Prescription cycling glasses - need recommendation

[ms1]

While I look out at about 20 inches of snow, I thought it's time to prepare for spring...

I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for prescription cycling glasses.

Currently, I wear my regular sunglass transition bifocals. But if I'm buying glasses just for cycling, I'd think I could probably go with just a distance prescription. I'm also looking for something that improves visability both when sunny or cloudy (similar to ski goggles).

I'd be interested to know if you bought them through your local optician or online. I'd think I'd need to try them on, etc., so I'm not sure how I'd do it online.

Thanks!

[Pedal Wench]

In the same boat. For my bike, I just want my distance prescription - I can see my computer well enough.

I ordered some prescription sunglasses online, and I'm very disappointed. They're heavy, ugly, and my eyelashes really hit them hard. So, I wouldn't want to try to do that again.

I want a pair that is really cycling specific to keep wind and debris out. I know Rudy Projects has some that are really nice, but they're expensive. I was hoping to get some that either transition for night riding, or have interchangeable lenses. Either way adds up!

[tulip]

Prescription glasses are expensive, there's no getting around it. I really like my Tfosi prescription cycling glasses. I find it best to go to an optician that is familiar with sports glasses.

[Zen]

I got mine at the optician. I want to be able to try them on when I'm spending that much money.

[szsz]

After losing my favorite pair in the ocean *sadface* I went and got actual cycling glasses (instead of just big semi wrap sunglasses) and I love them. My prescrip is for trifocals and I want to be able to wear them for driving (map reading + distance) skiiing, etc. as well as just cycling. So, I found a pair made by Adidas where the prescription part is an insert. This way, if I get laser and then need to switch prescriptions, I just have to change (or omit) the insert and I still have an awesome pair of sun specs.

There is another company that does inserts as well, Bolle I think? Probably Oakley as well.

I didn't know if the "double pane" so to speak would be annoying or fog up and it turns out it is fine. I do love them. (My other sunglasses that I lost fogged up more.)

Also, no way around it, they are pricey. So I do NOT wear them to the beach!!! (I still wear shades, just an old script.)

[michelem]

I would suggest seeing your optician first to find out if cycling sunglasses will even accommodate your rx. Unfortunately, due to the strength of my prescription, I am unable to get rx cycling sunglasses even though I'm willing to pay out of pocket whatever the price. :( I can't tell you how much I hate having to wear contact lenses with regular (non-rx) sunglasses when doing sports. If I had my way, I'd never wear contact lenses! Sigh . . .

Hope they work out for you. :)

By the way, even if your health/vision insurance doesn't cover them, you may be able to get FSA reimbursement if you participate in such a plan. Might be worth checking into that as well . . .

[szsz]

I would suggest seeing your optician first to find out if cycling sunglasses will even accommodate your rx.

Ya -- good point. That is the thing about the insert, though -- it is relatively flat, so it can accommodate a trifocal. It then fits into the outer lens / frame
which are wraparound.

I got mine through a sunglass shop that also sells regular glasses. A sort of specialty shop, I guess.

[malkin]

I have my distance correction in my Oakleys. I think they were kind of expensive, but I had some 'use it or lose it' money in flexible spending, so it worked out great.

Be sure to tuck a pair of readers in with your spare tube or patch kit.

[Owlie]

I'm in a similar boat. I only need distance (I'm nearsighted), and my regular prescription sunglasses work fine most of the time, but I want something that keeps out the wind and debris. Only problem is that my prescription is weird (thanks, astigmatism!) so it doesn't fit nicely in frames. Argh.

[smilingcat]

Eden posted the links a number of times and she was kind enough to send me the link (again some time ago). So to spare her the time of writing here it is. www.sportsoptical.com

I've contacted them and been really lazy about getting them after my last pair broke about 6 month ago. I just wear my regular prescription and just put up with the light condition on my regular glasses. I'm planning on going with them. Tad expensive but what am I going to do...

As for bifocal or not? my last riding glasses were for distance only. With the riding glasses on, I couldn't read my computer even with the LARGE numbers. I kept on having to push up/down the glasses to read and push up/down again for riding. I'm going with bifocal next time.

I like the rose tint for riding. Amber is great in heavy overcast since it helps with the contrast but I hate in the bright sun. Rose tint seems okay in bright light but still okay when it gets darker out like when there is a thundershower or dusk. Do ask around though.

One of the e-mail I received from them:


Hi *****,
We can certainly make progressive (no-line!) bifocals for you. We would need to send you the frame, have you adjust it and then mark where your pupils sit. Your eye dr can certainly fax us the Rx, or you can just email or call us with it. Whatever is easiest---Transitions we can make, however if your eyes are very light sensitive it might not be the best way to go. I would love to talk to you more about lens options for color and what you do...what time you need them, where you live....etc. That will all be a factor in what lenses are best.

Everything is a custom order, so it does take 3-4 weeks.....

Hope that helps and we look forward to hearing from you,
Thanks,
randi


Thanks for your time,
Bret
www.sportsoptical.com
303-455-3369


smilingcat,

[Eden]

I have a pair made by Randi at Sports Optical. I was one of those folks turned down by everyone else (don't give up hope michelem), mainly because my face is too narrow and my interpupillary distance is too small, rather than my prescription being too strong, but the effect is the same - too thick at the edges when they are curved lenses.

