Question on Prescription Sunglasses

[Kid A]

Been holding off purchase of new specs as thought may go for lasik but just not gonna happen for a while

so seeking some thoughts on places you have bought sports related prescription sunglasses for riding.

also anyone have a eye dr. that specializes in sports eyewear so i can maybe even try a few frames on instead of just mail order as i see in back of all the bike mags

Prefer models that can swap out rx lenses for different light condition as well. not real interested in frames that merely have "clip in/ons" but prefer true insert also not a huge fan of "blade" type frames so looknig for something that if "full frame"

any info is appreciated...thanks

[dstepper]

Good question.

I have been just buying prescription Ray Bans from Wally World. Manly because I seem to break glasses while wearing them...OTB. Ray Bans lifetime warranty.

Dean

[G-Ride]

Oakley will do prescription lenses for any sunglasses they make. Now that I think of it, most optometrists and even places like Pearle Vision and Lenscrafters will do prescription lenses for most if not all sunglasses.

[mfoga]

I don't know of any type glasses that you can easily change lenses. I guess you could buy more then one set of lenses for the frame and just unscrew them a tad and swap the lenses. If you are interested in Oakley there is a place near me in Long Beach that had lots of Oakley prescription glasses.

[OTHRIDER]

Here's some of the old glass topics:

Prescription Sunglasses for riding

Riding eyewear/goggles

[DBD]

Oakley, Rudy Project, Bolle and a few others (Not sure if Spy will as well but you could check) will make/put scrip lenses in just about any of their frames and most sports/surf/skate shops will carry one if not two of those brands .

Best thing, find a frame you like, call the manufacturer and ask if they will put prescription lenses in those frames, then go to any optometrist (I could recommend one but he is a bit far for you to drive) and get the eye exam. Tell them what frame you want because most will try and push/sell you what they carry in stock or get deals on. If they will not do it then take your script to an eyeglass shop, a lot of them have a licensed optometrist so you can still use your insurance if you have it, and have them order the glasses for you.

[Rawhead]

I have owned several different brands of prescription sunglasses over the years. I must say, when it comes to optical precision, my Oakley lenses are a treat on my eyes. They are the BEST lenses I have ever peered through.

Frames are just frames... you can find most popular styles available in prescription variants. However, spend the extra money on the lenses.

I just went to my regular eye doctor, got my prescription from him and went to the Oakley store. They made the lenses themselves and mailed the sunglasses to my door.

I couldn't be happier with them.

[mfoga]

Originally Posted by DBD

Oakley, Rudy Project, Bolle and a few others (Not sure if Spy will as well but you could check) will make/put scrip lenses in just about any of their frames and most sports/surf/skate shops will carry one if not two of those brands .

Best thing, find a frame you like, call the manufacturer and ask if they will put prescription lenses in those frames, then go to any optometrist (I could recommend one but he is a bit far for you to drive) and get the eye exam. Tell them what frame you want because most will try and push/sell you what they carry in stock or get deals on. If they will not do it then take your script to an eyeglass shop, a lot of them have a licensed optometrist so you can still use your insurance if you have it, and have them order the glasses for you.

When I was looking for some glasses a few years ago I was thinking of Oakley because it was only going to be for a few weeks until I got Lasik. I was told that the Rx frames are not the same as the regular sunglass frames. Even though they have the same name and style they were still different.

[dstepper]

I have been told it is very hard and expensive to make wrap around prescription lenses.

Dean

[shudder]

I wear the Adidas Evil Eye Pro (see my avatar). I have both 98% lenses (very dark, reflective -- see avatar) and orange (for fog, morning light, dusk, etc.). Here's a link to one site that shows them up close.

You can get a prescription insert for them that snaps into place under the colored lenses (very firm snap in, not loose at all):



I love mine. For the recent 24 hour race I did, I pulled the lenses out and just wore the inserts. That looked kinda weird, but I didn't want any coloration of the trails in the dead of night.

shud

[northshore]

I've been shopping around and Rudy Projects have been generally cheaper than Oakleys but not by much. Without a decent vision coverage from your employer, you will be left out to dry like me.

