If you have a prescription for your eyes that requires you to wear glasses to correct your vision, then you may want to consider investing in a good pair of prescription sunglasses too. If you wear prescription glasses, it can be annoying to have to buy and attach magnetic or clip-on sun shields or to place a pair of sunglasses over your prescription glasses, which can become bulky and heavy against your face.

With prescription sunglasses, however, you can avoid that annoyance by just slipping on your shades. 

That’s not the only benefit of prescription sunglasses, though, and choosing the right prescription sunglasses can be a difficult choice, especially when you factor in choosing the correct lens type, frame, and additional features. 

Prescription sunglasses are exactly what they sound like — sunglasses that are made with your specific eye prescription in mind. Almost all prescriptions can be turned into sunglasses, providing you with the ultimate protection against the ultraviolet (UV) rays produced by the sun.

While you may think it’s unnecessary to wear sunglasses, that can be a dangerous mindset. UV rays can hurt your eyes and can increase your risk of getting cataracts. You’re also at an increased risk of developing eye-related diseases like macular degeneration, solar retinitis, and corneal dystrophies. 

While prescription sunglasses are not mandatory, you should consider investing in a pair, especially if you spend a good portion of your time in an outdoor setting or even driving down the road through the daytime. There are few, if any, disadvantages to investing in a pair and wearing them when outside. 

You may be wondering, “Are prescription sunglasses worth it?" The answer to this question will depend on you, but there are many benefits to buying and wearing prescription sunglasses that you should consider. 

You'll also enjoy the following benefits with prescription sunglasses:

If you’re still debating on whether or not prescription sunglasses are worth it, consider the following:

Choosing your prescription sunglasses might seem overwhelming, especially when you factor in all the options for lenses and frames. If you feel uncertain about your choices, you should consult with your optometrist. They can answer any questions you have and assist you in picking out the perfect pair. 

If you’d rather choose a pair on your own, you should keep the following considerations in mind:

You should also keep in mind that: 

When in doubt, consult your optometrist for advice. 

You can buy prescription sunglasses any optometrist's office, including Walmart Vision Center. You can also purchase prescription sunglasses from online retailers like Zenni Optical and EyeBuyDirect. To buy prescription sunglasses online, make sure that you have your most up-to-date prescription on hand. 

American Academy of Ophthalmology: “Sunglasses: Your Prescription for Eye Health," “Taking A Clear Look at Prescription Sunglasses," “Tips for Choosing the Best Sunglasses.”

Cleveland Clinic: “5 Ways to Maintain Good Vision and Healthy Eyes.”

North Suburban Eye Associates, P.C.: “Six Advantages Of Prescription Sunglasses.”

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