Prescription Sunglasses: Necessity, Cost, Benefits and Downsides

Published on May 6th, 2024

Updated on January 16th, 2025

Prescription sunglasses refer to sunglasses that have a prescription over the lens for vision correction. Prescription lenses are important pieces of eyewear as they are effective at both protecting the eyes from the sun and providing vision correction. At Oscar Wylee you can buy prescription sunglasses online or in-store. The cost of prescription sunglasses will depend on the frame and the lenses. At Oscar Wylee, our prescription sunglasses start from $199. Keep reading to learn more about prescription sunglasses and how to purchase prescription sunglasses at Oscar Wylee.

What are Prescription Sunglasses?

Prescription sunglasses refer to sunglasses that have prescription lenses. Prescription lenses are glasses lenses that have a power over the lens that helps correct refractive errors, such as myopia and hyperopia, and allow people to see clearer. Sunglasses refer to a type of eyewear that helps protect the eye from the sun and its UV rays. Prescription sunglasses allow people to have the benefits of sunglasses such as protection from the sun and glare, whilst also allowing a person to see clearer.

Prescription sunglasses as seen by the wearer, with vision clearer and also protected from the sun by a tint.

Who Needs Prescription Sunglasses?

People who need prescription sunglasses are those who need the vision correction that prescription lenses provide and also require protection from the sun and its UV rays. Prescription sunglasses allow people to have the double benefit of seeing clearly outside whilst also protecting their eyes and increasing comfort. Prescription sunglasses that are polarised are also beneficial for those who work or spend a lot of time in high-glare environments. Prescription glasses are also beneficial in protecting the eyes from potential injury or irritation caused by exposure to the elements such as wind, rain, sand or dust.

How Much Do Prescription Sunglasses Cost?

The cost of prescription sunglasses will differ depending on the retailer, the customer’s eye needs and the exact materials or add-ons required for the glasses lenses. At Oscar Wylee, prescription sunglasses start from $199.

Can you Buy Prescription Sunglasses Online?

Yes, you can buy prescription sunglasses online at Oscar Wylee. To buy Oscar Wylee prescription sunglasses online, you need to head to our website, select sunglasses from the top of the page or hover over sunglasses to select a specific style of sunglasses. Once you have been directed to a sunglasses page, you will decide what pair you like, and select prescription. You will then be asked how you want to give us your prescription and pick your lenses before checking out.

Oscar Wylee prescription sunglasses on display.

What are the Benefits of Prescription Sunglasses?

There are many different benefits of prescription sunglasses including vision correction, protection from UV rays, reducing glare and protecting eyes from the elements. The benefits of prescription sunglasses are listed below.

Vision correction: Vision correction is one of the biggest benefits of prescription sunglasses. Unlike non-prescription sunglasses, prescription sunglasses will carry a person’s prescription over the lens so they can see clearly whilst also protecting their eyes from the sun and other elements.
Protection from UV rays: Protection from UV rays is a major benefit of both prescription and non-prescription sunglasses. UV rays are a type of radiation emitted from the sun. UV radiation can be harmful to the eyes if they are exposed for prolonged periods of time.
Reduce glare: Reducing glare is one of the benefits of prescription sunglasses if they have been polarised. Polarisation is a coating applied to glasses lens that cuts out glare on the horizontal wavelength. This can help people to see clearly.
Protect eyes from the elements: Protecting the eyes from the elements is another benefit of both prescription and non-prescription sunglasses. Sunglasses provide a barrier between the eyes and elements such as wind, rain or dust.

What are the Downsides of Prescription Sunglasses?

There are not many downsides to prescription sunglasses, as this type of eyewear is effective in both protecting the eyes from the sun and providing vision correction. One downside of prescription sunglasses is that they will generally be more expensive than non-prescription sunglasses, or optical glasses as the lenses are more specialised.

How to Choose the Right Prescription Sunglasses?

The steps to choosing the right prescription sunglasses include first booking an eye test, considering face shape, choosing a style and selecting lens type. The steps for choosing the right prescription sunglasses are listed below.

Book an eye test: Booking an eye test with an optometrist is the first step in choosing prescription sunglasses, as an eye test will let you know what prescription, or level of vision correction that you need in your glasses. If you already have a valid, existing prescription, you can move on to the next step.
Consider face shape: Considering your face shape is an important step in choosing all types of glasses including prescription sunglasses. There are several different types of face shapes including round, oval, pear, square, heart-shaped and diamond. Certain face shapes are better suited to certain styles of glasses. For example, a round glasses frame will complement the structure of a square face shape.
Choose a style: Choosing a style is the next step in finding prescription sunglasses. Taking into consideration your face shape and your personal fashion tastes, you can then choose a style. At Oscar Wylee, you can choose a style you like online or visit us in-store to browse and try on the frames.
Select lens types: Selecting the lens type is the next type in choosing the right prescription sunglasses. At Oscar Wylee, you can choose whether you need vision correction for distance or reading, as well as what thickness you want your glasses to be. Oscar Wylee also has tinted or polarised options available for sunglasses.

What are Some Popular Options for Men's Prescription Sunglasses?

At Oscar Wylee we have a range of prescription sunglasses available for men, with three of our most popular being Marco, Jett and Soma. Some popular Oscar Wylee options for men’s prescription sunglasses are listed below.

Marco: Marco is a browline glasses frame that can be made into prescription sunglasses. Marco has nose pads, adjustable for a comfortable fit.
Jett: Jett is a sporty, rectangular-shaped sunglasses frame that a person can get their prescription added to.
Soma: Soma is an octagon-shaped prescription sunglasses frame that has adjustable nose pads for a comfortable fit.

What are Some Popular Options for Women's Prescription Sunglasses?

At Oscar Wylee we have a range of women’s prescription sunglasses available including Bale, Christina and Billy. Some popular Oscar Wylee options for women’s prescription sunglasses are listed below.

Bale: Bale is a square frame that can be made into prescription sunglasses for those who need vision correction and protection from the sun and its UV rays.
Christina: Christina is a rectangular prescription sunglasses frame that is the perfect fit for those with smaller faces.
Billy: Billy is a round glasses frame that can be made into prescription sunglasses, perfect for those with wider faces.

Are there Prescription Polarized Sunglasses?

Yes, at Oscar Wylee you can add polarisation to your sunglasses. Polarised sunglasses have a coating over the lens that cuts the horizontal light from the horizontal wavelength, helping to minimise glare. However, depending on your prescription, polarisation may not be available with other lens options. Visit our team in-store to make sure you are getting the lens add-ons that are best for your prescription.

Is it Fine to Wear Non-prescription Sunglasses?

Yes, people who do not require the vision correction that prescriptions provide can wear non-prescription sunglasses and are recommended to do so when outside. Sunglasses, either prescription or non-prescription, are important pieces of eyewear that help protect the eyes from the sun and its UV rays, which can be harmful to the eyes after prolonged exposure.

Do Prescription Sunglasses have UV Protection?

Yes, at Oscar Wylee, prescription sunglasses have UV protection, as do our non-prescription sunglasses. UV glasses protection means that the eyes are protected against UV rays from the sun, which can be harmful to the eyes after prolonged periods of exposure. Oscar Wylee Sunglasses offer UV 350-400 protection across the range.

An image showing how UV light hits a pair of sunglasses, and how the sunglasses protect the eyes from this light.

Read Prescription Sunglasses: Necessity, Cost, Benefits and Downsides in other Oscar Wylee regions and their languages.