My cycle glasses experience

[SteveBM]

just wanted to share my experiences of cycling glasses, as I have used these forums extensively in the past, time to give something back!!

So, here's my story.

I'm 46, wearing varifocal glasses on a +4.75 and +5.25 prescription

Started with prescription inserts from RX Sports but condensation and lack of peripheral vision soon meant I was looking elsewhere.

I then bought a pair of Bolle frames with tinted lenses. These have been great, but they were never really a comfortable fit due to my oddly shaped face (I'm not the Elephant Man, but I have a large "square" head!!!)

After my latest visit to the opticians, my prescription had deteriorated further. This precluded certain especially Oakleys, due to lens thickness.

My optician (Vision Express, Rayleigh) suggested Tom Davies, who make bespoke frames. They took measurements of my head and developed some frames which actually fit - the first ever pair which have truly done so.
We complemented these with transitions lenses, so I can now wear them in the evenings, low light riding, and indoors during pub / cake stops!

I'm really pleased with them. They're not cheap, but if you have the cash, I'd heartily recommend Vision Express if they have the Tom Davies reseller license

 

[Accy cyclist]

I've recently started using contact lenses for cycling again, but the vision is only about 70-80% i get from my glasses, I have one of those rubbery straps to hold my glasses on but they aren't very sporty looking. How much are the Tom Davies ones. I don't mind paying if they're good and will last. I don't want to pay say £150 for some sports glasses and find them uncomfy,poor vision or naff looking.

 

[SteveBM]

It's a completely bespoke design, based upon your head measurement and design criteria. They actually make the frames to fit your head. Hope my wife doesn't see this--- frames were £540ish

Sadly, I can't wear contact lenses - my eyes are too sensitive

 

[Accy cyclist]

It's a completely bespoke design, based upon your head measurement and design criteria. They actually make the frames to fit your head. Hope my wife doesn't see this--- frames were £540ish

Sadly, I can't wear contact lenses - my eyes are too sensitive

What happens if your prescription changes?

 

[vickster]

Given you presumably had to be a fairly large amount on top with the lenses, you might want to get them insured separately against accidental damage

And I thought my transitions Oakleys were quite a lot at £270

 

[vickster]

What happens if your prescription changes?

Presumably get new lenses fitted

 

[Accy cyclist]

Presumably get new lenses fitted

But how much will they cost?

 

[vickster]

But how much will they cost?

The OP hasn't said how much his lenses cost so hard to say. But decent lenses must be £200+ for a complex prescription? You'd need to ask an optician

maybe @SteveBM ca help if he's finished resuscitating his wife after she saw the cost of the frames

 

[SteveBM]

What happens if your prescription changes?

New lenses I guess

 

[SteveBM]

The OP hasn't said how much his lenses cost so hard to say. But decent lenses must be £200+ for a complex prescription? You'd need to ask an optician

maybe @SteveBM ca help if he's finished resuscitating his wife after she saw the cost of the frames

She's not seen this yet!!

Lenses are very much your choice. I chose Transitions lenses. I'd rather not say how much they were!!!

 

[Globalti]

I got these from Shoptic through my optician. The lens is cleverly mounted in a sub-frame, which allows the curved frame design to accommodate quite extreme prescriptions. These are vari-focal and photochromic. Fantastic vision, day or night!

 

[SteveBM]

A very similar principleto mine. That was the whole issue with me, my prescription restricted the frame and the curve I could have.

 

[Levo-Lon]

Nice..i wish i could get some for my scrip..too much astigmatism..so wont work on a wrap round..
I have toughened plastic lenses in ok sized frames..bit like the white ones above..
but id like a safty type for mtb

 

[Globalti]

Nice..i wish i could get some for my scrip..too much astigmatism..so wont work on a wrap round..
I have toughened plastic lenses in ok sized frames..bit like the white ones above..
but id like a safty type for mtb

I have astigmatism and my prescription is quite heavy. The whole point about those Shoptic glasses is that you CAN have a heavy prescription because the sub-frames allow it.

 

[guitarpete247]

I've got a pair of Windrams but should change the inserts as my prescription changed last time I had eye test. I got them through Vision Express but not sure they still stock them or can change the prescription (must call in and check).
I'm still on the lookout for new glasses but ones I know I can change lenses next year after next eye test.
I like the fact that the Windrams have different tinted lenses but the insert looks dorky when I have the clear lens.