Tinting of Prescription Glasses

[RI-Sailor]

Rely on the person who works at my optometrist's office!!!

 

Really, I know I want metal frames and gold is better than silver (by a long shot!). I kind of browse and might point out a couple of pairs ("like those, hate these..."), but I let her pick them up and hand them to me. Then try on about 3, pick the best of those, then a couple more and pick the best of those....doesn't take too long until we have about 3 or 4 finalists and then I try them all on again and we make the final decision!

[woohoocruising]

I need your person! Maybe I'll be lucky and find someone like that tomorrow :)

[suzyl62]

The clip-ons don't distort your vision. I am friends with several opticians and they all recommend them if you can get a pair of clip ons that work with your frames. The key is to get a pair of clip ons that are designed to work with your frames like 98charlie did.

 

I have use both I will tell you that I love the clip-ons a lot better. I had them

tinted before but to me when you look thought them its like you dont have any tint at all. so I would tell you to get the clip on at walmart for $16.00

[Liv4cruzin]

How ironic that just today I was having a conversation w/ an optician about the transition lenses. I was having my prescription strengthened (the joy of getting older); & I asked about transitions. At Costco they only charge an additional $35, while elsewhere it's about $60-65. Then he told me that they will not get their darkest when you're driving because the natural tinting in your windshields prevents them from making the full transition. I passed on the idea because the sample he had in the store didn't get as dark as I'd like when I went outside w/ them. My cheapo Massimo sunglasses from Target provide great UV proction & wrap around my face closely. I knew I couldn't have that using my regular eyeglasses.

[98Charlie]

Many places offer "buy one, get one"--I get a regular Rx and a RX on my sunglasses! Then, I don't have to fool with "clip-on"--they're not very attractive!

Actually, if you get the magnetic clipons when you buy your glasses, they are the same size and shape as the Rx glasses themselves. The magnets are at the hinges and very narrow. The photo below is of this type of clipon.

 

While the model may leave something to be desired:rolleyes: , the shades are perfect fits. I also prefer carrying the smaller clips as opposed to an extra set of glasses.

Now, this doesn't resolve the OP's question but is good for future reference.

 

If I were OP, I would wear the old glasses for a few days to see if there are any problems, (headaches, blurred vision, etc.) and then spend $15 or $30 bucks for the tint job if it is available for their glasses.

 

Side note to OP. You mention that you never wear sunglasses at home. You may want to reconsider that. Sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays help prevent cataracts.

 

My 2¢,

 

Charlie

[Sailorgirlseattle]

I have to wear glasses too, and I've been wearing Transition lenses for years. They're great for running around town and whatnot, but this year when I got my new rx I asked about prescription sunglasses. The place I get mine has a half-off the second pair deal, and that applied to rx suns as well. And I LOVE them!

 

Yeah, it can be a bit of a pain to switch them on and off, BUT: I've noticed that I like the smaller frames for regular wear, and even with Transition lenses, the brightness will come in around the edges of my regular glasses and bother me if I'm in the sun for any length of time. The sunglasses have a larger lens, a wider/thicker frame, and really block out most of that ambient light. Plus, my Transitions don't darken in the car at all, and I find the suns work much better for me when driving too.

 

All that said, for 15 bucks I think I'd conduct the experiment and see the coating thing works or not. You're really not out much if it doesn't.

[rarescrambler]

Well, yesterday afternoon I tried 2 of my 3 pair of old glasses and neither are going to work - made me dizzy. I've got one more pair to try, but don't hold out a lot of hope that the $15 route would work. We'll just have to make another trip to the eyeglass store and see what we can do.

 

And - I was wondering how long it would be before I got the "you should wear sunglasses" lecture. :D It actually took longer than I thought it would. I know, I know - but I've got this thing about being able to see, which I can't with just regular sunglasses. Which just makes it all the more clear to me now that we really should do something in this regard. Thanks, Charlie. See, this board is really good for much more than just cruise advice!

[98Charlie]

Well, yesterday afternoon I tried 2 of my 3 pair of old glasses and neither are going to work - made me dizzy. I've got one more pair to try, but don't hold out a lot of hope that the $15 route would work. We'll just have to make another trip to the eyeglass store and see what we can do.

