The question of whether you can wear prescription sunglasses while using contact lenses is common for vision-corrected individuals seeking sun protection. While physically possible, doing so is generally not recommended and can be counterproductive to clear vision. Modern contact lenses are designed to fully correct refractive errors directly on the eye’s surface. Understanding the optical conflict created by this combination is important for maintaining visual comfort and ocular health.
The Necessity of Plano Lenses
When a contact lens is placed on the cornea, it corrects the eye’s focusing error, meaning no further lens power is needed. Once contacts are in place, the eye is normalized and requires sunglasses with zero corrective power, known as plano lenses. Wearing existing prescription sunglasses over contacts means stacking two prescriptions.
Consider a person with a -2.00 diopter prescription who wears -2.00 contacts and -2.00 prescription sunglasses. The contact lens corrects the initial error, but the sunglass lens adds another -2.00 of minus power. The result is an over-correction, creating a combined effective power of -4.00, which will distort vision, cause blurriness, eyestrain, headaches, or dizziness.
The only exception is if an eye care professional prescribes a slight power to compensate for a small residual error or a unique visual need. For most contact lens wearers, the goal of the sunglass is purely to provide light and environmental filtering, making a non-prescription plano lens the only optically sound choice.
Essential Features for Contact Wearers
Once corrective power is resolved, the primary role of sunglasses worn over contacts shifts entirely to eye protection from the environment. The most important feature is 100% protection against ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. Although some contact lenses include UV-blocking materials, they do not cover the entire conjunctiva or surrounding delicate skin, leaving areas exposed to sun damage.
Sunglasses should act as a comprehensive barrier, shielding the eye and surrounding tissues from cumulative UV exposure, which is linked to conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. Polarization is another beneficial feature, chemically filtering horizontal light waves that cause glare. This is particularly helpful near reflective surfaces like water, snow, or roads, as it significantly improves visual clarity and reduces eye fatigue.
Wraparound or large-frame styles also provide a physical barrier against wind, dust, and debris, which can be irritating or damaging to contact lenses and the eye’s surface. By focusing on these protective features, contact lens wearers ensure their eyes remain comfortable and healthy in bright conditions.
Practical Alternatives to Traditional Sunglasses
For those who do not wish to purchase a separate pair of plano sunglasses, several practical alternatives offer convenience and versatility.
Clip-On Sunglasses
Clip-on sunglasses are a streamlined option, consisting of tinted, non-prescription lenses that attach directly to regular eyeglasses frames. They are easy to remove and store, offering instant sun protection without needing a second full frame.
Photochromic Lenses
Another solution involves the use of photochromic lenses in regular glasses frames. These lenses darken automatically when exposed to UV light and clear up indoors, eliminating the need for separate sunglasses entirely. This option requires the user to remove their contact lenses and wear their prescription glasses instead, as they cannot be worn simultaneously.
Prescription Inserts
Sport enthusiasts or those requiring specialized eyewear may consider prescription inserts that fit into protective goggles or wraparound frames. These inserts can be fitted with plano lenses to wear over contacts. They can also be given a slight prescription if the contact lens does not fully correct all vision errors, such as residual astigmatism. This provides maximum protection and ensures the visual correction is tailored precisely to the eye’s needs.