Prescription sunglasses for sailing

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roblpm

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Hi,

I need to get some decent sunglasses for sailing.

However when I look at the Bolle or Oakley ones the prices are unbelievable for their prescription polarising lenses. About £300 online!!!!

What does everyone else do??! I could fork out but I'm sure I would lose them after 2 weeks!!

Regards,

Rob
 
I know you're supposed to have polarised lenses, but I do fine with an ordinary pair of prescription dark glasses I got from Specsavers free when I bought some other stuff. If they're at all loose get an elasticated lanyard, as I lost the pair before these in Falmouth Harbour looking down to judge when to step off with a line.

If wearing my contacts I use an £11.99 pair I got from a souvenir shop in Lulworth Cove.
 
I get prescription polariods from Boots Optitions. Last pair were in a Ray Ban frame, sure they didn't cost £300. Also use a floating retainer similar to the one Nigel has posted.
 
I use Maui Jims - the best polarised sunspecs I've ever worn. Not cheap but less expensive than Oakley and Bolle and very good value for money.
(Did I mention I also sell them?)
 
roblpm said:
Hi,

I need to get some decent sunglasses for sailing.

However when I look at the Bolle or Oakley ones the prices are unbelievable for their prescription polarising lenses. About £300 online!!!!

What does everyone else do??! I could fork out but I'm sure I would lose them after 2 weeks!!

Regards,

Rob
Click to expand...

I can't get Bolle, Oakley etc. in my prescription, so I have a pair of: http://www.sunglassesforsport.com/s...e-austin-carbon-fibre-3-lens-rx-prescription/

These have an insert in which you just get plain plastic prescription lenses put.

They have polarised ones available too, but I find I can't read any of the instruments or plotters on boats I've been on as they have orthogonal polarisation to the glasses.
 
I have worn prescription sunglasses for 40 years. Make sure that the UV protection is up to scratch. The penalty for not having adequate UV protection is early blindness.

If you need to read the water for navigating amongst reefs then polarized lens are best.

It is even possible to get wrap arounds now for those who need the cool look.
 
I have a pair of Oakley monster dogs prescription... Got them from Vision express 4 years ago or so... Excellent money well spent.

I am firmly in the Spend more money for good glasses camp... The Oakleys are the best glasses I have ever owned full stop... Never mind sunnies.

My previous ray bans lasted about 14 years... So they were pretty good as well... But the Oakleys smokem.

Nov1901sm.jpg


Look, no awfull strings either... They are glued on...

(if that pic doesn't put you off... Nothing will.)
 
Last edited:
Merry Girl said:
I know you're supposed to have polarised lenses, but I do fine with an ordinary pair of prescription dark glasses I got from Specsavers free when I bought some other stuff. If they're at all loose get an elasticated lanyard, as I lost the pair before these in Falmouth Harbour looking down to judge when to step off with a line.

If wearing my contacts I use an £11.99 pair I got from a souvenir shop in Lulworth Cove.
Click to expand...

I used to wear polarising sunglasses at one time but I thought the trouble was that although they cut out glare reflected from the water etc they did not necessarily cut out the harmfull UV

If you opt for polarising lenses to cut out glare you must ensure that they do also cut out the UV. Maybe they all do now if bought from a reputable source rather that souvenir shops!
 
I just went to an optician with my prescription, picked a frame, and ordered polarised lenses. I can't see why people bother with branded sunglasses.
 
I got cheap prescription sunglasses from Direct Sight by mail order only about £35 and they are fine but they are not really dark enough when it is very bright and sunny and I really need some that block more of the light out. Still I now know what I need and not too expensive a learning curve.
 
ahabdonal said:
I got cheap prescription sunglasses from Direct Sight by mail order only about £35 and they are fine but they are not really dark enough when it is very bright and sunny and I really need some that block more of the light out. Still I now know what I need and not too expensive a learning curve.
Click to expand...

Just make sure the UV protection is adequate.

Not doing eye transplants yet are they!
 
I bought mine online from a website recommended on this forum. Unfortunately, I can't remember the details. You need a prescription card but I got solid wraparound glasses for about £40. No designer logo though, if that is important to you.

I have a problem with polarised shades in that both my Nasa and Lowrance instruments seem to have polarised screen coatings. This yields a rather trippy moire pattern when viewed through polarising specs.
 
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