polarised sunglasses Archives - D.I.Blow Opticians

Prescription Sunglasses: The Complete Guide

Kirsty Martin — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:28:24 +0000

If you wear glasses and want proper sun protection without switching to contact lenses, prescription sunglasses give you your exact prescription in a pair of permanently tinted lenses. In this complete guide, we cover the different types available, what they cost, which brands we stock, and how they compare to transition lenses if you’re still deciding between the two.

What Are Prescription Sunglasses?

Prescription sunglasses are specifically manufactured glasses that include your exact prescription but with fixed tinted lenses designed to protect your eyes from bright sunlight. Unlike transition lenses, they do not change tint; they are always shaded and often come with added features such as polarised lenses to reduce glare.

Prescription sunglasses are ideal for extended outdoor use, driving, and situations where maximum UV protection and visual comfort are a priority.

Types of Prescription Sunglasses

Standard Tinted Lenses

A single, fixed tint across the whole lens, available in a wide range of colours and darkness levels to suit your style and how much light you want blocked.

Polarised Prescription Sunglasses

Add a filter that cuts glare from flat reflective surfaces like water, wet roads, and glass, on top of your prescription. If you’re deciding whether polarised is right for you, our guide to polarised vs non-polarised lenses covers the pros, cons, and who benefits most in detail.

Gradient and Mirrored Tints

Gradient lenses fade from dark at the top to lighter at the bottom, useful for driving. Mirrored coatings reflect extra light away from your eyes, popular for very bright or high-altitude conditions.

Why UV Protection Matters

Whatever tint or style you choose, look for lenses offering 100% UVA/UVB protection (often labelled UV400). The College of Optometrists recommends UV-protective eyewear whenever you’re in strong sunlight, since cumulative UV exposure over the years is linked to cataracts and other eye conditions. Darker lenses don’t automatically mean better UV protection; always check the label rather than judging by tint alone.

How Much Do Prescription Sunglasses Cost?

Prescription sunglasses typically cost more than a standard pair of glasses, since they combine your prescription with a specialist tinted or polarised lens. Exact pricing depends on your prescription strength, lens type, and frame choice – ask your local D.I. Blow practice for current pricing when you book. Many people find the cost worthwhile if they spend significant time outdoors or driving, since prescription sunglasses remove the need to wear contact lenses or fit clip-on tints over regular glasses. If a stronger prescription is also making your everyday lenses feel thick, our guide to thin vs standard lenses is worth a read too.

Which Brands Do You Stock?

At D.I. Blow Opticians, we stock a range of designer brands that suit different styles and budgets, including Ray-Ban, Tom Ford, Maui Jim, Michael Kors, and Silhouette, among others in our brand range. Our team can talk you through which styles and lens options work best for your prescription and lifestyle.

Transition Lenses: The Alternative to Prescription Sunglasses

If you’d rather not switch between two pairs of glasses, transition lenses (also called photochromic lenses) are worth considering as an alternative. They automatically darken when exposed to UV light and become clear indoors or in low light, responding to changing conditions throughout the day.

This technology is particularly appealing for people who move frequently between indoor and outdoor environments, as it offers a one-glasses solution for both vision correction and sunlight protection.

Pros of Transition Lenses

Convenience & Versatility

Transition lenses adapt automatically to varying light conditions, indoors, outdoors, and everything in between. This means you can wear one pair of sunglasses all day without switching between regular glasses and sunglasses.

Continuous UV Protection

Photochromic lenses provide consistent UV protection whether they are clear or darkened, helping safeguard your eyes from UVA and UVB rays that can contribute to eye health issues over time.

Cost-Effective for Everyday Users

Because you only need one pair, transition lenses can be more economical than purchasing both regular glasses and separate prescription sunglasses, especially if you’re replacing old prescription lenses.

Reduced Risk of Misplacement

Fewer glasses to carry, many fewer chances of forgetting or losing your eyewear. Many wearers appreciate the simplicity of having only one pair.

Adaptive Comfort

Transition lenses can reduce glare and eye strain by automatically adjusting to changing light conditions, making them ideal for everyday activities.

Cons of Transition Lenses

Slower Response Times

Whilst modern transition lenses are faster than earlier versions, they still take time to darken and then clear, typically seconds to minutes, which might not be instant enough for some situations.

