Prescription sunglasses: everything you need to know

If you wear glasses, you know how awkward summer can get: the sun bothers you, but you have to choose between seeing well and protecting your eyes. Many people with short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism reach for non-prescription sunglasses and end up squinting or with a headache within ten minutes.

The good news is that there's a perfect solution: prescription sunglasses. In this article we explain what they are, what types exist and how to choose the ones that best fit your lifestyle.

What are prescription sunglasses?

They are sunglasses whose lenses incorporate your exact visual correction — the same one you wear in your everyday glasses — with the added bonus of a certified sun filter. This means you'll see sharply and, at the same time, your eyes will be protected from ultraviolet (UV) radiation and glare.

Types of lenses for prescription sunglasses

Not all prescription sun lenses are the same. These are the most common options and which profile each one suits best:

5 advantages of prescription sunglasses

• 👁️
  You see sharply at all timeswithout having to squint or put your sunglasses over your regular glasses. One single frame, perfect vision.
• ☀️
  Real, certified UV protectiona prescription sun lens carries exactly the same UV400 filter as any quality pair of sunglasses. Your eyes are protected from the radiation that can cause cataracts and retinal damage.
• 🚗
  Greater safety when drivingwith prescription sunglasses you drive without reflections and without needing glasses over glasses, which is more comfortable and safer.
• 🏖️
  Perfect for holidays and sportbeach, mountain, tennis, hiking… you no longer have to give up sharp vision when the sun is strong.
• 💆
  Say goodbye to headachesstraining your eyes with non-prescription lenses in bright light leads to eye tension and headaches. Sunglasses with your prescription remove that strain.

Prescription sunglasses vs. clip-on vs. contact lenses + sun?

These are the three most common alternatives for people with a prescription who want sun protection. Here is an honest comparison:

The conclusion is clear: prescription sunglasses are the most comfortable option with the best visual result. The clip-on is an affordable alternative if you already have a frame.

Which lens colour suits you?

Lens colour isn't just about looks — it affects how you perceive colours and depth:

How to choose your prescription sunglasses: step by step

• 1

  Check your current prescription

  If you haven't had a recent check-up, take the chance to have a complete eye exam. An out-of-date prescription in your sunglasses can cause visual fatigue without you realising.

• 2

  Think about your main use

  Are they for driving? Sport? The beach? Each use has a more suitable lens type: polarised for driving and water, photochromic if you move in and out of buildings, uniform tinted for general use.

• 3

  Pick the right frame for your prescription

  Very small or heavily curved frames can make it harder to manufacture lenses with high prescriptions. At Òptica Florit we advise you so that you choose a frame compatible with your correction and your style.

• 4

  Confirm the UV400 filter

  Always insist that the lenses carry UV400 certification. This isn't an extra: it is the minimum level of protection any responsible pair of sunglasses must have.

• 5

  Consider additional coatings

  Anti-reflective on the inner face, hardening treatment, hydrophobic (repels water and dust)… these finishes greatly improve everyday use, especially at the beach or in the mountains.

Brands available at Òptica Florit

We work with top-tier lens manufacturers to guarantee the best optical quality in your prescription sunglasses:

And for frames, we work with the leading international and local brands — from sports glasses to fashion designs — so you can find the perfect combination of style and function.

Frequently asked questions