Why Are Prescription Sunglasses So Expensive?

While refractive errors such as myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), and astigmatism may be common, that doesn’t make having one any less of a burden. As if it’s not bad enough that you have poor eyesight, you also have to deal with the cons of wearing glasses or contact lenses! And when the sun comes out, things can get even more irritating – time to splash out on some prescription sunglasses…

Sunglasses are extremely useful aids for keeping our eyes protected from harmful UV rays. While they are most commonly worn on sunny days, the fact is, they can help to keep our eyes safe year-round – even when it’s cloudy! As such, everyone should have a pair of good-quality sunglasses. But for the unfortunate ones with refractive errors, this can mean having to dish out a substantial amount.

There’s no way around it. You might try sticking with your favourite pair of vintage RayBans, or even balancing a pair of standard oversized sunnies over the top of your prescription glasses. But all roads will inevitably lead you back to where you began: To frustration.

So, you finally give in and fork out for those expensive prescription sunglasses. But surely, you should know what exactly it is that makes them so expensive, right?

One Company Behind the Brands

There is the fact that one brand – Luxoticca – manufactures frames and sunglasses for around 80% of the world’s major glasses brands, giving them a monopoly over the market. Of course, it is possible to get sunglasses that aren’t manufactured by Luxottica for a fraction of the cost. But there is a good reason Luxottica has gained such a huge portion of the market: Their high-quality materials and production. 

And even if you were to source your prescription sunglasses from elsewhere, there are often many other considerations to take into account.

What Extras Would You Like with That?

Buying a pair of prescription sunglasses would likely still not be that expensive if it weren’t for all the added extras. Just think of all the aesthetic considerations, from size and shape to style and brand. But then there are the more practical additions, such as added UV protection and anti-reflective coatings. Add all this together, and you could end up with one hell of a final cost.

When it comes to style, some sunglasses will cost more to be fitted with your prescription lenses, simply due to the way they are designed. For example, drill-mounted frames, like many styles of aviators, are often rimless. This means that the lens has to be drilled to mount onto the frame, leading to added costs.

And then you have specialised frames such as wrap-around sports glasses, which are often not available for certain prescriptions – unless you’re willing to pay the price!

What about polarised lenses? This extra first became popular among fishermen and boaters as it helped to reduce glare from water. But today, they are commonly touted as an optional feature when buying sunglasses. Yet, despite what some salespeople will tell you, polarised lenses don’t protect your eyes any more than standard sunglasses. But they can be useful in other ways. For example, if you’re driving in wet conditions on a sunny day.

The cost of sunglasses can quickly exceed your budget at the best of times. When you also have your prescription to consider, you could be in for a nasty surprise. So, why not get rid of your prescription altogether? Get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators or Book a Consultation today to find out if you could be suitable for Laser Eye Surgery.