Performance in Vehicles

Because photochromic lenses depend on UV light to activate, traditional transition lenses may not darken effectively behind car windscreens that block UV rays. This means they may not be as useful as sunglasses for long-distance driving in bright sunlight.

Limited Darkness Compared to Sunglasses

Transition lenses don’t always reach the same level of tint as dedicated sunglasses, particularly in very bright conditions.

Temperature Dependency

Cold weather can slow the transition process, whilst heat can speed it up. Performance may depend on the season.

Residual Tint Indoors

Some people notice a slight tint under the bright indoor lighting, which might affect visual clarity or personal preference.

Which Is Right for You?

There’s no single answer; it depends on your lifestyle, daily habits and visual priorities:

Prescription sunglasses are ideal if you spend significant time outdoors, especially driving, playing sports, or in particularly bright environments, and want maximum tint strength and, if you choose, polarisation.
Transition lenses suit those who want simplicity and continuous UV protection without carrying a second pair of glasses.

At D.I. Blow Opticians, we can assess your visual needs during a comprehensive eye exam and help you decide whether transition lenses, prescription sunglasses or both are the best solution for you.

Once you’ve chosen your sunglasses, a little care goes a long way – see our tips for caring for your sunglasses. And if you’re also updating your frames, our guide to which glasses suit your face shape can help you choose a style that works for you. For the full picture on lens types, tints and UV protection, see our Sunglasses Lens Guide.

So, whether you go for a dedicated pair of prescription sunglasses or the convenience of transition lenses, the right choice comes down to your lifestyle and how you use your eyewear day to day. Book an eye test or book an appointment today to speak with our friendly expert team.

FAQs

Are Prescription Sunglasses Worth It?

For most people who spend meaningful time outdoors or driving, yes, they give full UV protection and clear vision at your exact prescription without needing contact lenses or clip-on tints. If you only need sun protection occasionally, transition lenses or a low-cost non-prescription pair over contacts might suit you better.

Can You Get Polarised Prescription Sunglasses?

Yes, polarisation can be added to prescription lenses to reduce glare from water, roads, and glass on top of your prescription and tint.

How Much Do Prescription Sunglasses Cost?

Cost depends on your prescription, lens type (standard tint, polarised, or gradient), and frame choice. Ask your local D.I. Blow practice for current pricing.

What’s the Difference Between Prescription Sunglasses and Transition Lenses?

Prescription sunglasses are permanently tinted and offer maximum sun protection outdoors. Transition lenses adapt automatically between clear and dark depending on light conditions, so you only need one pair of glasses. Both can be fitted with your exact prescription.

Can I Get Prescription Sunglasses in any Style?

Yes, most frame styles can be made with prescription sunglass lenses, including designer brands. Our team can advise on frame shapes and lens types that suit your prescription and face shape.

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Polarised vs Non-Polarised Sunglasses: Which Are Better for Your Eyes?

Kirsty Martin — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 11:38:28 +0000

Choosing the right pair of sunglasses isn’t just about style; it’s about eye comfort, safety, and protecting your vision. At D.I. Blow Opticians, we often guide customers in deciding whether to choose polarised or regular (non-polarised) sunglasses. This blog explains what polarised sunglasses are, how they compare with non-polarised lenses, and why you might still want a pair of non-polarised glasses in your collection.

What Are Polarised Lenses?

Polarised sunglasses are fitted with a special filter (a “polariser”) that cuts out glare by blocking certain orientations of light. When sunlight reflects off flat surfaces, like water, wet roads, glass, or snow, much of that light becomes “polarised,” causing intense glare. Polarised lenses filter out horizontally reflected light, significantly reducing glare and letting only vertically reflected light through.

In contrast, non-polarised sunglasses simply use tint to reduce the overall brightness of light entering your eyes, often combined with UV-blocking coatings. They do not selectively block glare.

Hence, the key difference isn’t necessarily UV protection, which should exist regardless of polarisation, but whether the lenses help manage reflected light and glare. For a broader look at how polarised lenses work and the different types available, see our full guide on everything you need to know about polarised sunglasses.

Polarised vs Non-Polarised: What’s The Difference?

