Another (prescription) glasses question

[DaveGM]

I started cycling about 6 months ago. I wear glasses full time (they have varifocal lens) and have been using them to ride as I have never got on with contact lens.

I have seen that there are various types of more specific cycling glasses that are available with prescription lens that would offer more protection.

These appear to fall into two categories
1. Prescription lens within a sports style frame
2. A prescription insert inside a separate frame. ie a "double" pair of glasses.

It seem to me the advantage of 1. is that its just one pair of glasses to put on but there is no interchange of lens tints available which is overcome in option 2. The disadvantage of option 2> appears to be greater chance of misting.

Also, whilst they may look ok whilst on the bike, you may look a bit of a plonker whilst having a cafe break!

Any thoughts on the best way to go would be appreciated. Perhaps I continue with ordinary glasses and forget the whole idea!

 

[mjr]

I currently wear builder's goggles over my regular glasses. Look awful but cheap and more comfortable than any cycling specific glasses I've been able to try on. I do ponder getting some prescription aviators or wraparounds if my next glasses have a twofer or BOGOHP offer.

 

[Dogtrousers]

@ianrauk has recommendations on this subject.

I just wear my ordinary (varifocal) glasses. I do intend to get some sporty glasses sometime, I just need to get around to it.

Another option (if your vision allows it) is a pair of sports or other protective glasses with a stick on close vision lens (available quite easily on the net) thus making a sort of home-made bifocal. I have a pair like that but they are temporarily misplaced. Works OK.

The one thing I personally don't like about sunglasses is that they ruin my enjoyment of the surroundings by tinting everything lucozade coloured (or whatever colour they may be). Like going to a concert and wearing earmuffs.

 

[winjim]

I wear Rudy Project Gozen with Rx inserts and interchangeable lenses, and I love them like they were my own child. They're expensive, but when my prescription changes I can just replace the inserts rather than the whole set, and if I scratch them I can just replace the lenses.

One thing to bear in mind with the inserts though is that they are very close to your eyes. I can feel my eyelashes brushing against them when I first put them on, although after a few minutes I get used to it and stop noticing.

 

[vickster]

I don't like the inserts being so close to my eyes. I went for direct glazed Oakleys after much deliberation but they were £270. I can't see too well off the bike so usually carry my normal specs too for cafe stops, shopping etc!

I have transitions so the lens colour changes based on light conditions so the tint question is irrelevant , did add a bit more to the cost though

 

[guitarpete247]

I got some windrams http://www.windrams.com . I get on with them OK but think I could do with new prescription inserts. I normally use Specsavers but had to get them from Vision Express so i'll pop in to see them after my next eye test.

 

[Mrs M]

I just wear prescription sunglasses.
Used to wear some smart Raybans but for safety reasons though it would be better to see where I was going.

 

[ianrauk]

Thanks @Dogtrousers

I am a huge fan of Optilabs and their range of cycling glasses. Their customer service is second to none and they have a great range. Seeing as you are in Merseyside, a visit to their store is probably not an option for you. However, they do sent out frames for you to try (with a prepaid return label).

As to the cost. For prescription, transition lenses you are looking at about £170 a pair.

It's worth having a look at their website.

 

[Tom B]

Personal recommendation of
http://www.speckyfoureyes.com/11/type/sports-glasses

Just check on your prescription I have astigmatism, like you i cant get on with contacts, and not all glasses have an option for the astigmatic component of the prescription just +/- - sods law dictates these will be the ones you want!

I tend to use just normal prescription sunglasses in the summer and my normal wide glasses on dry commutes. I buy all my glasses from SFE and never pay more than £30 for normal glasses. Currently I have some BENCH 329s that a good all-rounders. I have previously used the SFE home-brands without issue.

 

[vickster]

When I looked at optilabs the direct glaze transitions were barely any cheaper (£230 IIRC) and their limited range of DG frames were all really ugly

I used sportsrx

Ymmv

 

[zacklaws]

Some one on the forum posted that they recommend VoltX safety Bifocals on a similar thread, I bought a pair to try and find them cheap and cheerfull, first time now I can see my Garmin properly, but it has created other problems where riders in close proximity become a blurred when I look down for wheels to follow etc and also looking down at my rear mech is blurred. They also steam up quiet bad, especcially in rain and your hot. I bought a pair in yellow to try, but despite the problems, I will buy some dark lenses and clear lenses eventually for riding in.

http://www.straightlines.com/BiFocalSafetySite/bifocal-safety-glasses?page=bi-focal_safety_specs

 

[DaveGM]

Thanks for all the responses.

The varifocal lens is not really a big issue as I can certainly read a menu etc without looking through that part of the lens - reading a map is a bit more difficult.

Distance vision which is what is required for riding is the main issue and I do have astigmatism as well!

I could take the suggestion of vickster and carry my normal specs for cafe stops and have single vision lens only.

I have been in touch with Optilabs and they are dispatching some frames to try - excellent service so far. I'll look into the alternatives suggested as well.

I tend to think photochromatic lens are the answer rather that selecting a lens at the start of a ride and the conditions change.

 

[RMurphy195]

My prescription sunglasses have a grey tint - ie a neutral colour. Might be worth a look.

I too use varificals, when they need replacing i may have a look at Specsavers "Sports" glasses - if I can find them!

 

[andrew_s]

I just wear my normal prescription glasses, which are photochromic so no sunglasses are required.
The only problem I have is that as I don't change glasses when I reach the pub, it can be a bit difficult to read the beer menu at first, and one time a wasp approached from the side and got in behind the lens, which wouldn't have happened with a more wrap round style. Yes, it did sting.