Combining contact lenses with prescription sunglasses is generally a safe and effective way to manage vision correction and sun protection simultaneously. When done correctly, wearing contacts corrects your refractive error while the prescription sunglasses provide external benefits. This dual system offers both clear vision and protection from ultraviolet radiation, allowing for flexibility without needing to rely solely on non-prescription shades.
Understanding the Dual Correction System
The success of this combination relies on understanding the distinct roles each device plays in vision. Contact lenses sit directly on the cornea, correcting refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. They are the primary source of vision correction, ensuring the light focuses precisely onto the retina.
The prescription sunglasses function primarily as a protective shield and light filter. They are designed to reduce the intensity of visible light and, most importantly, block harmful UVA and UVB rays, preventing photokeratitis and long-term damage. Since the contact lens has already corrected the vision, the sunglass lens acts simply as a high-quality filter.
This setup works seamlessly because the contact lens provides the necessary optical power, leaving the sunglasses to handle external factors like glare and brightness. High-quality sunglass lenses, often made of polycarbonate or Trivex, absorb the full spectrum of UV light. The combined system effectively addresses both the need for sharp vision and comfortable light management in bright environments.
Essential Checks for Comfort and Clarity
While the optical principles align, several practical checks ensure comfort and clarity when combining these vision aids. The first consideration involves the fit and size of the sunglass frames, which should not press uncomfortably against the eye or nose bridge. A frame that fits too closely can lead to reduced blinking or improper air circulation around the contact lens.
A poor fit can increase the rate of tear film evaporation, causing contact lens dryness and irritation, especially during prolonged outdoor activity. Furthermore, the curvature of the sunglasses should not be so extreme that it introduces peripheral distortion, even if the lens power is zero. The frame design should allow for natural airflow and comfortable wear over the ears.
A major clarity concern arises if the sunglass lenses themselves contain an unneeded prescription power. If you are wearing contacts that fully correct your vision, wearing older prescription sunglasses with a non-zero power results in overcorrection. This optical mismatch introduces unnecessary power to the visual system, leading to immediate symptoms like eye strain, blurred vision, or tension headaches.
For the best experience, the prescription sunglasses used over fully corrective contacts should be “plano,” meaning they have a neutral refractive power. If you are ordering new prescription sunglasses, ensure the optical lab sets the power to zero, focusing only on the tint and UV protection. Testing the combination in varied lighting conditions before extended use can help identify any unexpected visual distortions.
When to Consult Your Eye Doctor (Specialty Cases)
There are specific situations where professional guidance from an optometrist or ophthalmologist is necessary before adopting this dual system. Individuals who use multifocal or bifocal contact lenses should exercise caution when pairing them with prescription sunglasses designed for a single focal point, such as distance vision. Combining two different focusing systems can lead to significant visual confusion and difficulty adapting to near and far tasks.
Patients with very high prescriptions, generally exceeding -8.00 or +6.00 diopters, may experience unique visual aberrations or distortions when layering lenses. The thickness and curvature of the combined lenses can sometimes introduce peripheral magnification or minification effects that require specialized frame and lens recommendations. This is due to the increased distance between the corrective surfaces.
Certain specialty lens components, such as therapeutic tints, prism correction, or specific coatings on either the contact lens or the sunglass, may interact unexpectedly. For instance, some polarized sunglass coatings may cause unusual visual patterns when worn over certain contact lens materials. Consulting an eye care professional ensures that the combined system is optically harmonious and tailored to your specific visual needs and ocular health profile.