If you’re like me, you know the importance of having a good pair of sunglasses for driving. The sun can be incredibly glare-y, especially when it’s reflecting off the pavement or other cars. And no one likes constantly squinting or pulling down the sun visor.
On top of that, if you need Rx lenses, finding a good pair of prescription sunglasses for driving can be tricky. There are a lot of factors to consider, like the size and shape of your face, the type of lenses you need, and of course, style.
That’s why we’ve done the leg work and put together our picks for the best prescription sunglasses for driving. Whether you’re looking for something sporty, stylish, or just functional, we’ve got you covered.
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Best Prescription Sunglasses for Driving
Ray-Ban Aviator Classic Sunglasses
Ray-Ban Aviator Classic sunglasses are a timeless design that’s been worn by everyone from Hollywood royalty to star athletes and ordinary people alike.
Originally designed to protect pilots’ eyes in the cockpit, the green G-15 lens is both functional and fashionable at the same time.
The lightweight metal construction and adjustable nose pads make them comfortable to wear, while authentic Ray-Ban lenses provide great optical clarity and UV protection.
You can also customize them with your choice of tints and lens treatments, including prescription lenses.
To reduce annoying glare on bright sunny days, go with a polarized or mirrored lens, which either filters out or deflects bright light from entering the lens and obscuring your vision.
Oakley Holbrook with PRIZM Lenses
If you’re on the road for hours at a time, a pair of prescription sunglasses with performance lenses can really help protect and save your eyes from straining.
With a strong, lightweight O Matter frame, the Holbrook is durable and able to withstand plenty of wear and tear.
The keyhole bridge fits most noses comfortably, and when paired with Oakley’s PRIZM lenses, it makes for a great pair of driving sunglasses.
PRIZM technology enhances contrast and makes everything appear in more vivid detail.
The best options for driving in our opinion is either the darker PRIZM Black, which blocks out more light on bright sunny days, or PRIZM Gray, which allows more light in and is best for variable conditions.
They’re also available in a low-bridge fit and are prescription-eligible, so you can get the perfect pair of driving glasses to help you see clearly in any condition – whether it’s sunny, cloudy, or anything in between.
Depending on your preference, the polarized PRIZM works great on the road, but it’s also available non-polarized too.
Maui Jim Ho’okipa
The Maui Jim Ho’okipa sunglasses are a sleek and stylish option that offers great features and benefits.
It’s a wraparound rimless pair designed to be comfortable and unobtrusive, and Maui Jim’s famous glass lenses are known for crystal clear optics as well as excellent scratch-resistance.
With an 8-base curve (the most curved type of lens), the 64mm-wide lenses provide totally unobstructed peripheral vision so you don’t have blind spots where other frames block your view.
There’s even a reader Ho’okipa with your choice of add power at the bottom for easily reading your dash or GPS when glancing down.
Of course, the Ho’okipa is available in prescription, though keep in mind that it’s best for lower strengths since it is a rimless frame.
EyeBuyDirect Sun Nostalgia
Don’t need (or want) a pair of brand name sunglasses? You can get a great pair of prescription driving sunglasses for a lot less than you’d spend on a premium designer brand.
EyeBuyDirect’s Sun Nostalgia is a high-quality, dark tortoise round frame from the company’s RFLKT collection. The acetate eyewire is metal-reinforced for durability, and the temples are also made of metal.
You can choose from multiple lens options, tints, and treatments, including polarized, mirrored, Transitions® and even red-green color blindness lenses.
And if you have a high prescription, you can get high-index lenses to minimize the thickness.
The Sun Nostalgia is a great option for those who want quality sunglasses at a fraction of the price of designer brands.
Warby Parker Hatcher
Gotta love the retro 80’s aviator sunglass style with Warby Parker’s Hatcher frame.
It comes in either tortoise or solid black, and what’s great is that it’s available in both medium and wide widths.
Plus, the lenses are polarized and Rx-eligible, so you can get the perfect pair of driving sunglasses to suit your needs.
