I'm in a similar situation (-6/-6.25, tennis player, etc.) and have done some research.
Short answer: Yes, you can get prescription sunglasses (sports style). Long answer: Expect to pay a bit more verses normal/casual style frames. There are a few different options as far as the implementation of the Rx lens. 1) Sports sunglasses that can have prescription lens inserts placed behind the tinted/protective lens. Pros: Usually the most inexpensive, flexible option. If your prescription changes, just get new inserts. Sometimes, inserts of one brand will work with other frames in the same brand. Some frames have tinted lenses can be swapped for different conditions at regular cost. Cons: Adds a bit more weight to the front of the frames. Somewhat increased risk for fogging/reflections/scratches. Field of vision is smaller than direct frame. Inserts may be so close to your eyes that your lashes come into contact. 2) Direct In-frame Rx- Rx is grinded into the wrap-around lens, which can be tinted/mirrored, or whatever feature you want. Pros: Lighter overall weight than insert(?). Less unwanted fogging/ reflections/scratching. Cons: More expensive to buy/replace. Outside edges will be thicker. >From what I can tell, impact protection is lost because the lens will not be of the non-shattering ballistic material. 3) Flip up sunglasses- Rx lenses are clipped in to sports glasses frames. The protective tinted lenses are swappable. Flip the shades down outside, flip them up when in dark conditions or indoors. Pros/cons see 1. No options are especially "cheap," especially for those of us with higher prescriptions, but at least they are available. Oakley seems to be popular, but they are expensive ($400- $200 frames, $200 lenses), and couldn't accommodate my prescription of -6/-6.25. http://oakley.com/ Rudy Project is competing for Oakley's market share, at around the same price or less. They have flip-ups. (Exception/Perception) http://rudyproject.com Tifosi seems to be a great value- all their frames are $60. They have options for Direct RX and Inserts for our prescription levels. http://www.tifosioptics.com/ I have had good communications with the following websites, which also offer a wealth of info on Rx sports sunglasses. ADS Eyewear- http://www.adseyewear.com/prescription.php Heavy Glare- http://www.heavyglare.com/prescriptionsunglasses.php Sports Optical- http://sportsoptical.com/ I would probably recommend inserts or flip ups first. (Adidas Evil Eye Explorer, Panoptx/7eye, Rudy Project Exception). That way you still get protection from unexpected projectiles when you are riding your bike or whatever. Good luck. --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ Check us out at the oft-updated http://www.glassyeyes.com! You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "GlassyEyes" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/glassyeyes?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
