As long summer days attract us to enjoy a little fun in the sun, prescription sunglasses are a must for many eyeglasses wearers. While working or playing in the great outdoors, prescription sunglasses provide the benefits of crystal-clear vision paired with the glare reduction and eye comfort of a good pair of shades.

So, if you’re considering prescription sunglasses for the first time, here are three things you should look for… 

UV Protection

The same UV rays from the sun that can burn your skin can also burn your eyes. Over-exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause photokeratitis, which is essentially an eye sunburn. And, yes, it hurts quite a bit. UV radiation can also have long-term effects on your eyes, including increasing your risk of retina damage or cataracts. So, when you’re looking for prescription sunglasses, be sure to specify that you want UV-blocking lenses. The American Optometric Association recommends sunglasses that block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.

Standard Sunglass Lenses vs Transition Lenses

Some people don’t mind carrying around two pairs of eyeglasses – a regular pair of prescription glasses for indoors and separate pair of standard prescription sunglasses for outdoors. Others, however, would rather have a single pair of eyeglasses for all occasions. That’s where transition lenses (also known as photochromic lenses) make all the difference. Transition lenses automatically darken in bright sunlight and return to a regular tint in normally lit environments. Often, however, transition lenses won’t darken in the car, so you may still find it useful to keep a pair of prescription sunglasses with polarized lenses on hand to use while driving.

Style

We all want to look our best, and your eyeglasses are probably the one thing you wear more than anything else. So, make sure to find frames that match and enhance your style. Today, many well-known designers make a variety of attractive prescription eyeglass frames, all of which can be paired with sunglass lenses. From Gucci and Kate Spade to Maui Jim and Costa Del Mar, there are frames to match anyone’s style and budget. When you visit your eye doctor, take some time to try on a variety to see which frames best accentuate your style. 

At our optical shops in Gainesville, we have an outstanding selection of frames plus top-notch optometrists and licensed opticians, to help you get the perfect pair of prescription sunglasses.

Contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today at 352-373-4300, or stop by our optical shop on NW 8th Avenue and 43rd Street in Gainesville or in Tioga Town Center on West Newberry Road.