As October settles in and the days become shorter, it’s easy to forget about sun protection. However, glare from the pavement, windshields, or reflective surfaces can still be intense, hindering your visibility. That’s why our team of doctors at Beyond Vision Center (BVC) recommends having a pair of sunglasses in your bag during the wintertime. Read on to learn why sunglasses aren’t just a summer essential, but a year-round tool for protecting your vision.
Besides serving as a complement to your outfit, sunglasses also benefit your eye health. The first reason that people choose a pair of sunglasses is to protect their eyes from UV exposure. Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) from sunlight can cause damage to your ocular health, including increased risk of developing cataracts, macular degeneration, photokeratitis (sunburn of the eye), and more serious cancers in or around the eye. Even though it’s fall, California’s sun is still strong, and the UV exposure doesn’t go away with the changing seasons. Glare from pavement, windshields, or water can still cause headaches, squinting, and eye strain, especially while driving. That’s why it’s important to keep a good pair of sunglasses on hand, even when the weather cools down.
Prescription sunglasses are eyeglasses that combine corrective lenses to address your vision disorders, such as shortsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, while also providing the benefits of regular sunglasses, like UV protection and glare reduction. In order to purchase prescription sunwear, you first need to get an eye exam, then choose to fill the prescription through your eye doctor, through an optician, or through an online retailer. People who wear prescription sunglasses no longer need to worry about going out in the sun with blurry vision or difficulty seeing with this 2-in-1 pair of eyeglasses.
From the perspective of style, there is no discernible difference between regular sunnies and prescription sunglasses, and the former are also more budget-friendly. So, why should people consider getting a pair of prescription sunglasses? With prescription lenses, you don’t have to choose between seeing clearly and shielding your eyes because wearers can customize the lenses to fit their vision needs. Additionally, optometrists can accommodate your desire for color and density of the tint to ensure 100% UV protection. Regular sunglasses use generic lenses that offer no correction and may not provide modern UV protection. In contrast, prescription sunglasses are tailored to your exact needs, combining eye health protection with sharp, corrected vision.
If you’re wondering whether investing in prescription sunglasses is worth it, then the answer is yes, especially if you enjoy outdoor activities.
One major advantage of prescription sunglasses is clear vision in bright settings. Your eyes no longer have to be “stressed” because of squinting under the sun, and you do not have awkwardly stacked sunglasses over your regular glasses for better visibility. With Rx sunglasses, you can enjoy both visual clarity and UV protection simultaneously.
Another advantage is total UV protection. The prescription sunglasses we offer at BVC provide 100% defense against UVA and UVB rays, which protect your eyes from sun damage and lower the risk of incurring serious eye problems in the future.
These Rx sunglasses are ideal for drivers or individuals who spend more time outdoors, based on their ability to reduce glare. The lenses used in this type of eyewear are polarized lenses, which are designed specifically to prevent glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, or asphalt.
Modern prescription sunglasses offer the best of both worlds when it comes to style and support. You can choose from a variety of frames, colors, and tints to highlight your face shape and skin tone while still prioritizing your vision health and ocular needs. This 2-in-1 eyewear also comes in handy, especially when you don’t like the hassle of wearing prescription lenses or constantly switching back and forth between normal glasses and sunglasses.
By improving visibility in conditions like bright sun or snowy roads, Rx sunglasses help you stay safe during outdoor activities. Low visibility when driving on a snowy day or biking under harsh sun can lead to unwanted accidents. Thus, having one pair that does it all is a good solution to enhance your outdoor activity performance while also protecting the safety of others.
Despite all the positives, prescription sunglasses may not suit everyone. Some wearers prefer contacts and regular sunglasses, especially those who require different glasses for various tasks, for example, reading glasses are different from those required for driving. Additionally, if you’re someone who frequently transitions between indoor and outdoor settings, carrying a separate pair might feel inconvenient. In that case, transition lenses or clip-on tints could be alternatives to consider. Lastly, cost can be a barrier for some patients, as prescription sunglasses may come with a higher price tag, especially for designer frames or high-quality lenses. Ultimately, the best choice in sunwear comes down to your unique lifestyle, vision needs, and budget; and our team at BVC is here to help you find the perfect fit.
There are several types of lenses to consider when designing your prescription sunglasses, each catering to different needs and preferences. Single vision lenses correct for one field of vision, either distance or near, while progressive lenses are ideal for those who need both distance and reading correction without a visible line. Polarized lenses are more preferable for outdoor enthusiasts due to their ability to significantly reduce glare and enhance contrast. Mirror-coated lenses reflect more light and are well suited for high-glare environments like the beach or ski slopes. For those who move frequently between indoor and outdoor settings, photochromic lenses offer convenience by darkening in sunlight and lightening indoors, although they may be less effective behind windshields. Each lens type provides unique benefits based on your lifestyle and eye conditions, so it’s best to consult our team to find the perfect match.
Prescription sunglasses aren’t just for adults. In fact, they can be especially beneficial for children, whose eyes are more sensitive to UV light and more vulnerable to long-term sun damage. Children who already wear prescription glasses for vision correction may struggle outdoors with either blurry vision or the discomfort of excessive sunlight. A properly fitted pair of Rx sunglasses with impact-resistant lenses can be a great everyday companion, supporting your child in all their activities.
It is generally recommended that individuals should get an eye exam every one to two years, or more frequently if you experience any changes in your vision. However, depending on age group, ocular correction needs, and other underlying health conditions, more frequent visits might be required. If your prescription changes, it is best to also update your Rx sunglasses along with your day-to-day pair to ensure consistent clarity and protection. In between the exams, if you notice any changes in your vision, headaches, difficulty seeing in bright lighting, or wear and tear on the lenses, come in for a visit sooner so that we can ensure your vision is working at peak performance.
At Beyond Vision Center, we believe everyone deserves to see and look their best. That’s why our team of doctors and specialists is dedicated to helping you find the most suitable pair of glasses to match your vision needs and lifestyle. From a thorough eye exam with Dr. Raja, Dr. Morgan, or Dr. Turrill to selecting frames with the opticians in our optical shop, you’ll receive personalized care every step of the way. Whether you need high-performance sunwear for active days or a statement piece that reflects your style, you’ll find exceptional quality, advanced lenses, and true value at our BVC optical shop in Carlsbad.
Schedule an appointment with us today to find your pair of prescription sunglasses and join the BVC family – where your vision matters most!