Feature / Situation	Polarised Sunglasses	Non-Polarised Sunglasses
Glare from water, wet roads, glass, snow	Significantly reduced	Not specifically reduced. Glare may still be strong.
Visual clarity, contrast, reduced eye strain in bright glare	Yes. Clearer vision, less squinting & fatigue.	Partially. Easier on the eyes than bare sunlight, but glare remains.
UV protection	Possible, if UV400 / CE-certified.	Same, as long as lenses have a UV rating.
Suitability for driving, boating, outdoor sports	Excellent for glare-heavy conditions.	Acceptable, but glare may be problematic.
Issues with digital screens, instrument panels, LCDs	Possible: screens may appear dark or distorted.	Better screen visibility, no polarising filter interference.
Performance in low light / dusk / night	Less ideal. Lenses may reduce visibility too much.	Better option when glare is low or unpredictable.
Cost & availability	Often 20–30% more expensive.	Generally more affordable and widely available.

Why Polarised Sunglasses Are Often Better

1. Glare & Reflection Reduction

Because the polarised filter blocks horizontally reflected light, polarised sunglasses dramatically reduce glare from water, wet surfaces, glass, and snow. This makes them ideal for driving, walking in cityscape with reflective pavements, or spending time outdoors near water or in bright sunlight.

Reducing glare means less squinting and eye strain, which, over a long walk, drive or outdoor activity, improves comfort and reduces fatigue.

2. Better Visual Clarity, Colour & Contrast Outdoors

By cutting out scattered, reflected light, polarised lenses can improve contrast, colour perception, and sharpness of vision. This helps when driving (seeing the road clearly), boating or fishing (seeing beneath the water surface), or simply enjoying a sunny day outdoors.

3. Maintains UV Protection

Polarisation itself doesn’t guarantee UV protection, but many quality polarised sunglasses also carry UV400 or CE ratings, which block 99–100% of UVA/UVB rays. That means you get glare reduction and eye-health protection, if you choose wisely.

4. Excellent for Specific Activities & Environments

If you spend time driving, cycling, boating, walking near water or snow, or live somewhere with frequent glare from buildings, glass or wet roads, polarised sunglasses are a strong choice.

In short: where glare is a regular problem, outdoors, water, reflective surfaces, bright sunlight, polarised lenses deliver a noticeably better visual experience.

Why You Should Still Consider Non-Polarised Sunglasses

Despite their benefits, polarised sunglasses aren’t perfect — and there are good reasons to own a non-polarised pair too.

Screen Visibility

Polarised lenses can sometimes make LCD screens, like phone screens, car dashboards, cash points or digital panels, look dim, distorted or even unreadable, because the polarising filter affects the way certain light waves pass through.
If your daily life involves frequent screen use outdoors (GPS, phone, tablets), non-polarised lenses may be more convenient.

Performance in Low Light or Unpredictable Weather

Because polarised lenses often reduce overall light, they may be less suitable in dusk, dawn, cloudy or indoor-outdoor transition situations (e.g. stepping in and out of shade). Non-polarised sunglasses tend to have more consistent visibility across changing light conditions.

Cost & Affordability

Polarised sunglasses tend to be more expensive, typically 20–30% more than equivalent non-polarised versions.
If you’re budget-conscious, or want multiple pairs for different situations, non-polarised sunglasses remain a useful, cheaper option.

Versatility & Everyday Use

For everyday urban use, walking around town, commuting, casual use, non-polarised sunglasses are often more practical. They avoid the screen-visibility issues and work reasonably well in variable light.

In many cases, owning both polarised and non-polarised sunglasses is the smartest choice: use polarised outdoors for driving, holidays, water or snow; and keep non-polarised for daily wear, indoor-outdoor transitions, and screen-heavy situations.

Polarised sunglasses offer distinct advantages when glare, bright reflections, and outdoor conditions are central to your day, improving clarity, comfort, and reducing eye strain. But non-polarised sunglasses remain valuable: affordable, versatile, and often more convenient for everyday use, screen viewing, or variable light conditions.
Rather than asking “which is better overall,” the question is: “Which is better for your lifestyle and the situations you face?”

At D.I. Blow Opticians, we encourage clients to think about how, when, and where they spend their time, and choose sunglasses accordingly. Many find that owning both types gives them the best of both worlds: clarity and comfort outdoors, and practicality and convenience for everyday life.

Already know you want to go the polarised route? See how they compare in cost and style to prescription sunglasses, read our tips on caring for your sunglasses to keep them scratch-free, find out which frame shapes suit your face before you buy, or explore our guide to lens coatings for even more UV and anti-glare protection. For the full picture on choosing the right lenses, see our Sunglasses Lens Guide.

