According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, more than 105 million Americans have refractive errors. This includes vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism – all of which require the use of eyeglasses to see better. If you’re among the millions of people requiring glasses, you may have some questions about prescription sunglasses in particular.
Prescription sunglasses offer a perfect blend of style and functionality, ensuring clear vision while protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays. As the demand for these versatile eyewear pieces continues to soar, questions abound regarding their necessity, customization options, and more. In this short guide, we delve into common inquiries surrounding prescription sunglasses, shedding light on everything you need to know to make informed decisions about your overall eye health.
Do I really need prescription sunglasses?
Similar to the age-old debate on wearing glasses vs contact lenses that we discussed in a previous post, the need for prescription sunglasses boils down to a few factors – lifestyle, comfort, and budget. For example, if you spend a good portion of your time outdoors or if you often drive in the daytime and squint to see in the sun, prescription sunglasses are a smart investment. They are also ideal for those who can’t wear contacts comfortably due to allergies, dry eye syndrome, or blepharitis since wearing nonprescriptive sunglasses when you need vision correction can be a source of eyestrain and headaches.
Do prescription sunglasses provide the same vision correction abilities as eyeglasses?
In terms of giving you visual clarity, prescription sunnies do offer the same level of vision correction as regular eyeglasses. When you purchase prescription sunglasses from reputable online retailers, they fully customize your sunglasses according to your exact prescription, as the name implies. Online retailer Eyebuydirect also includes the option to choose between single-vision, bifocal, and progressive lenses. The only difference between prescription sunglasses and eyeglasses is that the lenses have a darker tint and a UV-protective coating to safeguard your eyes from UV rays. Keep in mind that you will need an updated vision prescription from your eye doctor to ensure that your vision correction needs are met.
What are the advantages of having prescription sunglasses?
The main benefit of prescription sunglasses lies in their ability to correct vision while protecting your eyes from UV rays, which can accelerate the development of eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration, as well as lead to conditions like photokeratitis (a type of eye sunburn). Additionally, prescription sunglasses are a lot more convenient than having to carry around both sunglasses and eyeglasses. With these, you won’t need to worry about choosing between vision correction and sun protection.
Can I get polarized prescription sunglasses?
For an additional cost, you can get your prescription sunglasses polarized at most eyewear retailers, whether online or offline. Polarized lenses feature a filter that blocks horizontally polarized light, reducing glare from reflective surfaces like water, sand, and snow. Glare reduction boosts visual comfort and enhances comfort, so this type of customization is recommended for activities like daytime driving, fishing, and sailing.
Are prescription sunglasses covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage for prescription sunglasses largely depends on your insurance provider and the kind of vision insurance you have. Most vision insurance plans cover the cost of either contact lenses or a single pair of prescription eyeglasses per year, but you can decide if you want to get regular eyeglasses or prescription sunglasses. Supplemental coverage such as Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) can also be used to help cover some of the cost of your prescription sunglasses.
By understanding the benefits, customization options, and insurance coverage of prescription sunglasses, you’re better equipped to confidently select the perfect pair that suits your unique needs and style preferences. Invest in your eye health and elevate your look with the unbeatable combination of clear vision and sun protection provided by prescription sunglasses.
