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Are Prescription Sunglasses Worth It? The Pros, Cons, and Alternatives

Are Prescription Sunglasses Worth It? The Pros, Cons, and Alternatives

Tired of choosing between seeing that rogue soccer ball coming at you full throttle and not burning your retina? No longer must you sacrifice your vibe to vision. With prescription sunglasses, you can enjoy clear vision, polarization, and out-of-this-world style. Finally, shades that actually work for your eyes. But are they just a fancy gimmick, or a legit game-changer for athletes, drivers, and anyone who squints? Let's weigh the epic wins against the potential "oofs," and see if they're truly worth the hype (and the price tag).

Table of Contents

  1. What Are Prescription Sunglasses And How Do They Work?

  2. Are Prescription Sunglasses Worth It?

  3. What Are The Pros Of Prescription Sunglasses?

  4. What Are The Cons Of Prescription Sunglasses?

  5. What Are Some Alternatives To Prescription Sunglasses?

  6. How Do You Decide If Prescription Sunglasses Are Right For You?

  7. Finding The Right Fit And Budget For Your Eyes

What Are Prescription Sunglasses And How Do They Work?

Woman wearing pink cat-eye sunglasses with blue lenses, and a white sun visor

Think of them as your favorite sunglasses and regular glasses had a very functional, and very stylish offspring. Regular sunglasses are great for blocking the sun, but the lenses offer no vision correction. While regular prescription glasses offer vision correction, they do not offer polarization or adequate sun protection.

Prescription sunglasses mash-up the benefits that work for you, combining exact vision prescription and baking it into a lens that also offers optimal UV protection, polarization, and tint. And there’s been a rise in polarized prescription sunglasses due to the benefits they provide. Though we’re not pioneers in the prescription sunglasses industry, we make it our mission to hand you the good stuff, AKA prescription sunglasses that look as good as you with them on.

Are Prescription Sunglasses Worth It?

Are prescription sunglasses worth it? If you value seeing things like your next step, uneven ground, or your friend’s eye roll after your fourth ball drop, then yes. They’re the ultimate two-for-one: clarity when there’s low light or sunny conditions, and protection from excessive sun exposure to your eyes that can cause adverse health effects.

When you’re driving during the day, prescription sunglasses cut glare, so you can see the road and not an unwanted light show. Add some polarization, and they lessen eye strain and boost depth of vision, which comes in handy when you’re about to serve for that volleyball or tennis ball. Or if you’re just existing outside, prescription sunglasses give “eye doctor-recommended” a much-needed cool factor.

We’ve all heard it, the myth that prescription sunglasses are not worth the cost. But we’re here to demystify that misconception. The barrier here isn’t value, it’s price. But when you’ve got brands like goodr, you can kick that high price tag to the curb! (Bu-bye and don’t let the door hit you on your way out.) We build durable, no-BS prescription sunglasses that survive all the shenanigans you put them through for a fraction of the price.

In the end, “worth it” hinges on you, your budget, and your style needs. How often are you leaving the house? Do you play sports? Do you drive often? Does your style call for that mysterious sunglasses-wearing, secret agent energy? When you get these deets down, you’ll have your answers.

What Are The Pros Of Prescription Sunglasses?

1. Clear Vision in Bright Conditions

Switching your regular sunglasses to your regular prescription glasses can get tedious if you’re constantly in different light settings. Save the energy and the space in your bag with prescription sunglasses. They help you gain improved visibility in the many light conditions and help you feel comfortable under the sunlight as you go about your day.

2. Enhanced UV and Glare Protection

Polarized lenses with baked-in UV protection reduce glare and eye strain so you can be outside for as long as needed without any eye discomfort. Prescription sunglasses also grant wearers protection from harmful UV rays, preventing long-term eye damage.

3. Customization and Style Options

One size doesn’t fit all vibes. And we know that, that’s why we carry a variety of lens coatings, tints, and frame styles to choose from for the adventurous to the understated fashion icon. Modern prescription sunglasses are both functional and stylish, so you can select sunglasses that suit you without giving up your panache.

A man and woman in stylish brown outfits pose wearing brown tortoiseshell angled cat-eye sunglasses with brown lenses.

What Are the Cons of Prescription Sunglasses?

