Whether for sporty purposes or entertainment and relaxation, spending time outdoors is a great way to absorb much-needed sunlight and vitamin D. However, like most other things, too much sunshine can be bad for you. Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself from overexposure to UV rays — like sunglasses. 

According to research from Reports and Data, the prescription sunglasses market was valued at $18.1 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow and reach $30.4 billion in 2032. Aside from the surging popularity of outdoor sports and leisure activities, researchers also note the rising prevalence of vision-related conditions like myopia or nearsightedness. As such, many outdoor enthusiasts look for vision correction features in their sunglasses.

Another factor driving the prescription sunglasses market is the expanding e-commerce trend, making a large selection of shades more accessible and convenient for customers. Today, shopping for prescription sunglasses can be as easy as a few taps on a smartphone. Still, choosing from various sunglasses brands, models, materials, and specs available can be overwhelming. Below, we’ll be sharing a guide for prescription sunglasses shopping:

Selecting your frames

As mentioned above, when browsing online eyewear retailers, you’ll likely see many choices for sunglasses designs, styles, colors, and shapes. However, assessing what specific features you may need for your sunglasses is vital, especially if you’ll likely spend lots of time outdoors. 

For example, suppose you’ll need the shades for physically demanding outdoor fun and sports. In that case, you may want to choose prescription sunglasses with thicker frames and durable material, like the matte black Virtual model. The Virtual is also made of acetate, which is as lightweight as it is durable. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more fashion-forward and won’t be sweating or running around, you may consider the aviator-shaped Good Vibrations or the round Guru, which have thinner and more stylish metal frames. You can also choose your frame style depending on your face shape. The rounded Guru, for example, can complement longer and angular faces. Meanwhile, if you have a rounder face shape, you may want to contrast it with angular sunglasses like the Wayfarer shape.

Choosing your lenses

Another overwhelming choice to make is your prescription sunglasses lenses. This covers the design and shape of your lenses, materials, and other special features. For example, fishing enthusiasts and other water sports athletes prefer polarized lenses due to their anti-glare properties. Polarized lenses have specialized filters that block and minimize glare from the sun, improving visibility and reducing eye strain.

Of course, not everyone needs highly specialized sunglasses. If you aren’t spending most of your time outdoors but enjoy an occasional trip to the beach or nearby park, you may consider photochromic lenses— also known as transition lenses. Today, many sunglasses manufacturers offer this lens type to reduce the need to switch between sunglasses for sun protection and regular glasses for vision correction. Sunglasses company Transitions recently announced its new dark lens technology, allowing lenses to activate outdoors in just two seconds and fade back to fully clear in less than two minutes.

Checking for insurance

Finally, some prescription sunglasses brands may be more costly than you prefer. Fortunately, you may be covered depending on your coverage and insurance provider. We’ve previously shared some insurance tips, highlighting how they can be used to cover various aspects of your health care. This ranges from visits to the physician and hospital stays to prescription drugs and preventative services.

If you’re unsure, you can try inquiring with your carrier about the details of your health insurance and whether or not it extends to vision insurance. Most vision insurance packages will cover contact lenses or prescription glasses — including prescription sunglasses. Otherwise, if you have supplemental coverage like a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), these funds can help with your prescription sunglasses expenses.