Expert-tested, editor-approved
Q:
Where can I get prescription sunglasses that will block harmful rays?
Any idea where I might look for prescription sunglasses that I could use at high altitude? My local optician says the lenses he could sell me "might" block both ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) rays, but he's not sure. Is blocking both UV and IR really important? Andy Billings, Montana
Any idea where I might look for prescription sunglasses that I could use at high altitude? My local optician says the lenses he could sell me "might" block both ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) rays, but he's not sure. Is blocking both UV and IR really important? Andy Billings, Montana
A: I think you need to find a better optician, that's what I think. On the one hand, he or she is rightyou want lenses that block both UV and IR. Ideally, your glasses should block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays (the different bands of UV radiationUVC rays are of little concern as they are absorbed by Earth's upper atmosphere), and 100 percent IR, too. Also, at high altitude you want visible light cut by 80 to 85 percent.
You don't specifically mention what high-altitude activity you have in mind. If you're mountaineering, then get glacier gogglestheir side panels and mount for nose-shields makes them ideal. Julbo's Micropores ($90) are a first-rate glacier glass than can be fitted with prescription lenses. If you want the glasses for all-around use, then a good sports glass would work. Oakley, for instance, will make nearly any of their glasses to order with your prescription. Or, you can retrofit many glasses with prescription lenses.
In either case, ask around for a local optometrist who has some experience with mountaineering and high-altitude stuff. Surely Billings has one. You need more than "might work" for words of recommendationyou need someone who KNOWS what will work.
Good luck!
You don't specifically mention what high-altitude activity you have in mind. If you're mountaineering, then get glacier gogglestheir side panels and mount for nose-shields makes them ideal. Julbo's Micropores ($90) are a first-rate glacier glass than can be fitted with prescription lenses. If you want the glasses for all-around use, then a good sports glass would work. Oakley, for instance, will make nearly any of their glasses to order with your prescription. Or, you can retrofit many glasses with prescription lenses.
In either case, ask around for a local optometrist who has some experience with mountaineering and high-altitude stuff. Surely Billings has one. You need more than "might work" for words of recommendationyou need someone who KNOWS what will work.
Good luck!
Filed To: Sunglasses