1. Higher Cost Than Non-Prescription Sunglasses

This one hurts, but it’s true. There are extra expenses to consider when custom prescription lenses enter the conversation. Along with the initial expense, there’s always the future cost of replacements. However, goodr offers affordable prescription sunglasses that won’t make your wallet cry and offer quality that your eyes won’t believe (but seeing is believing, friend).

2. Inconvenience for Multifocal or Changing Prescriptions

If your prescription is often changing, it may require new lenses. So you might be buying a new pair of glasses along with sunglasses every few years. It’s especially not ideal if you own multiple pairs of glasses already, like reading glasses, workwear glasses, or ski goggles (we have some of those, too). Adding prescription sunglasses to the mix may be putting a lot on your plate. So if this is you, you might want to weigh your options.

3. Limited Flexibility

If you’re constantly moving from outdoors to indoors, you might find prescription sunglasses more of a hassle since you can't easily adjust them for changing light. Constantly swapping them with your regular glasses isn’t ideal if you’re in a hurry. And if you’re seeking swappable lenses between frames, you might find yourself trying to cram lenses unfit for your new frames, which could result in scuffed lenses or, worse, broken lenses.

What Are Some Alternatives To Prescription Sunglasses?

1. Clip-On or Magnetic Sunglasses

You can opt for some clip-on lenses to turn any pair of prescription glasses into sunglasses in a quick change. It's convenient for those who already have a well-loved pair of eyeglasses they want to rock in every part of life, whether that be indoors or outdoors. The only downside is the bulk they’ll add to your look since you effectively have two lenses in front of each eye.

2. Transition (Photochromic) Lenses

The coolest kid on the block who always has the new game console that’s sold out for months. Skip the decision between prescription sunglasses or prescription altogether, because transition lenses do it all for you. They automatically darken in sunlight, so you can have that subtle shift as you take your eyeglasses from day to night. If you’re bogged down with your day-to-day, these lenses are your new bff. But be mindful that transition lenses can be slow to change and be less effective in cars.

3. Wearing Contact Lenses with Polarized Sunglasses

If getting your fingers near your eyes doesn’t make you queasy, this might be the way to go. Skip the eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses with contact lenses. They offer flexibility and don’t require you to add any prescription to your sunglasses.  This option frees you up to wear fun, affordable sunglasses, kinda like some of the sunglasses we make here at goodr (what a coincidence). It’s a great idea for those with sporty and active lifestyles. The only con is the price, and dry eye for some, so talk to your eye doctor to figure out if this is the best route for you.

How Do You Decide If Prescription Sunglasses Are Right For You?

Ask yourself these questions if you’re considering prescription sunglasses:

  • Do you spend a lot of time outdoors?

  • Do you need vision correction for driving or sports?

  • Is convenience or cost your top priority?

If you’re the outdoorsy type or just find yourself outside a lot, you might just be the ideal candidate for prescription sunglasses. They provide UV protection, polarization to block glare, and overall, keep your eyes healthy. And you can find all these benefits in a trusted pair of goodrs! Think of us as your (healthy) gateway into the world of prescription sunglasses.

Finding The Right Fit and Budget For Your Eyes

Three pairs of sunglasses on a white surface with a black background

Before you commit, let's weigh the epic wins against the potential "oofs" and see what other roads you could take.

Pros:

  • Clear Vision in Bright Conditions

  • Enhanced UV and Glare Reduction

  • Customization and Style Options

Cons:

  • Higher Cost Than Non-Prescription Sunglasses

  • Inconvenience for Multifocal or Changing Prescriptions

  • Limited Flexibility

Alternative Options:

  • Clip-On or Magnetic Sunglasses

  • Transition (Photochromic) Lenses

  • Wearing Contact Lenses with Polarized Sunglasses

It’s all about balance when it comes to prescription sunglasses, because not all are made alike. The perfect pair should offer clarity, UV protection, and affordability. Check out our lineup of prescription sunglasses for that perfect fit, and if you’re a contact lens wearer, take a peep at our entire collection.  If you’re ready, don’t forget those sunglasses holders to elongate your sunnies' life.

Conclusion

Prescription sunglasses are not a universal fit, but if you're regularly squinting at the sun, they're a non-negotiable upgrade from optical neglect. Testing the waters with goodr is the smart move. You get legit performance without the paralyzing price tag. 

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