Prescription Sunglasses Buying Guide
Knowing which type of prescription lenses to choose can be confusing so we have listed below an explanation of the main types available.
With regards to which colour lenses are suitable for different light conditions and sports, we have created a Sunglasses Lens Guide and a Goggle Lens Guide. Bear in mind that all prescription lenses can also be custom tinted, so if you have a special request please contact us for further advice.
For safety reasons, unless otherwise specified, all our lenses are made of polycarbonate – at 100 times stronger than glass, this material is ideal for sports use and has a proven track record in safety eyewear.
SINGLE VISION LENSES
These have the same focal power (strength) throughout the lens and can be used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or a combination of these. Most people who wear glasses before the age of 40 have single vision lenses
VARIFOCAL LENSES
Look like single vision lenses, but have an increased power at the bottom of the lens to allow for near vision work like reading. Most people over the age of 45 will start to notice that they need glasses to help with near vision
HIGH INDEX LENSES
Most of our prescription lenses are supplied in the range of +4.00 to -4.00. For higher prescriptions outside this range, we can sometimes use high index lenses which are still thin despite the prescription size.
POLARISED LENSES
When glare against a highly reflective surface is an issue, for example in water or winter sports, this lenses greatly reduces the amount of dazzle, improving the comfort and vision
TRANSITION LENSES
These are useful for changing light conditions, especially for sports outdoors, these lenses change colour from a light to dark tint (category 1 to 3) as the light changes.
SPECIAL COATINGS
Anti-scratch, hydrophobic (water repellent) and oleophobic (oil repellent) coatings are all available.
If you would like any advice or further information, our staff will be happy to advise you – 0207 435 9956