I love having prescription cycling glasses. I've never worn contacts and the rx glasses I could get were not that great. Sports Optical made me inserts to put into Smith frames. I went with transitions because the lenses are quite pricey and I could only afford one set at the time, but I hope to supplement them with some yellow or orange (for cloudy/rainy days) and some very dark ones some day.

Everyone else said no - even Oakley, which claims they'll do rx for just about anyone, so Randi is my hero.

[Miranda]

I wear my contacts. But have thought about getting inserts for my Rudy Project Sunglasses. Especially after my crash when I had to dig up some clip on shades at WallyWorld. I could not wear my tacts for a while (with eye injury) t'was PITA; love my tacts.

Anywho... I know the Rudy price tag is a killer. But after much searching for something to fit my face, they won out. Also, I personally have found their product and customer service to be awesome.

In this link is where I crashed by Rudy's I owned about three years (scroll down for pic)...

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=33852&highlight=century+crash

I called Rudy just to make sure I could buy another frame. Since I had an investment in lens to fit it etc. The rep told me I could mail them in for a warranty replacement cost... just $19.95 shipping. I said, "umm, do you understand that your product was on my head while crashing into pavement at 23mph???... I don't think anything could have withstood that (meaning not defective craftsmenship). The rep said send em anyway...

Sure enough, in the snail mail can a new pair of Rudy's at the cost of shipping. FWIW.

Good Luck Shopping:)

[Mr. SR500]

I have some Tifosi RX. Very pleased, they can do a wrap lens for scripts as strong as mine, so no more tears at higher speeds. I bought thur a bike shop, but dealt directly with Tifosi. Great company, product, experience. While the lenses were expensive, one of the best cycling purchases I've made.

http://www.tifosioptics.com/rx.html

[Crankin]

Michelem, I don't understand why you hate wearing contacts when riding. I could *never* wear glasses while riding; I wear my progressives only right before I go to bed at night and can barely stand being outside with glasses on.
I wear my contacts and Smith sunglasses and everything seems "regular" when I ride. In fact, I stopped buying non-riding sunglasses and wear the Smiths all of the time.
The only person I know who complained about contacts while riding was wearing gas permeable lenses because someone "told" him he couldn't wear soft lenses. When we were on a cycling tour, there also was an optometrist on the tour who talked to him about it, and examined him and told him he certainly could get soft lenses. He is now happily riding with contacts.

[WindingRoad]

As an optician I can say this, go find a nice quality ophthalmic frame that has sufficient wrap around to it if you can't find what you like in the 'sports' section. They don't necessarily have to be 'sports' frames. I have a really narrow face so Tifosi, Oakley, Bolle, Maui Jims none of them will fit my face. I scope out a wrapped sunglass styles I like and fit me then have the lab grind the lenses. Usually places like Lenscrafters can tell you right then and there if it will work or not. Don't get frustrated though it's not an exact science because it all depends on how flat or curvy your prescription is. Let them tell you if something will work or not they should be able to tell you this just by looking at the frame measurements.

As out of character this is for me, I ended up by a pair of Chanel sunglasses for riding and putting my RX into them and they have been wonderful. I'm really not the 'Chanel Type' but they fit and I rocked them anyways.;)

It takes some time to find the right pair, at least it's winter and we have some time to figure it out before warm springy riding weather again :D I would suggest some private optometry practices that have an optical dispensary as a good place to start. They tend to be a bit easier to work with for 'out of the norm' kinds of things too. You don't have to get your RX from any particular doctor either as long as it is current you can take it to whoever you want. BTW just in case some of you don't know Lenscrafters does give a pretty hefty discount for AAA members (30%). It usually saves at least hundred bucks.

[roadie gal]

I have a pair of Zeal glasses that are going on 4 years old now. I've never had glasses last this long. I'm really impressed with their quality, of both their frames and lenses.

[tongue_tied]

Can you go to a place like LensCrafters with a pair of sunglasses and get them to put your prescription in the lenses?

[WindingRoad]

Can you go to a place like LensCrafters with a pair of sunglasses and get them to put your prescription in the lenses?

As long as your frame is in good enough condition to re-RX sure. Sometimes as they age they will get brittle and the frame can break when they go to put the new lenses in. That's usually the plastic type frames that do that the worst though. I would just check with you local store and see if they think they can handle it, that's usually the best approach. ;)

[tongue_tied]

As long as your frame is in good enough condition to re-RX sure. Sometimes as they age they will get brittle and the frame can break when they go to put the new lenses in. That's usually the plastic type frames that do that the worst though. I would just check with you local store and see if they think they can handle it, that's usually the best approach. ;)

Thanks for this! I wanted to get the Livestrong Oakley Jawbones, but can't find them in the store - now I know I can order them online and still get my prescription in them... sweet! :)

[michelem]

Michelem, I don't understand why you hate wearing contacts when riding.

