For many years, people who have high-powered prescriptions were discouraged from wearing wrapped sunglasses. It is now possible to get high RX lenses in wrap around prescription sunglasses. Here are five tips to help you select a pair of high RX wrap around sunglasses to which your eyes can adjust.
1. Use Accurate Measurements
While facial measurements are always helpful for selecting frames that fit, accurate measurements are even more important for wrap sunglasses that have high prescription lenses.
In addition to checking the width of frames, lenses and the bridge of glasses, you should also confirm the temple length and lens height. Pupillary distance is especially important for prescription glasses wearers, as selecting eyewear and lenses that have the proper distance reduces visual distortion.
2. Look for High RX Frame Styles
Many frames specify compatibility with strong prescriptions. Look for a high RX icon or specification under additional information about your favorite frames. High RX-compatible base six or base eight wrap around frames are less common than for frames with lower base curves.
The strength of a prescription will determine whether wraparound frames with base six or base eight curves are a viable choice. In general, frames with less curvature are less prone to distortion and better able to accommodate high power prescriptions.
3. Ask an Optical Expert About Distortion
Consult with an optometrist if you are concerned that lenses with your prescription will cause distortion in wrap around sunglasses. Having precise measurements and discussing frame base curves can direct you toward wrap around sunglasses that work with your prescription.
In general, you may experience more difficulty adjusting to wrap around sunglasses if the prescription powers for one or both of your eyes exceed the range of -4.00 to +3.00. If your prescription power is beyond the range of -6.00 and +4.00, it is even more difficult to avoid distortion with high base curve frames.
4. Give Your Eyes More Time To Adapt
The adjustment period to new prescription eyewear can range from several days up to several weeks. If you have a high powered prescription and get wrap around sunglasses, you should expect to experience more effects for slightly longer before your eyes adjust.
As long as your prescription sunglasses do not unnecessarily strain your eyes, an adjustment period is to be expected with any new prescription eyewear. People who have very high powered prescriptions run the risk of not being able to adjust to high base curve wrap around frames.
5. Try Wrap Around Prescription Sunglasses With Lower Base Curves
Frames with base curves of two to four are relatively flat. If you need high RX frames and want a wrapped style, consider base six frames. Make sure that visual distortion will not pose a problem with your prescription power before you select frames with a base curve of eight or nine.
With a little preparation and planning, many people can wear wrap around prescription sunglasses without experiencing visual distortion. Choose from wrapped sunglasses styles that are compatible with high RX prescriptions or frames with lower base curves.