Warby Parker’s designers pre-select the tint color for each frame, but if you want a different color (or don’t want polarized lenses), you can always online chat with their customer service team to customize your lens.
Don’t dig this style? Try anyone of their frames on right from their site. Or better yet, take 5 frames for a spin with their free home try-on program.
Best Prescription Night Driving Glasses
What to Look for in Prescription Driving Sunglasses
Frame
Fit is key when it comes to driving sunglasses – you don’t want to be distracted by fidgeting with your frame while you’re behind the wheel.
Look for a pair with rubber grip or adjustable features for a custom, comfortable fit. Lightweight materials are also important in ensuring a comfortable ride.
When choosing prescription driving sunglasses, it’s important to find a good balance between function and style. However, always prioritize function over fashion when it comes to safety.
Some of the better frame styles for driving include wraparound and rimless sunglasses as they give you unobstructed peripheral vision.
Lenses
For driving, it’s important to have lenses that will reduce glare and enhance contrast. This will help you see the road more clearly, especially in low light or at night.
Look for sunglasses with polarized lenses that can reduce glare from the sun and reflections off the road.
Photochromic or light-adjusting lenses are also a good option for driving sunglasses, as they automatically adjust to changing light conditions.
Wraparound style lenses will give you the best coverage and protection from the sun, while still allowing you to see clearly out of the corners of your eyes.
UV Protection
All sunglasses should offer 100% UV protection, but this is especially important for driving sunglasses. The sun’s rays can be very harmful to your eyes, causing discomfort and even long-term damage.
Make sure the lenses of your prescription driving sunglasses are made of materials that will block out all harmful UV rays.
Tint Density
Another important factor to consider when choosing prescription driving sunglasses is tint density. The darker the lens, the more light they will block.
Of course, you don’t want your tinted lenses to be so dark that they make it difficult to see. A tint density between 15-40% visible light transmission, or VLT, is best for driving sunglasses.
Transition or photochromic lenses take the guesswork out of the equation for you since they automatically adjust to the specific light conditions you’re in.
Anti Glare/Reflective + Anti-Scratch Coatings
A good anti-reflective coating can make a big difference when you’re driving. This type of coating helps to reduce glare from the sun and reflections off the road.
Additionally, an anti-scratch coating is always a good idea to keep your lenses from scratching up and obstructing your view.
In fact, it’s always a good idea to get both anti-scratch and anti-glare coatings added to any pair of glasses, whether they’re eyeglasses or sunglasses.
Prescription Driving Sunglasses FAQs
Are Polarized Sunglasses Good For Driving?
Yes, polarized lenses can be beneficial for driving. They reduce glare from the sun and other reflective surfaces, making it easier to see the road ahead. Additionally, they can help to reduce eye fatigue, making for a more comfortable drive.
However, the downside to polarized lenses is they can make reading digital screens such as your dash or GPS more difficult.
What Sunglass Lenses Are Best For Driving?
There are a few different types of lenses that can be beneficial for driving. Polarized lenses are a good option, as they reduce glare and help to improve visibility.
Photochromic lenses are also a good choice, as they darken automatically in bright conditions and make it easier to see the road ahead.
Additionally, mirrored lenses can help to reduce glare from the sun and make it easier to see the road ahead.
What Color Lens Is Best For Day Driving?
For daytime driving, a neutral gray works well, but it’s really a personal preference. Gray or brown lenses are generally the best choice for driving during the day.
For contrast enhancement, bronze, coppers, or rose tints help create definition and detail that make things like potholes or debris on the road easier to see.
Are Oakley Prescription Lenses Much Better Than A Typical Generic Lens?
While Oakley prescription lenses may be of a higher quality than some generic lenses, they are not necessarily better for driving. It really depends on your individual needs and circumstances.
If you’re on the road for hours everyday, the enhanced contrast and extra detail you’ll be able to make out with Oakley’s PRIZM technology can certainly make a difference as it reduces eye strain and allows your eyes to relax while driving.
On the other hand, if you’re not taking long road trips and mostly just driving around town, a standard sunglass lens should more than suffice.