There are four types of Rx Rudy's I have seen. The first allows you to snap different lenses in and out. It's literally a frame around the lens itself that attaches to the main body of the frame. It's pretty trick and simple to use but the most expensive. The second is just the lens itself with no frame around the lens but allows you to pop the lens in and out of the frame. Not as adaptable as the first system. Higher chance of breaking and scratching your lens. The third is a permanent lens which I have in my Black Flys. I can't stand them because I can't swap to say a clear Rx lens for night time riding. The fourth is prescription inserts which are heavy to me. I 'heard' the Fullerton optometry college on associated road carries them as they are hard to find. My local optometrist also can special order them but I probably have to donate 4 gallons of blood to make a dent on the price of the frame.

Originally Posted by dstepper

I have been told it is very hard and expensive to make wrap around prescription lenses.

Dean

That is true and why Oakley is not the best candidate for Rx.

[Rawhead]

Originally Posted by mfoga

When I was looking for some glasses a few years ago I was thinking of Oakley because it was only going to be for a few weeks until I got Lasik. I was told that the Rx frames are not the same as the regular sunglass frames. Even though they have the same name and style they were still different.

The frames are the same... however due to the additional thickness of the lenses, only certain frames can support them.

Here is a link of Oakley frames that are "RX" ready:

http://oakley.com/search/men+rx+sunglasses

[mfoga]

Originally Posted by Rawhead

The frames are the same... however due to the additional thickness of the lenses, only certain frames can support them.

Here is a link of Oakley frames that are "RX" ready:

http://oakley.com/search/men+rx+sunglasses

Thats the impression I had when walking into the place I went but they showed me the same frame I was thinking of getting for RX and it was different since it has sizing info where the regular sunglasses frame had no sizing options. Maybe that was just the frame I was looking at.

The place I went was fantastic though they let me buy a regular pair of glasses then return them after the two weeks for credit towards a pair of regular Oakley sunglasses after the lasik was done.

[kanji]

how about wearing contacts when you ride and just buy sunglasses, maybe cheaper to go that route? Usually, first choice i go to, is Costco, they have a large selection of frames and sunglasses (perscription/ non) to choose from.

[Docklobster]

I am in the process of getting some oakley's for the last 3 months with my doctor in Temecula - they have been great trying to get a frame to resolve my issue below.

***Important note that has not been mentioned***

I am working with my doctor because sport lenses and frames tend to have much more curvature than my regular glasses rating 8 versus 4. I have found in my case that when trying the 8 curvature I get a strange effect that I either need to get used to or find a lense and frame with less curvature. The effect was like looking in a side car mirror where objects tended to change size depending on distance and be closer than they appear!- NOT good when biking!!

Good luck just be sure to find someone willing to work with you if you don't like the end result...

[mcinvale]

i had custom lenses made for a paid of spys. wasn't too expensive and they worked like a charm.

now i have lasik eyes

[DBD]

Originally Posted by mfoga

When I was looking for some glasses a few years ago I was thinking of Oakley because it was only going to be for a few weeks until I got Lasik. I was told that the Rx frames are not the same as the regular sunglass frames. Even though they have the same name and style they were still different.

Yeah, Oakley makes there own prescription lenses and frames. The glasses I wear now are Oakleys and I will be getting another pair soon.

Also, Oakley will not allow anyone else's lens in their frames, if you do you void any warranty on the frames and you can tell the lenses are Oakley because they have their symbol etched in lower most outer part of the lens.

[Kid A]

thanks to all - mos fed some good info.

Originally Posted by kanji

how about wearing contacts when you ride and just buy sunglasses,

contacts not an option. tried to get fitted on 3 seperate occassions and just no go..eyes too dry - was putting in eyedrops every 30-45 min

thanks again to all

[Pho'dUp]

Originally Posted by dstepper

I have been told it is very hard and expensive to make wrap around prescription lenses.

Dean

You can do it. But the more curve the lens has the more of a distortion fish eye effect you might have.

I'm looking into Oakleys for my next pair. But dam, I just broke my eyeglasses too. Fark.