 

And - I was wondering how long it would be before I got the "you should wear sunglasses" lecture. :D It actually took longer than I thought it would. I know, I know - but I've got this thing about being able to see, which I can't with just regular sunglasses. Which just makes it all the more clear to me now that we really should do something in this regard. Thanks, Charlie. See, this board is really good for much more than just cruise advice!

I actually thought twice about including that comment. It's really none of my (or anyone elses) business. OTOH, I fighured a small mention was really the right thing to do.

 

Darkness (as I understand it) is not the problem. As long as the glasses shield 100% of the UVA & UVB rays, you are good to go.

 

Someone else had mentioned Zenni Optical as an inexpensive alternative. Here's a link to some information from Clark Howard (radio money saving guru) that you may find interesting. Rx glasses start at $8 (not a typo, eight dollars). I haven't tried them and don't know if the sunglasses block 100% of UVA/B rays. I do believe that the glasses come from China. Of course, I have no idea where my glasses were made anyway:rolleyes:

 

Charlie

[wrp96]

Rarescrambler, regular sunglasses aren't an option for me either unless, like some people have mentioned above, they fit over my current frames. I have learned from experience that not wearing my prescription glasses gets me into trouble (click on the link to my live posts from my Brilliance cruise to see where I learned my lesson about not wearing my glasses). I'm lucky in that I get my prescription sunglasses for free. But if I didn't believe me I would be trying other options first, as my lenses cost a few hundred dollars themselves, before you even start buying frames.

[hajekfam]

My husband has the photogray lenses, I use the ones with a magnetic clip on. I used to get photogray but was unhappy about how they looked inside under brighter lighting or in pictures taken with flash. Also, after awhile, my husband's always seem to look darker even inside. He worked outside and they were exposed to the sun all day long and took on a permanent tint and never did look clear again after about six or eight months.

[Guest carlogesualdo]

If you visit an EyeMasters or LensCrafters at the mall and see how they break down the cost of everything that goes into the cost of your lenses, $15 is probably about the regular cost of tinting your lenses. So you're just saving the cost of buying new frames, lenses, and maybe a trip to the optometrist. Not a bad deal at all.

 

To answer that other question I saw...if you really need help picking out your frames, I suggest not going to either of the above-mentioned places, nor to any of the places that advertise "2 pairs for $98" or whatever. They position you in front of a wall of frames and leave you to your own devices. My optometrist has her own frame shop, comparable to the chains. She has a specialist who asks you about your preferences, takes into account your facial shape and any insurance requirements you may have (if any), and brings about 8-12 different frames she thinks may work for you. You don't have to sort through hundreds or thousands of frames that look bad or are way out of your price range. She'll even give her opinion on which frames she thinks look best, not always the most expensive in the set, and she's usually right. IMO, this is the best way to shop for new frames. It takes less time, and I've been a lot happier with my purchase afterward.

 

So to make a really long story short, get away from the chains and pick a smaller shop that can offer personal service. Believe or not, you'll probably save money too.

[Laurab23]

I have worn the clip-on style (you cannot tell if someone is wearing the clip-on style - it's unnoticeable) for years. I have an appointment tomorrow and was planning to get new glasses that change when you go from sunny conditions to indoors. Anyone have any thoughts on those?

 

I have the ones that change to the light. I love them and would never get glasses without them ever again. I tried them years ago and hated them but a couple years ago when I tried them again,they were great.I hated switching from glasses to sunglasses every time I walked out into the sun.

Laura

[SKP57]

The last 3 pair of glasses I've purchaseed have Transitions lenses and I love them they get dark while out in the sun amd light in doors. I also got tired of switching glasses. But would never go back to sunglasses.

[Hoyaheel]

When I am shopping for glasses at Costco (on my way home from work but not near where I live or my husband works) I bring my digital camera and take pictures of myself wearing all the styles I think I like. Then I can go over the photos later on my computer--share with my husband, mom, friends--whomever's opinion I want to get on the glasses.

[woohoocruising]

When I am shopping for glasses at Costco (on my way home from work but not near where I live or my husband works) I bring my digital camera and take pictures of myself wearing all the styles I think I like. Then I can go over the photos later on my computer--share with my husband, mom, friends--whomever's opinion I want to get on the glasses.

OMGosh!! What an awesome idea! lol, I am soooo wishy washy it takes me forever to decide things. That would really help!

 

Thanks to all the feedback!