Credit: Retro Spectacle
If you're searching for prescription sunglasses in the UK, you're not alone. Whether you're driving into the sun, relaxing on holiday, or enjoying a winter walk with a low sun on the horizon - prescription sunglasses are the perfect blend of eye protection, visino correction and effortless style.
As optical professionals, we're here to break down your most asked questions and help you find the best prescription sunglasses for your lifestyle and needs.
🛍️ Shop All Vintage Sunglasses
👓 Are Prescription Sunglasses Worth It?
Absolutely. Once you've experienced prescription sunglasses, you'll never go back.
Many people make do by layering regular sunglasses over their everyday specs. But let's face it - its awkward, uncomfortable, and far from stylish. Prescription sunglasses eliminate hassle, combining vision correction and 100% UV protection in a single, streamlined pair of shades.
Whether you're holidaying abroad, driving on bright UK roads, or just enjoying time outdoors, they offer unbeatable visual comfort, eye health protection and sharp style.
🔍What Should You Look for in Prescrpition Sunglasses?
Here's what opticians (and fashion lovers ) recommend:
✅ 1. UV Protection Is Non-Negotiable
Your prescription sunglasses must offer 100% UV protection (UVA and UVB). This shields your eyes from harmful radiation, reducing the risk of long-term damage like cataracts or macular degeneration.
All of our prescription lenses at Retro Spectacle come with full UV protection as standard.
🏞️2. Polarised Lenses for Glare-Free Vision
Love the outdoors? Polarised lenses are perfect for driving, fishing, skiing, or beach holidays. They reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, or wet roads - giving you clearer, sharper, more comfortable vision.
🎨3. Custom Tints & Lens Colours
We offer a variety of lens tint options:
- Classic: Grey, Brown, Green
- Fashion: Pink, Yellow, Blue, Orange
- Graduated tints for a 70s vibe
Tell us your vibe, and we'll tint your lenses to match.
👓4. Single Vision, Bifocal or Varifocal?
All are possible. Whether you need single vision (distance or reading), varifocal prescription sunglasses, or even a bespoke solution, we can help.
🧠 Can You Put a Prescription in Any Sunglasses?
In many cases, yes - but not always. Here's what matters:
📏 Frame size and shape:
Oversized frames look great but can introduce lens distortion if your prescription is strong. Some visor frames are not designed to take prescription lenses. We help you find the sweet spot between style and performance.
🔄 Lens Curvature:
Sporty, wraparound sunglasses may not suit every prescription. Curved frames can distort lenses - especially in varifocal sunglasses. We'll guide you to frames that balance, fit, function and flair.
🧱 Build Quality
Cheap high-street frames or fast fashion sunglasses often aren't made for prescription lenses. They may lack the proper lens groove (bevel) or be made from fragile plastics.
All our frames - vintage or modern - are made from durable, optical-grade materials, many handcrafted in Europe.
💸 How Much Do Prescription Sunglasses Cost?
Prescription sunglasses are an investment in both style and eye health.
At Retro Spectacle:
- Single vision prescription sunglasses lenses with 100% UV protection start from £45.00.
- Frame + prescription options vary by style and lens type.
- Designer frames (like vintage Cazal, YSL or Carrera) are priced high based on rarity and materials.
🧾 Health Tip: If you're part of a scheme like Westfield Health, you may be able to claim for your prescription sunglasses!
🛍️ Why Buy Prescription Sunglasses from Retro Spectacle?
We're not just eyewear enthusiasts - we're qualified professionals. Our curated collection of vintage and designer frames is hand-selected for both style and optical compatibility.
- Expert guidance on frame and lens combinations
- Premium lenses made to your prescription
- Unique, hard-to-find styles from brands like Dior, Ray-Ban, Persol and more
- Outstanding customer service and styling advice
Have a question? Just ask - we're here to help.
🌞 Final Thoughts: Why You Need Prescription Sunglasses in the UK
Prescription sunglasses are more than a holiday essential. They're a year-round accessory for anyone who values comfort, clarity and classic style.
From crisp vision on bright dats to turning heads with vintage flair, they're an eyewear upgrade you won't regret.
🛒 Ready to find your pair?