People that need to wear eyeglasses to see properly are often faced with a dilemma when it comes to sun protection. While prescription glasses can be made photo-chromatic to exclude some sun, you may need more protection than your photochromic lenses offer. Wearers of contact lenses find themselves in even more trouble, particularly in places where they face direct sunlight and other eye irritants.

Prescription sunglasses are an option for sun-protection for those with sight impairments, allowing you to stylishly protect your eyes from glare and dirt without sacrificing your sight in the process. The following are a few reasons you should consider getting prescription sunglasses:

1. Ideal for the beach and pool

If you wear contact lenses, you have experienced the discomfort that comes with a sand particle lodged between your lens and eye. In addition, you can't wear your contact lenses when swimming, since the chlorine in the water can lead to irritation and even infections in your eyes. Getting prescription sunglasses can help you enjoy your beach experience by protecting your eyes from direct sunlight while leaving your vision intact. You can take them off easily when swimming and put them back on when you're done.

2. Good for driving

If you have photo-chromatic lenses, you probably know the struggle that comes with driving in direct sunlight. Since photo-chromatic lenses are activated by UV rays and most of the newer car windscreens are made to exclude UV light, wearers find that their glasses don't tint as much as they should when driving, which makes driving uncomfortable. Prescription sunglasses can be used in place of your regular eyeglasses for adequate sun protection with no impact to your ability to see.

3. Available for all eye defects

If you have complex corrective eyewear needs, you too can get prescription sunglasses. There are prescription glasses available for presbyopic individuals who wear bifocals, trifocals or progressive lenses to enable you read properly. You can talk to your optometrist about getting prescription sunglasses made according your corrective eyewear needs. Doing this as you get your regular glasses can get you're a better deal on both glasses.

4. Wide choice of lens materials

Just like your prescription eyewear, you can get prescription sunglasses made in a wide range of materials, from regular, polycarbonate and high-index plastics to Trivex and even glass lenses. Glass lenses have become less popular over time because of their fragility, but these are can be made for you on request.

5. Available in the same styles as regular sunglasses

Prescription sunglasses can be designed in the same style/design as regular sunglasses, so you don't have to worry about having a limited selection to choose from. If you favour curved lenses, you may have to reduce your expectations, since having the extreme curves typical of wraparound frame designs can distort your vision. However, you can get them with less-defined curves, but these will have limited prescription eyeglass ranges. Consult an optometrist to see how to merge your design preferences with your sight requirements.