Can You Get Prescription Sunglasses?

Yes! You can absolutely get prescription sunglasses.

Those of us who wear glasses every day know the struggle of making sure we can see clearly while protecting our eyes from the sun. Some of us may have already desperately tried the sunglasses-over-the-glasses trick. Others may have resorted to buying non-prescription sunglasses (followed by a day stumbling around the beach).

Luckily, there’s another option: prescription (Rx) sunglasses. Just like prescription lenses in regular eyeglasses, prescription lenses in sunglasses can accommodate most vision needs. For instance, if your everyday glasses correct refractive errors like astigmatism, nearsightedness, presbyopia, or farsightedness, you can purchase sunglasses that do the same.

So let’s get into what you probably really want to know: how to get prescription sunglasses and whether they’re worth it. (Spoiler alert: They are.)

How To Get Prescription Sunglasses

The process for getting prescription sunglasses is the same as getting prescription eyeglasses. First and foremost: You’ll need an up-to-date prescription.

If you already have one, you can get prescription sunglasses online or in optical shops by following the steps below. But if your prescription has expired you’ll need to get it updated first (keep reading and we’ll help you with that task, too).

How To Get Prescription Sunglasses Online

Buying prescription sunglasses online is remarkably easy! Check out our handy guide for buying sunglasses (or regular eyeglasses) online: How To Buy Glasses Online in Just 6 Steps.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Your eyeglasses prescription (or your optometrist’s information)
• Your pupillary distance
• Your insurance information, if you have vision insurance
• Your payment method

TL;DR the handy guide for buying online? No problem. Here’s the process in a nutshell:

1. Pick your frame style. Choose whatever style of sunglasses you like best. You can add a prescription to any pair of our sunglasses.
2. Customize your pair. This will include your frame width, prescription type (non-prescription, single-vision, progressives, or readers), and lens options.
   Read more: How to Find Your Frame Size.
3. Add your prescription. You can upload a scan or photo of your prescription, or you can add your eye doctor’s contact information so we can request it directly. 
4. Input your insurance information. If you’re using vision insurance to buy your sunglasses, you can add that info when you check out.
5. Make your purchase. Now it’s time to input your payment information. Hint: If you have an FSA or HSA (flexible spending account or health savings account) with a debit card, you can often use that to easily pay for your prescription sunglasses—just as you’d use a credit card. Check with your plan administrator or carrier to find out if prescription sunglasses are an eligible expense and learn how to pay using your FSA or HSA funds.

That’s it! Once you’ve made all your selections, you’re ready to purchase your new prescription sunglasses.

How To Get a Sunglasses Prescription

If you don’t have a prescription or your prescription is expired (usually a year or two after receiving it), consider one of the following options before you order prescription sunglasses:

Option 1: Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with your eye doctor. It’s a good idea to have regular eye exams so your doctor can check for changes in your prescription needs and assess your overall eye health.

Option 2: If your prescription is expired, but you’re still seeing well with your current prescription, find out if you’re eligible for renewing your prescription online. 

Are Prescription Sunglasses Worth It?

Prescription sunglasses give you the best of both worlds. Not only do they help you see clearly, but they protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.

Some benefits of prescription sunglasses are:

• Clear vision in the sun: Even on the brightest days, you can see clearly with your prescription—whether you’re lounging on the porch, taking a hike, or working in the garden.
• UVA and UVB protection: Think sunscreen but for your eyes! Sunglasses protect your eyes and the skin around them from all types of UV damage. 
• Polarized lenses that reduce glare: You can get prescription sunglasses with scratch-resistant polarized lenses. Grey lenses are best for sports because they offer true color perception and reduce glare off water. Brown lenses enhance contrast and are excellent for fishing. Green lenses transmit colors evenly and help dim glare. 
• Better protection when you drive: Photochromic lenses that change color when you’re in the sun don’t work well inside a car, and they aren’t polarized. Prescription sunglasses will give you the best protection for your eyes, even when you’re driving.
• Less squinting: Without sunglasses, we’re more likely to squint in the sun. And without prescription lenses when we need them, we’re more likely to squint to see clearly. Squinting can cause eye strain (as well as wrinkles). With prescription sunglasses, these issues are covered.
• Convenience: No more trying to fit regular sunglasses over your glasses or choosing between sight and comfort in the sun!

Personal preference will naturally play a part in your decision to buy prescription sunglasses. They may be especially appealing if you choose glasses over contacts for daily wear.

Prescription Sunglasses: Function Plus Fashion

Let’s not forget that while prescription sunglasses have a lot of practical advantages, they’re also a great way to express yourself. From bold to bookish, no shortage of possible frame choices exists. And you may also be able to get creative with lens colors and options like mirrored lenses.

So, how do you choose the sunglasses that look great and give off the vibe you want? You can start with your face shape, such as round, triangular, or square. Or focus on the style of sunglasses, including those that evoke a bygone era like the ’70s or ’80s.

The bottom line? The best way to find the perfect-looking sunglasses is to try them on, either at home or in a store. The most suitable sunglasses for you are simply the ones you like the most (and that can accommodate your prescription needs).

And if you can’t decide? When you order two or more pairs of prescription sunglasses or glasses from us, you’ll save 15%.

When in Doubt, Talk With Your Eye Doctor

If you’re on the fence about prescription sunglasses or have any questions, you can always reach out to your eye doctor. They can provide personalized guidance based on your prescription needs. And if you have an eye disorder that calls for a complex prescription with custom lenses, they can advise you on whether prescription sunglasses will meet your needs.