Prescription Sunglasses for Hiking

Wrap-around sport sunglasses and prescription lenses fight each other. The curve that keeps wind and sun out also distorts a corrective lens, which is why hikers who need vision correction end up choosing between optical quality, coverage, and cost rather than getting all three.

1. 1

   Understand why wrap frames complicate Rx

   Sport frames use a steep base curve — typically base 8 — to wrap the face. Grinding a corrective prescription into that curve introduces distortion, especially at the edges and with stronger prescriptions. Many labs decline base 8 above a certain diopter, which is why some people are told their prescription cannot be made in the frame they want.

2. 2

   Option one: full prescription lenses

   The best optical result when your prescription allows it. Several sport brands offer Rx programs, and independent labs will glaze many frames. Expect $200-450 on top of the frame, and expect to be limited to lower base curves — which means less wrap and more light leaking in at the sides.

3. 3

   Option two: an Rx insert behind the lens

   A small corrective lens carrier mounts behind the main shield, which lets you keep a full wrap frame and a proper tinted lens. Optics are good because the insert sits flat, and the drawbacks are fogging between the two lenses and a narrower corrected field of view.

4. 4

   Option three: clip-ons and fit-overs

   Cheapest and least elegant. A polarized clip attaches to your everyday glasses, or an oversized fit-over goes on top. Optical quality is whatever your regular lenses give you, coverage is poor at the sides, and neither stays put during real movement. Fine for a casual walk, poor for anything active.

5. 5

   Option four: contacts plus regular sport sunglasses

   This is what most active hikers with a prescription end up doing, because it lets you buy any sunglasses you want with no compromises. The costs are ongoing lens expense, dry eyes at altitude and in wind, and the genuine problem of what happens if a lens comes out miles from the trailhead. Carry a spare pair and your glasses.

   Choosing hiking sunglassesCoverage, tint, and fit fundamentals

   Read Guide →
6. 6

   Match the choice to your prescription strength

   Light prescriptions have every option available. Strong prescriptions, high astigmatism, or progressive lenses push you toward inserts or contacts, because full Rx in a wrap frame either cannot be made or produces edge distortion you will notice on uneven ground.

Options Compared