasses, which require a separate frame and custom lenses, clip-ons allow you to keep your favorite prescription glasses while adding sun protection as needed. This makes them an attractive option for eyewear collectors who prefer to use a single frame for both indoor and outdoor settings. Especially if you want to showcase your unique or vintage frames. Clip-ons are also available in a variety of styles and tints, offering some degree of customization while ensuring that your vision remains sharp.
What Are Photochromic Lenses?
Photochromic, lenses might be a name you’re not familiar with, these lenses automatically adjust their tint based on light exposure, darkening in bright sunlight and clearing up indoors. Most people might recognize the name “Transition Lens” however these are lenses exclusively owned and sold by EssilorLuxottica.
This adaptive technology eliminates the need to switch between regular glasses and sunglasses, offering seamless convenience for those who want a single pair of eyewear for all situations. For eyewear collectors, photochromic lenses allow you to wear your favorite frame both indoors and out. Although they may not offer the same level of customization as prescription sunglasses in terms of tint or darkness, photochromic lenses are a popular choice for those who frequently move between inside and outside spaces. While photochromic lenses eliminate the need to switch between glasses, it’s important to note that their performance can vary with temperature and they might not darken adequately in cars due to UV-protected windshields. Learn more about Photochromic lenses and how they work.
When deciding between prescription sunglasses, clip-on lenses, or photochromic lenses, it ultimately comes down to your needs and style preferences. Prescription sunglasses offer the highest level of customization, allowing you to choose frames and lenses that reflect your personality. Clip-on sunglasses provide a versatile and practical solution, especially if you cherish your existing frames and want to switch between indoor and outdoor settings with ease. Photochromic lenses, on the other hand, deliver seamless adaptability for those who frequently move between different lighting environments. Each of these options allow for your style and eyewear collection to shine through in your daily life.
Whether you’re shopping for a new pair of sunglasses or regular glasses, it’s important to know about the different types of lens coatings, tints and treatments you can get. These can help to protect your eyes, enhance visual clarity and even keep your lenses from getting scratched.
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About The Author:
Will Benjamin is an advocate for independent eyewear and one of the driving forces behind Project Spex. With a passion for unique, collectible, and limited-edition eyewear, Will aims to inspire people to build their own collections through Project Spex, while supporting the success of independent opticals.