Let’s face it: Eyeglasses can be expensive. While the benefits of clear vision are definitely worth the price, many people wonder if prescription sunglasses are a worthwhile investment. Some turn to common alternatives like clip-ons, transition lenses, combining contacts with regular sunglasses, or simply wearing their sunglasses over their prescription eyeglasses. 

If you’re wondering whether prescription sunglasses are worth the cost, keep reading to learn more about their benefits, alternatives to consider, and how to choose the right solution for your needs. 

What Are Prescription Sunglasses?

Prescription sunglasses are just like regular eyeglasses, but with tinted lenses to protect your eyes from harsh sunlight. Like eyeglasses, they’re available with single vision, bifocal, and progressive lenses — plus, they can be polarized or mirrored. Most regular frames can be ordered as sunglasses, giving you a wide range of styles and colors to choose from. 

Benefits of Prescription Sunglasses

The benefits of prescription sunglasses include:

• Clear vision outdoors: They combine corrective lenses with sun protection, eliminating the need to switch between glasses and sunglasses. 
• UV protection: By blocking UV rays, they can reduce your risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye problems. 
• Reduced glare: Polarized lenses reduce glare while driving, spending time at the beach, lounging around the pool, or exploring the snow-covered hills. 
• Comfort and eye health: Reducing eye strain and squinting can help prevent headaches and discomfort caused by exposure to bright sunlight. 
• Convenience: They eliminate the hassle of layering two pairs of glasses or constantly switching between them.

Common Alternatives to Prescription Sunglasses

Prescription sunglasses aren’t the only option for sun-friendly vision correction. Some people opt for alternatives like:

• Transition/photochromic lenses: These lenses darken when exposed to sunlight and turn transparent again while indoors. However, they don’t always work well while driving, and some brands take longer to adjust than others, especially in cold weather. 
• Clip-on sunglasses: Clip-on sunglasses can be attached to your eyeglasses when you need them and taken off when you don’t. They’re affordable, but often less stylish and low-quality. 
• Contacts and sunglasses: Those who wear contacts can wear regular sunglasses at the same time. While this works great for some, not everyone likes or can wear contacts.
• Over-the-glasses sunglasses: While functional, these sunglasses are typically bulky and less fashionable.

Cost Considerations

While budget options are available, quality prescription sunglasses are an investment. Depending on the frames, lenses, and coatings you choose, they can be just as — if not more — expensive than prescription eyeglasses, especially if you opt for designer frames. However, their long-term benefits — including longevity, durability, enhanced protection, and eye health advantages — often outweigh the initial cost. Plus, insurance coverage or package deals may reduce the price, making them more affordable. 

Who Should Consider Prescription Sunglasses?

So, who should consider prescription sunglasses? People who spend significant time outdoors or in the car — commuters, athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, drivers, or travelers — can definitely benefit from them, especially if they struggle with light sensitivity or other eye problems. 

They’re also great for style-conscious individuals who want a balance between vision correction and fashion, along with anyone who’s frustrated with alternatives like clip-ons or transition lenses.

If you typically wear contacts, you can get by most of the time with regular sunglasses, since you don’t need the corrective benefits of prescription lenses, on top of your contacts. However, prescription sunglasses are nice to have around for the times when you can’t wear contacts, such as when you’re splashing around at the pool or are battling eye irritation.

Choosing the Right Prescription Sunglasses

If you’ve decided to invest in prescription sunglasses, it’s important to get the right pair for your needs, which is why it’s a good idea to get a professional fitting at an eyeglass store. Optical professionals can help you choose the right lens options, whether it’s tinted, polarized, gradient, mirrored, or anti-reflective coatings. They’ll recommend durable, comfortable frames that fit your lifestyle and express your personality. 

Prescription Sunglasses at Wolcott Optical

If you’re looking for prescription sunglasses in Salt Lake City, Utah, trust the professionals at Wolcott Optical. Our team members would love to help you choose sunglasses that combine clear vision, UV protection, convenience, and style, whether you need corrective lenses or not. Come visit us to try on different frames, explore your options, and consult with experts about whether prescription sunglasses are right for you. And if you have any questions about what eyewear we offer, feel free to contact us. 

In the world of eye health, there’s plenty of misinformation out there stemming from people’s desire to protect their eyesight. It’s important to be able to distinguish between myths and reality to ensure you’re taking the proper steps to keep your eyes healthy. 

Keep reading to learn the truth behind six pervasive myths about eye health and vision. 

Myth #1: You Can Improve Your Vision by Eating Carrots

You’ve probably heard somewhere that eating carrots is a good way to improve your vision. Maybe your parents even told you this when you were a child to get you to eat your vegetables. However, it’s not that simple. 

This myth originated during World War II when, in an attempt to conceal their use of aircraft interception radar, the Royal Air Force claimed its pilots could strike down enemy bombers at night because they ate carrots to improve their night vision. 

Carrots contain beta carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to night blindness or other vision problems, which means that correcting the deficiency can reverse certain issues. However, for people whose eyes are already healthy, eating carrots won’t improve their vision — it will simply help them maintain it. 

Myth #2: If You Cross Your Eyes, They’ll Get Stuck Like That

Many children are told that if they cross their eyes, they’ll get stuck like that. This myth likely originated as a way to discourage children from making funny faces during inappropriate times; however, it’s not based in truth. 

Your eye muscles allow your eyes to move in all directions, including convergently (what happens when you cross your eyes). Voluntarily crossing your eyes won’t result in them getting stuck. There are conditions that can result in crossed eyes, but they have nothing to do with making a silly face every once in a while. 

Myth #3: People With Color Blindness See in Black and White

When you imagine what color blindness might be like, you may envision a world that resembles a black-and-white movie. While rare, complete color blindness can occur. However, in the vast majority of cases, people with color blindness can still see at least some color. 

