Burghley & Co Handbook
Prescription Sunglasses Guide
Prescription sunglasses give you clear vision, proper sun protection and everyday comfort in one pair of glasses. They are one of the most useful pairs you can own — especially for driving, holidays, walking, sport and bright days — but the right lens choice matters.
What are prescription sunglasses?
Prescription sunglasses are sunglasses made with your optical prescription built into the lenses. Instead of choosing between seeing clearly and protecting your eyes from bright sunlight, you get both in one pair.
They can be made for single vision distance, reading, varifocal or other prescription needs depending on your eye test and how you plan to use them.
Why ordinary sunglasses are not always enough
Many people own fashion sunglasses, but if you normally need prescription glasses for distance vision, ordinary sunglasses can leave the world blurred. This is especially important for driving, where clear distance vision is essential.
Prescription sunglasses solve this by combining your prescription with proper sunglass protection, giving you sharper vision in bright conditions without having to compromise.
Why UV protection matters
Sunglasses are not just about reducing brightness. Good sunglass lenses should also protect your eyes from ultraviolet light. UV exposure can contribute to long-term eye health problems, so proper UV protection is one of the most important parts of a sunglass lens.
A dark lens without proper UV protection is not good enough. Darkness only reduces visible light; it does not automatically mean the lens is protecting your eyes properly.
Dark lenses do not always mean better protection
One of the biggest myths about sunglasses is that a darker lens must be safer. In reality, tint depth and UV protection are separate things.
A very dark lens may feel more comfortable in bright light, but the lens still needs proper UV protection. This is why lens quality matters more than simply choosing the darkest pair.
Who should consider prescription sunglasses?
Prescription sunglasses are useful for anyone who wears prescription glasses and spends time outdoors. They are especially helpful if you drive regularly, travel, walk outdoors, watch sport, go to the coast, garden, play golf or struggle with glare in bright conditions.
They are not just a holiday pair. For many people, they become one of the most used pairs of glasses they own.
Choosing the right sunglass tint
The colour of your sunglass lens affects how the world looks through it. There is no single best tint for everyone. The right choice depends on your lifestyle, light sensitivity and personal preference.
Grey lenses
Grey is a very natural sunglass tint. It reduces brightness while keeping colours looking fairly neutral. It is a strong everyday option and is often preferred for driving and general outdoor use.
Brown lenses
Brown lenses can increase contrast and make the view feel warmer. Many people like brown for variable light, countryside use, golf and general outdoor wear.
Green lenses
Green lenses offer a classic sunglass look and can give a comfortable balance between brightness reduction and contrast. They are often chosen for a more traditional premium sunglass appearance.
Solid tint or gradient tint?
A solid tint has the same depth of colour across the whole lens. It is usually the best choice if you want consistent protection and brightness reduction.
A gradient tint is darker at the top and lighter towards the bottom. It can look elegant and is useful for lifestyle wear, but it may not feel as protective in very bright conditions.
Should you choose polarised lenses?
Polarised lenses are designed to reduce glare from reflective surfaces such as roads, water, car bonnets and wet pavements. They can be excellent for driving, fishing, holidays and bright outdoor conditions.
However, polarised lenses are not always necessary for everyone. They can sometimes make certain screens harder to see, and they are not the same thing as UV protection. They are a glare-reducing option, not a replacement for proper UV protection.
For a deeper explanation, read our guide to polarised lenses.
Prescription sunglasses or photochromic lenses?
Photochromic lenses darken outdoors and become clearer indoors. They are very convenient if you want one everyday pair that adapts to changing light.
Prescription sunglasses are usually better if you want a dedicated sun pair with a consistent tint, stronger sunglass appearance or polarised lens option.
In simple terms: photochromic lenses are convenient, while prescription sunglasses are more deliberate. Many people benefit from owning both.
Can every sunglass frame take prescription lenses?
No. Some sunglasses are not suitable for all prescriptions. Very curved or heavily wrapped frames can be more difficult to glaze accurately, especially with stronger prescriptions.
Frame size also matters. Larger lenses can increase thickness and weight depending on the prescription. This is why prescription suitability should be checked before ordering.
Choosing the right frame
A good prescription sunglass frame should feel secure, comfortable and stable. It should give enough coverage from sunlight without being so large that it makes the lenses unnecessarily heavy or thick.
Fit matters as much as style. A sunglass frame that slides down, sits too wide or touches your cheeks can quickly become irritating, especially in warm weather.
Common mistakes when buying prescription sunglasses
- Choosing the darkest tint without checking UV protection.
- Assuming all sunglasses are polarised.
- Choosing a very oversized frame with a strong prescription.
- Buying a wraparound frame without checking prescription suitability.
- Thinking photochromic lenses fully replace dedicated sunglasses.
- Forgetting that driving and glare may need different lens choices.
Scott’s advice
If you wear glasses every day, prescription sunglasses are not a luxury purchase — they are a practical second pair. The mistake is choosing them purely by frame style and forgetting the lenses.
For most people, I would rather see a well-fitting frame with a good quality grey, brown or green UV-protective tint than an oversized fashion frame that looks good online but is awkward to glaze or uncomfortable to wear.
If glare bothers you, especially while driving or around water, polarised lenses are worth considering. If convenience matters more than having a dedicated sunglass pair, photochromic lenses may be the better route.
Related guides
For more help, read our guides to choosing prescription lenses, polarised lenses, photochromic lenses, choosing glasses frames and virtual try-on.
FAQs
Are prescription sunglasses worth it?
Yes, if you wear prescription glasses and spend time outdoors. They give you clear vision and sun protection in one pair, which is especially useful for driving, holidays and everyday outdoor wear.
Can I have varifocal prescription sunglasses?
Yes, many people choose varifocal prescription sunglasses. They can be useful if you want clear distance and reading vision outdoors, but the frame must be suitable and the measurements need to be accurate.
Are polarised prescription sunglasses better?
Polarised prescription sunglasses are better for reducing glare from roads, water and reflective surfaces. They are not essential for everyone, but they can be very useful for driving, fishing, holidays and bright outdoor conditions.
What is the best tint colour for prescription sunglasses?
Grey is a good neutral everyday tint, brown can improve contrast and green gives a classic sunglass appearance. The best choice depends on how and where you will wear them.
Can any sunglasses be made into prescription sunglasses?
No. Some frames are too curved, too large or unsuitable for certain prescriptions. It is always best to check prescription suitability before ordering.
Are darker lenses better for your eyes?
Not necessarily. Darker lenses reduce brightness, but they still need proper UV protection. Tint darkness and UV protection are not the same thing.
Can I drive in prescription sunglasses?
Yes, prescription sunglasses are often very useful for driving in bright conditions. You should make sure the tint is suitable for driving and that your vision meets the legal driving standard.
Should I choose prescription sunglasses or photochromic lenses?
Choose prescription sunglasses if you want a dedicated sun pair with a consistent tint. Choose photochromic lenses if you prefer one pair that changes between clear and tinted depending on light conditions.
Need help?
Unsure what to choose?
If you are not sure about your prescription, frame size or lens choice, ask before you order.