Prescription Sunglasses: Seeing Clearly in the Sun
Squinting through the sun while wearing regular glasses is miserable. Prescription sunglasses solve this. You can get your exact Rx in tinted, polarized, or photochromic lenses. Here is how to choose the right ones.
Tinted vs Polarized
Tinted lenses just darken everything. Polarized lenses have a chemical film that blocks horizontal light waves - the kind that bounce off water, snow, and car hoods and create glare. Polarized is better for driving, fishing, skiing, and anything near water. It cuts glare that tint alone cannot touch.
Polarized costs more: about $20-40 extra at Fytoo. It is worth it if you drive regularly or spend time near water. If you mostly wear sunglasses for walking around town, regular tint is fine.
Lens Color Guide
| Color | Best For | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gray | Everyday, driving | True color perception. No distortion. |
| Brown/Amber | Sports, variable light | Increases contrast. Good for golf, cycling. |
| Green | General outdoor | Reduces glare without color distortion. |
| Yellow | Low light, skiing | Improves depth perception in flat light. |
Driving Rules
Not all tint levels are legal for driving. Category 4 lenses (very dark, under 8% light transmission) are not road legal in most countries. Category 3 (8-18% transmission) is the standard for driving sunglasses. Fytoo labels the tint category on each lens option so you can check before ordering.
For driving specifically, polarized gray or brown lenses in category 3 are the sweet spot. Enough darkness for bright sun, not too dark for tunnels or overcast conditions, and the polarization kills dashboard reflections on the windshield.
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FAQ
Are prescription sunglasses worth it?
Yes, if you wear glasses full-time. Switching between regular glasses and clip-on shades gets old fast. A dedicated pair of Rx sunglasses means no compromise on vision or sun protection. At Fytoo prices ($10+), they cost less than most non-prescription sunglasses.
What is the best lens color for driving?
Gray polarized lenses in tint category 3. Gray preserves true color (important for traffic lights) and polarization cuts windshield glare. Brown also works and some drivers prefer the contrast boost.
Can I get progressive lenses in sunglasses?
Yes. Fytoo does progressive prescription sunglasses. The lens will be darker than clear progressives but the prescription zones work the same way. Expect to pay $30-80 extra for progressive on top of the tint cost.