The benefits of prescription sunglasses

Many of us don’t just need a vision correction when we’re inside, but also when we’re outside working, or doing activities we enjoy.

Wearing prescription sunglasses is a comfortable way to correct your vision and keep your eyes and eyesight healthy. Your optometrist can help you choose the right prescription sunglasses for you.

Ultraviolet (UV) light protection

UV rays can cause a range of serious eye conditions including cataracts, macular degeneration, corneal sunburn and some cancers. Sunglasses with the right frame for your face not only protect your eyes, but also the delicate skin around the eye area from sun damage and premature aging.

Do I need prescription glasses if I wear photochromic lenses?

Yes. Photochromic lenses (or Transitions lenses) are a convenient way to protect your eyes from the sun’s rays for short periods of time. But if you’re spending a lot of time in the sun, it’s worth investing in a pair of prescription sunglasses. They offer a higher level of UV protection and the frames are usually larger, which is important to shield the eyes from the sun.

What does vision with prescription sunglasses look like?

Click and drag the image below to see how prescription sunglasses can change your vision.

Do I need prescription sunglasses if I wear contact lenses?

Even if your contact lenses block UV rays, it’s recommended you wear sunglasses to protect the parts of the eye and eye area that aren’t covered. Prescription sunglasses are really handy if you need to take your contact lenses out if they're uncomfortable, or if you plan on going swimming, for example.

Choosing prescription sunglasses

It’s a good idea to book a comprehensive eye examination to ensure your prescription is right for you. Your optometrist can recommend the right lenses and frame to suit your lifestyle, that also provides the highest level of sun protection. There are a wide variety of tints available. If you spend a lot of time outside in high glare environments, you might like to have a polarised tint in your prescription sunglasses.

What do prescription sunglasses cost?

If you have private health insurance, you may be able to get a pair of prescription sunglasses with full UV protection with no or little out of pocket expense to you, depending on your level of cover.