If you’re unsure which to choose, feel free to book an appointment, we’ll be happy to guide you through the options and find the perfect pair for your eyes and lifestyle.

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Caring For Your Sunglasses

Kirsty Martin — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 11:41:51 +0000

If your sunglasses are your favourite fashion accessory and eye care aid, you’ll want them to last a long time.

If you take good care of your sunglasses they can last for 10 years or more. So what are our top tips for getting the most out of your favourite shades?

1. Protect Your Sunglasses From Scratches

Whilst glass lenses are more resistant to scratching than polycarbonate lenses, whatever your lens types it’s important to store your sunglasses in a case. If you just drop them in your bag they’re likely to get scratched by your keys and ruined.

Get yourself either a hardshell case or at minimum a microfibre pouch.

2. Clean Your Sunglasses Properly

Your sunglasses will be prone to smudges and grime, they will pick up oils from your skin and fingers, dirt from outside, makeup residue, and salt or chlorine from the ocean or pool.

The best way to clean your sunglasses is to start with clean, dry hands. Rinse your glasses under warm water and soap up your fingers with a few drops of mild dishwashing soap without harsh detergents or moisturisers. Rub soapy water on the frames and then dry them with a microfibre cloth for best results.

Do not use rubbing alcohol, glass cleaners, vinegar, or any other household cleaners on your glasses.

3. Don’t Leave Your Sunglasses In The Car

Don’t place your sunglasses on the dashboard where heat from the sun is particularly intense.

Extreme heat can be generated by the windshield of your car and that heat can cause the lens of your sunglasses to delaminate. The mirroring and anti-reflective coatinga on the lenses may degrade.

4. Consider How Your Care For Polarised or Mirrored Lenses

Whilst care for polarised sunglasses and mirrored sunglasses is the same as any pair of glasses, it should be noted that some high-quality lenses place the mirror inside the glass, while less-expensive lenses might spray on the mirroring.

Spray on coatings are more vulnerable to scratching and chemicals.

5. Stop Wearing Your Sunglasses On Top Of Your Head

Wearing your sunglasses on top of your head might seem convenient when not in use, but doing this repeatedly can damage to the nose pads, cause the screws to loosen, and stretch the arms.

If you follow these tips and advice, you will ensure that your favourite sunglasses stand the test of time. If you’re in the market for a new pair, take a look at our guide to polarised vs non-polarised lenses or our guide to prescription sunglasses, or browse our full Sunglasses Lens Guide to compare all the lens options available, then visit us in store at D.I. Blow Opticians to see our full range.

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Protect Your Eyes From UV Rays This Summer

Kirsty Martin — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 16:05:20 +0000

As the summer sun shines brightly, it’s essential to remember that protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays is just as important as safeguarding your skin. UV rays can have long-term effects on your eye health, so taking the right precautions is crucial.

Here are some expert tips from D.I. Blow Opticians on how to protect your eyes and maintain healthy vision during the sunny months.

Why UV Protection is Essential

Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to several eye problems, including:

Cataracts: Clouding of the eye lens that can impair vision.
Macular Degeneration: Damage to the retina, affecting central vision.
Photokeratitis: A painful, temporary condition similar to sunburn, affecting the cornea.
Pterygium: Growth on the white part of the eye that can interfere with vision.

Tips for Protecting Your Eyes from UV Rays

Wear Sunglasses with UV Protection:

Choose sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Look for labels indicating UV400 or 100% UV protection. Wraparound styles provide added protection by preventing UV rays from entering from the sides. Find out more about UV400 protection here.

Opt for Polarised Lenses:

Polarised sunglasses reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water and roads, enhancing visual comfort and clarity. Find out everything you need to know about polarised sunglasses here.

Use Hats for Extra Shade:

Wear a wide-brimmed hat to provide additional shade and reduce UV exposure to your eyes and face.

Avoid Direct Sun Exposure During Peak Hours:

In peak, sunny hours, where possible, stay indoors or seek shade during these hours.

Don’t Forget Protective Eyewear for Kids:

Children’s eyes are more susceptible to UV damage. Ensure they wear UV-protective sunglasses and hats when outdoors.

Keep Your Eyes Hydrated:

The summer heat can lead to dry eyes. Use lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.

