Practical Tips to Purchasing Prescription Running Sunglasses

When you are running, you are also exposing your eyes to different outdoor elements that can possibly cause damages and irritation. The best way to protect your eyes from these elements is to wear the right pair of prescription running sunglasses.

Eye hazards are everywhere. Flying objects like sand, dirt, fragments, and particles, heat and splashes, chemicals, optical radiation, extreme temperature, and the UV rays of the sun can all pose danger to the eye. Apart from making sure that your eyes are healthy by eating foods and taking supplements that can boost eye health, wearing the right protective glasses can also help ensure that your eyes are safe from all these risks.

Runners, for instance, are exposed to different elements of the outdoors. While you can always grab your favorite signature sunglasses to safeguard your eyes from the glare and striking heat of the sun, this may not be enough to keep them safe. You will need a good pair of prescription running glasses which are particularly designed to provide protection when running outdoors.

Whether you shop online or at the local optical shops, chances are, you will find hundreds or even thousands of options to choose from. Looking at this pool of choices can be quite overwhelming and there may be a high chance that you get the wrong one.

Some prescription running sunglasses don’t have the right fit, grip, and coverage, making them uncomfortable to wear and unfit for running. Whether it is your first time to buy prescription running glasses or you are planning to replace your current ill-suited glasses, this guide can help you find the right pair for you. Below are the most important things that you need to look for when purchasing prescription running sunglasses.

Color and tint

Another thing you need to look into when buying running sunglasses is the tint. To know which lens tint and color to choose, you need to identify how and when you are going to use the glasses.
For instance, blue and purple tint colors are perfect for running under bright, direct sunlight as they are excellent at blocking lights and at reducing glare and white light. These tints, however, don’t enhance the contour visibility and color perception of the user.

Polarization

If you plan to use the glasses when running during the daytime when the sun is up and shining brightly, the best option is to get polarized running sunglasses. These lenses are capable of eliminating or at least minimizing glare that is reflected from cars, water, and road surface. This allows your eyes to relax and focus on the road.
However, if you intend to go trail running, it is better not to use polarized glasses. Polarization can affect depth perception. And with trail running entails making split-second decisions based on the runner’s depth perception, it can be dangerous to wear a pair of polarized lenses.

Weight

Weight can build up over time. The longer you wear your glasses, the heavier they get. And when your eyewear starts to feel heavy, it will affect your focus and comfort. The safest route is to choose the lightest available running glasses.

Frame size and shape

The size and shape of the frame are more like a personal preference. However, if you want to know the right size and shape for you, you will need to identify three things- the shape of your face, the size of your eyes, and your lifestyle. The best running sunglasses are those that fits you well.

Grip

Your body will normally bounce up and down when running. This means that everything you wear and even the different parts of your body will also go with the up and down motions. Your glasses are no exemption. To make sure that they won’t fall or slip off your face especially when you start to perspire, you need your glasses to have a good grip. With that, choose the glasses with rubberized, well-fitted grip particularly on the temple and nose bridge areas.

Sun Protection

The UV rays of the sun are harmful to the eyes. If you are out under the sun, you need to make sure that your eyes are protected from its harmful rays. Whether you get a polarized or non-polarized lens, make sure that the glasses you choose have the right UV protection.

Prescription requirements

If you want to add a prescription to your new lenses, you will need to get your latest copy of your prescription first. Regardless of whether you have been using a pair of prescription glasses or not, it makes sense to get your eyes checked regularly.

Regular eyesight examination is critical to your overall health. Even those who seem to have perfect eyesight may develop some vision problems and in most cases, these problems only get apparent when they are already in their advanced stage. Having your eyes checked at least once every two years or before buying running glasses will not only allow you to get an updated prescription but it will also help prevent any serious vision problems. Eye exams allow early detection and treatment of any possible eye health issues.

Pupillary distance

The pupillary distance (PD) is the distance between the center of the right pupil and the center of the left. This measurement is unique for every individual. Though you can take the measurement by yourself, it is better to have it done by a professional to ensure accuracy. When you visit your eye doctor to get your latest prescription, you may also ask to have your exact pupillary distance measured.

The PD will determine whether or not you are looking through the ideal spot when using your glasses. If you measure your PD inaccurately, the lenses of your glasses may not be properly centered. This can cause headaches, dizziness, and blurred vision.