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Shopping for Bifocal Sunglasses

InfoZen11 | Oct 17, 2009 |

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Bifocals have come a long way since old Benjamin Franklin grew so annoyed with swapping between two pairs of glasses that he invented his own multipurpose pair: the bifocal reading glasses. We've moved from heavy glass to an assortment of light plastics. And now those cozy reading glasses move outdoors with bifocal sunglasses.

Here some key points for you to weigh when you begin your shopping for bifocal sunglasses. Remember to create a plan as well as a list of requirements before you begin your shopping. This will help you stay on track and not be lured by unnecessary features or expenses.

Which Plastic Is Best for Bifocal Sunglasses?

There are a number of factors to consider when you evaluate the different plastics for prescription or bifocal sunglasses. Essentially, it boils down to three different plastics. Those plastics are trivex, polycarbonate and CR-39.

For maximum optics, you should go with the CR-39. In most situations, bifocals constructed from CR-39 have evolved to be the optimum choice for their superior optical quality and versatility. However, there are significant reasons why they may not represent the best choice for bifocal sunglasses.

CR-39 aren't nearly as shatter-proof or scratch-resistance as trivex or polycarbonate glasses. While trivex and polycarbonate feature lower quality optics with a high dispersion, they are also much more capable of surviving the active lifestyle often endured by a pair of glasses designed to be worn under the sun.

This is both a money matter as well as a safety concern. You don't want your sunglasses cracking while reeling in that big fish or tossing the Frisbee with your puppy.

There are people who will need to go with yet another plastic: izon. However, this will only be for people who require very strong and specific corrective lenses. But it is good to know that sunglasses are still an option for people with such eye problems.

Choosing the Best Fit for Bifocal Sunglasses

When you try on different bifocal sunglass frames, keep in mind that you want your outdoor, active frames to fit differently than your indoor reading glasses. You also want a tighter fit to keep the sun away from seeping between the frame and your cheekbones or brow to your eyes.

If you don't think you will be moving around too much, then they can be a little less snug, but if you have any degree of activity planned for their use, be certain you prepare for it with a noticably tighter fit than your usual eyeglasses.

Make Sure You Have Those UV Rays Blocked

This should go without saying, but always ensure that you have complete UV protection with your new bifocal sunglasses. This isn't just a matter of health, it is a matter of comfort and endurance. Sunglasses with less protection will allow your eyes to tire more quickly while you're having fun in the sun.

And while you're considering UV protection, make sure you select an appropriate anti-reflective coating. This may be different depending on your purpose; the right anti-reflective coating for driving may not be best for someone intending to do a lot of fishing.

I hope this helps you better understand your options as you embark on shopping for the right bifocal sunglasses. It can be quite a bit different than shopping for those bifocal reading glasses. Take your time and get the fit and the plastic just right for your particular circumstance.