Prescription lens wearers need just as much UV protection as anyone else. Unfortunately, buying two pairs of prescription lenses is twice as expensive as buying a single pair. Prescription lens wearers have other options, including transition lenses and clip-on and wear-over shades. So what way is the best to go?
Designer eyewear wholesaler Olympic Eyewear says the options can really be divided into two categories: transition lenses and separate sunglasses. Whether those separate sunglasses constitute an extra pair of prescription lenses or a pair of clip-ons or wear-overs creates even more issues that have to be considered. You can make a case for any of the options, which is the point of this post.
Table of Contents
The Case for Transitions
Transition lenses really took off a number of years ago when eyewear manufacturers began including full UV protection. One of the big things that makes these lenses so attractive today is the fact that they are convenient. Having a pair of transition lenses means never being without your sunglasses.
Modern transitions offer continuous UV protection even on those cloudy days when you would normally not think about wearing sunglasses. And because most prescription lens wearers go their entire lives without losing their glasses, they are less likely to lose their transitions than a pair of separate sunglasses that have to be accounted for.
Of course, there is the issue of cost. Transition lenses are significantly more expensive. But if a consumer is considering buying a pair of prescription sunglasses, the cost of two prescriptions will be more than a single pair of transitions. On the other hand, the consumer can buy a pair of nonprescription clip-ons at a fraction of the cost of transition lenses.
The Case for Separate Sunglasses
Separate sunglasses can be obtained in one of many different formats, as previously explained. The first is a pair of prescription sunglasses to complement the lenses worn indoors. The advantage of going this route is that for the consumer who already has a pair prescription lenses that he or she is comfortable with, purchasing a pair of prescription sunglasses will be cheaper than replacing current lenses with transitions. However, it does mean keeping track of another pair of glasses.
Consumers concerned about cost might prefer just to buy a pair of nonprescription sunglasses and be done with it. Where the consumer might pay hundreds of dollars for a new prescription, he or she can spend significantly less on a pair of nonprescription designer sunglasses to fit over indoor lenses.
Other than cost, there is another benefit to going this route. It is a lot easier to find good looking designer frames if you are willing to purchase nonprescription sunglasses. Designers from Olympic Eyewear to any of the Luxottica brands are constantly producing new frames to keep up with the hottest trends.
The obvious downside is that you’re still dealing with clip-ons and wear-overs. They may not be the most attractive option if you’re the kind of person who insists on stylishness.
Whatever Makes You Happy
In the end, there is no right or wrong answer to the question of transitions versus separate sunglasses. It really comes down to whatever makes you happy. Having said that, quality should always be a consideration regardless of the consumer’s choice.
A good pair of glasses should last years without wearing out or breaking. They should be stylish enough to withstand the constant trends that come and go so often. And above all, they should be fully functional. That means complete UV protection and polarization. Nail down those things and you are good to go.
