Can You Turn Regular Glasses into Prescription Sunglasses?

Transforming Your Glasses for Sun Protection

If you wear prescription glasses, you might be wondering if there’s a way to turn them into prescription sunglasses without purchasing an entirely new pair. The good news? Yes, you can! Whether you want to protect your eyes from the Arizona sun or enhance your outdoor vision, there are multiple ways to convert regular prescription glasses into sunglasses.

From custom tints to polarized lenses, Optical Image in Tucson offers a variety of options to help you achieve the perfect combination of vision correction and sun protection. Below, our Tucson eye care team discusses how you can upgrade your everyday eyewear for outdoor use.

How Can You Convert Regular Glasses into Prescription Sunglasses?

There are several methods to transform your prescription glasses into sunglasses, each offering different levels of sun protection and customization.

1. Tinted Prescription Lenses

One of the simplest ways to convert your regular glasses is by adding a tint to your prescription lenses. This process involves applying a dye to the lenses to darken them, creating a sunglass-like effect. Tinted prescription glasses come in various colors, including gray, brown, and green, each providing different levels of contrast and glare reduction.

2. Polarized Prescription Lenses

For superior sun protection, polarized lenses are the best choice. These lenses not only reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water and roads but also enhance visual clarity and comfort. Polarized prescription sunglasses are ideal for outdoor activities like driving, hiking, and sports.

3. Clip-On or Magnetic Sunglasses

If you want a quick and cost-effective solution, clip-on or magnetic sunglasses might be the best option. These attach to your existing prescription glasses and can be easily removed when not needed. While they may not offer the seamless look of full prescription sunglasses, they are a budget-friendly and convenient alternative.

4. Transition Lenses (Photochromic Lenses)

Transition lenses darken automatically when exposed to sunlight and return to clear indoors. While they offer convenience, they may not darken as much as traditional sunglasses, and they may not perform as well behind a car windshield due to UV filtering.

Benefits of Converting Your Glasses into Sunglasses

Switching to prescription sunglasses or modifying your existing glasses has several advantages:

• UV Protection: Helps prevent long-term damage from harmful UV rays.
• Reduced Eye Strain: Less squinting in bright light, leading to greater comfort.
• Enhanced Clarity: Polarized and tinted lenses improve contrast and reduce glare.
• Customization: Choose the tint, polarization, and style that best fits your needs.
• Cost-Effective: Instead of purchasing separate sunglasses, you can modify your current pair.

Get Custom Prescription Sunglasses in Tucson

If you’re ready to upgrade your eyewear, Optical Image in Tucson can help! We offer a variety of custom sunglasses options, from tinted lenses to premium polarized prescription sunglasses. Our expert optometrists ensure that your lenses are tailored to your unique vision needs, so you don’t have to compromise on style or eye protection.

Visit our Tucson Mall or Park Place Mall locations to explore your options and find the perfect sunglasses for your lifestyle. Whether you need a simple tint or advanced polarized lenses, we have the solution for you.