The most common form of color blindness is an inability to distinguish between red and green. Blue-yellow color vision deficiency is less common. 

Myth #4: Sitting Too Close to the TV Can Harm Your Eyes

As children, many people are told not to sit too close to the TV, as doing so can damage their eyes. In reality, there’s not anything to worry about besides temporary eye strain. 

This myth likely stems from a misunderstanding of cause and effect. If your child tends to sit close to the TV or bring screens close to their face, it may indicate that they’re nearsighted and may not be able to clearly see things at farther distances. In this case, nearsightedness is the cause, and sitting close to the TV is the effect. 

Myth #5: Reading in the Dark Can Harm Your Eyes

If you stayed up past your bedtime as a kid, nose buried in a book you just couldn’t put down, your parents probably warned you that reading in the dark can damage your eyesight. While it’s true that reading in low light can cause eye strain and headaches, there’s no evidence that it leads to long-term damage. 

Still, it’s not a good idea to read in the dark for extended periods of time, as it’s not particularly easy or comfortable. Turn on a lamp the next time a page-turner keeps you up late into the night. 

Myth #6: Wearing Glasses with the Wrong Prescription Can Harm Your Eyes

When adults wear glasses with the wrong prescription, they may experience eye strain, blurred vision, fatigue, soreness in the eyes, and trouble concentrating. However, these effects are temporary and aren’t likely to cause any lasting damage. 

Children, on the other hand, are more susceptible to harm due to an improper prescription. Because their vision is still developing, wearing glasses with the wrong prescription can worsen astigmatism, hyperopia, and myopia. If you suspect your child’s glasses aren’t right for them, it’s important to get an updated prescription as soon as possible. 

Trust the Experts at Wolcott Optical

At Wolcott Optical, we’re experts in all things glasses and contacts. If it’s time to upgrade your vision aids, trust our team to provide solutions tailored to your needs. Come visit our store in Salt Lake City, Utah, today!

Pupillary distance (PD) describes the distance between your pupils. This measurement is essential for getting the right pair of glasses, as it affects their fit and comfort, your vision clarity, and how the lenses align with your eyes. 

If you’re wondering about the mysterious PD number on your prescription, keep reading to learn what pupillary distance is, why it matters, how to measure it, and the risks of it being wrong. 

What Is Pupillary Distance (PD)?

There’s two types of pupillary distance: single and dual. Single PD is often used for single-vision glasses and measures distance between the centers of your pupils in millimeters. Since everyone’s face is different, this number is important for aligning lenses correctly with your eyes. 

For adults, the pupillary distance is typically between 54 and 74 millimeters. Children’s PD is shorter, usually between 43 and 58 millimeters. 

Dual PD consists of two numbers — one for each eye. Typically used for progressive or multifocal lenses, it measures each eye’s distance from the center of the nose bridge. This number may be the same for each eye, or it may be slightly different. 

Why Is PD Important?

You may be thinking, Millimeters are so small. Will a measurement that’s off by just a few millimeters actually make a difference? Well, the answer is yes! A correct pupillary distance measurement ensures that the lenses are centered and that vision correction is optimal. It affects how natural and comfortable your glasses feel.

PD is especially critical for progressive, multifocal, and high-index lenses, which rely on correct alignment to correct your vision. If it’s off, even by a little bit, it can cause headaches, eye strain, and blurred vision. 

How to Measure Pupillary Distance

Eye doctors and opticians typically measure pupillary distance during eye exams. This is the most accurate option, as they have specialized equipment and training. However, it’s not always included on your prescription, so if you’re buying glasses online, you may not have all the information you need to place an order. 

Luckily, you can also measure your PD at home by following these steps:

1. Stand in front of a mirror. 
2. Grab a ruler and identify which side measures millimeters and which measures inches. 
3. Hold the ruler in line with your pupils, centimeter-side up, and measure the distance between the centers of your pupils. For dual PD, measure the distance between the center of each pupil and the nose bridge.
4. Calculate your PD. Each of the tiny marks on the ruler is a millimeter, and there are 10 of them per centimeter. So if the measurement is two ticks past 5 centimeters, that means your pupillary distance is 52. 

There are also mobile apps and digital tools designed to measure pupillary distance. 

If you measure your PD at home, it’s a good idea to take a few measurements throughout the day and find the average. Your PD can change slightly based on light conditions and how dilated your eyes are, and finding the average can account for any variations in measurement methods. 

What Happens If Your PD Is Wrong?

Now that you know why pupillary distance matters, you can probably guess what can happen if the measurements are wrong. Because the lenses don’t align correctly with your eyes, you may experience blurred or distorted vision, eye strain and fatigue, and difficulty adjusting to your new glasses.

An accurate pupillary distance measurement is especially important with stronger prescriptions, bifocals, progressive lenses, and high-index lenses. If the measurement is off, even by a little bit, your glasses won’t have the intended effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Find My PD on My Prescription?

Some eye doctors include PD as part of your prescription, while others don’t. You may have to have it measured when you purchase your glasses. 

Do I Need to Re-Measure PD Every Time I Get New Glasses?

Adults’ PD doesn’t typically change; however, it’s a good idea to measure again just in case. Children who are still growing should measure their PD every time they get new glasses or lenses. 

Is It Okay to Estimate PD?

No, it’s not advisable to estimate your PD. Exact measurements are crucial for optimal vision correction.

Find the Perfect Glasses for You at Wolcott Optical

At Wolcott Optical, we’re dedicated to helping you find the perfect pair of glasses. From fit to lens shape to pupillary distance, we’ll ensure your glasses are right for you. Come visit our store in Salt Lake City, Utah, today!