Guide · prescription sunglasses
Prescription sunglasses: your options, from everyday to varifocal
If you wear glasses, you can have sunglasses that let you see properly too, in single vision or varifocal lenses, and in most frames, designer ones included. Here is how to choose.
Three ways to have sunglasses with your prescription
Tinted lenses. Your prescription in a sunglass lens, in the colour and depth you like. Simple, and the widest choice of frames.
Polarised lenses. These cut the glare that bounces off roads, water and car bonnets. The best choice for driving and holidays by the sea. A few car dashboards and phone screens look darker through them.
Light-reactive lenses. Clear indoors, they darken outside. One pair for everything, though they darken less behind a car windscreen.
Varifocal sunglasses
If you wear varifocals, your sunglasses can be varifocal too, so you can read a menu or a map outside without swapping pairs. More about varifocals.
Which frames
Most frames can take prescription sunglass lenses, including many designer sunglasses. Very curved wraparound frames suit some prescriptions better than others; we will tell you before you choose. The frames we carry.
For driving
Choose a tint that is safe to drive in, and polarised if glare bothers you. Very dark lenses are not suitable for driving, and no tint is suitable at night. Eyesight rules for driving.
What they cost
It depends on the lenses and the frame you choose. We price every option with you before you decide. Our prices.
Your next step
If your prescription is more than two years old, start with an eye test so your sunglasses are made to your eyes as they are now.
The short version
- Tinted, polarised or light-reactive, in your prescription
- Polarised is best for glare on roads and water
- Varifocal sunglasses mean no swapping pairs
- Most frames can take them, designer ones included