Avoid Tanning Beds:

Tanning beds emit UV radiation that can be harmful to your eyes. Opt for sunless tanning products instead.

Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye exams are essential for detecting any early signs of UV damage and ensuring your overall eye health. Schedule an appointment with D.I. Blow Opticians to keep your vision in top condition.

Protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays is a crucial part of maintaining healthy vision during the summer. By following these tips and making UV protection a priority, you can enjoy sunny days without compromising your eye health.

For the complete guide to choosing the right sunglasses lenses, see our Sunglasses Lens Guide.

For more personalised advice and the best UV-protective eyewear, visit D.I. Blow Opticians today!

Click here to find your local branch.

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Everything You Need to Know about Polarised Sunglasses

Kirsty Martin — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 13:10:43 +0000

We’ve all experienced glare in our daily lives.

We can experience glare from looking at screens for too long. Driving at night. Or even looking at bright lights.

But those aren’t the only places where glare can manifest. In fact, glare can intensify during the Winter months.

Whilst Winter eye care is essential for optimum eye health, it’s also important that you invest in polarised sunglasses. Polarised sunglasses aren’t like any other lenses on the market as they work to protect your eyes from blinding glare which can cause permanent damage over time.

Interested in learning more? Here’s everything you need to know about polarised sunglasses and how you can utilise them to protect your eyes during the colder months.

What Are Polarised Sunglasses?

In order to understand how polarised sunglasses work, we first need to understand a little bit more about light.

Light reaches your eyes in vibrating waves that moves in all directions. When the vibrations from light waves become aligned in one or more direction, the light becomes polarised and matches the angle of the surface. For example, when you look at the surface of a lake in bright sunshine, you might notice a reflective glare. This is polarised light.

Unlike standard sunglasses, polarised sunglasses are laminated with tiny vertical stripes that only allow vertically angled light to enter the eyes. By wearing polarised sunglasses, glare is eliminated almost immediately as the light waves cannot bypass the vertical filter.

Is There Much Difference Between Polarised Sunglasses And Regular Sunglasses?

You’re probably thinking polarised sunglasses do the same thing as standard sunglasses, but that’s not the case. Standard sunglasses offer basic protection against bright light and UV rays which is why many opticians recommend UV400 sunglasses at the bare minimum. However, these lenses aren’t always able to reduce glare.

Polarised sunglasses block blinding glare and can also enhance visual acuity, colour contrast, visual comfort and blocks 100% of harmful UVA/B light.

If you’re trying to decide which is right for you, our full polarised vs non-polarised sunglasses comparison breaks down exactly when each option makes more sense, including a side-by-side look at cost, driving, screens and low-light performance.

What Are The Different Types?

Polarised sunglasses are available in nearly all lens types, materials, coatings and designs. There are two main types – polarised varifocal sunglasses or polarised high index sunglasses. These can be added to any frame type such as rimless glasses.

Just ask one of our opticians in store who can advise you further.

How Can Polarised Sunglasses Protect My Eyes During The Winter Months?

There are various ways polarised sunglasses can protect your eyes during Winter. They can:

Reduce glare from light-reflecting surfaces such as water, glass and snow
Improve contrast, visual comfort and acuity
Block blinding glare that sunglasses and standard sunglasses would otherwise struggle to block
Be particularly useful for people with certain eye conditions that make them more sensitive to light such as cataracts or age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Help prevent eye strain and fatigue
Sharpen the contrast between light and dark surroundings

Can I Wear Polarised Sunglasses All The Time?

There are certain situations where it’s not a good idea to wear polarised sunglasses. For example, it’s difficult to see LCD screens or displays through them. People who work in high-risk or critical work (like pilots or machine operators) should avoid wearing them.

Finding The Right Pair For You

Interested in polarised lenses? The good news is you can add them to nearly all of our sunglasses.

For the complete picture on choosing sunglasses lenses — UV ratings, tints and lens types — see our Sunglasses Lens Guide.

Why not visit us in one of our stores to try on our extensive range of sunglasses? We have styles to suit all fits, styles and personalities so you’ll never be short on choice. Remember, regular eye exams can detect any eye conditions early so it’s important you attend them when necessary. Your optometrist will also be able to discuss potential options for polarised sunglasses with you.

Find your local branch by using our store locator.

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