Crankin, 'Cause I hate wearing contacts, period. :p

Eden, Thanks for the info on Randi! :D

[Crankin]

Well, you shouldn't wear contacts if you hate them! But I found that as the years have gone on, there is a much wider range of different contacts for different issues. Sometimes it takes an optometrist who really specializes in contacts to find the right ones. I wore them for years when they bothered me, in the beginning, but now I don't even know they are there, unless I am getting sick or I ripped one (which hardly ever happens anymore).

[bikerHen]

I second the opinion for getting bifocals. I'm very nearsighted. So much so I need a bifocal to see up close through the Rx correction. When I got prescription sunglasses a few years back, I thought I wouldn't need the bifocal I use in my regular glasses because I only needed to see into the distance, right? Boy was that a big mistake. I can't see a thing up close with my glasses on. :( Like smilingcat said I'm always having to peer over my glasses to read my garmin, directions on a map or the menu at a post ride meal on the patio. Even driving in the car is an issue cause I can't see the gauges with my glasses on. New glasses are on my list this year and I'll definitly be getting the bifocal this time.

Thanks for a great thread though! I'm going to do more research on sports glasses before I decided on where to get my new pair. bikerHen

[BellaMTB]

Eden, my situation sounds just like yours. I found a Smith frame I really loved that fit a small face & had interchangeable lenses, but no luck finding anyone who would make prescription inserts until I discovered Sports Optical in the back of a biking magazine. I had them make a transition lens w/ mirrored front which works great, except for very dark conditions. Anyway, I LOVE my frames and am so grateful that Sports Optical was able to make the lenses.

If anyone is interested, I have an extra set of these frames (with a complete set of the non-Rx lens colors; clear/yellow/gray) that are brand new if anyone would like to buy them at less than 1/2 price. (Smith kindly replaced my damaged "back-up" set, but only had solid black which I'm not as crazy about). Send me a pm if you're interested & I can send photos and other details.

[krisl6]

My partner is an optician and they sell Rudy Project sunglasses. I have a pair of Rydon II ImpactX and love them!!! They have interchangable lenses and are perscription friendly here's a link (http://www.rudyproject.com/products/details.php?idLivello1=2&idLivello2=3&idLivello3=16&idLivello4=164&idL=1&headquarter=1&prodottiInglesi=0&ecommerce=0&idDealer=1&isADealer=0&unicode=)if you want to check them out.

[beccaB]

I had a pair of sport sunglasses made for me at my eye doctor's. The manufacturer is Liberty sport and the side of the frame has "F8" on it. They are transitions lenses. My prescription is very strong and I could not choose a pair with a lot of wraparound, but these have some soft plastic that come in close to my face and keep most of the wind out while allowing some ventilation. I had been having a huge problem in the past winters with serious eye irritation even on short rides. It was so bad it affected my ability to see where I was going. I had thought I would only wear these glasses for winter riding or low light levels, but I'm actually using them for every ride.
I tried a pair of oakleys and even the minimal wraparound that those had was too much with my prescription. I would say that these ones I have now more closely resemble safety glasses with a little sport added for fun. They are silver and pink. Other than the fact that I couldn't afford to have the no -line bifocals put in them, they are the best investment I have made in my sport!

[bluebug32]

I have a pair of Zeal glasses that are going on 4 years old now. I've never had glasses last this long. I'm really impressed with their quality, of both their frames and lenses.

I love Zeals too! I took a chance and bought them online almost five years ago, and they've held up through road and mountain biking since. They also have great customer service.

[surgtech1956]

I would love prescription cycling sunglasses, but too because of the strength of my prescription haven't found any. I wore contacts in the past but went to glasses when I need progressives:(. I'm going to go back to my contacts and regular cycling sunglasses when riding.

[kelownagirl]

My partner is an optician and they sell Rudy Project sunglasses. I have a pair of Rydon II ImpactX and love them!!! They have interchangable lenses and are perscription friendly here's a link (http://www.rudyproject.com/products/details.php?idLivello1=2&idLivello2=3&idLivello3=16&idLivello4=164&idL=1&headquarter=1&prodottiInglesi=0&ecommerce=0&idDealer=1&isADealer=0&unicode=)if you want to check them out.


My hubby has these and loves them. They are pricey tho.

[krisl6]

My hubby has these and loves them. They are pricey tho.


Yes they are a bit expensive, but well worth it in my opinion. Luckily my partner can get a discount, but I'd buy them even if that wasn't the case.

[pinkpedalpusher]

I love my prescription bi-focal, Aviator Ray Bans! My husband loves his prescription wrap around Ray Bans! Ray Ban makes great shades for the lenses.

Check out buy one get one free or one standard prescription pair with one free prescription sunglasses pair. Ray Bans are carried in optical dept in major warehouse club and optical dept in an iconic catolog department store.

[Fujichants]

I got my Rudy's for 40% off...so instead of the $174 price tag I paid closer to $130 (which included shipping and I think tax as well). The coupon code I used was PRODEAL, but if you do a search online, there are other codes as well.

I love them.


Yes they are a bit expensive, but well worth it in my opinion. Luckily my partner can get a discount, but I'd buy them even if that wasn't the case.