By Emily Charlotte, Qualified Dispensing Optician, FBDO
Finding a pair of vintage sunglasses you love is one thing. Knowing whether you can wear them with your prescription is another.Ā
As a dispensing optician specialising in vintage eyewear, I look at both the design of a frame and how it can work for the person wearing it. A beautiful pair of sunglasses should feel comfortable and give you the vision you need, too.
Many vintage sunglasses can be fitted with modern prescription lenses. At Retro Spectacle, we help you choose a suitable frame and lens combination, whether you are drawn to a slim metal aviator, a bold cat-eye or an oversized 1970s design.Ā
Can vintage sunglasses be fitted with prescription lenses?
Yes, many can. The original lenses are replaced with new lenses made to your prescription and fitted to the frame.Ā
Suitability depends on the frame's condition, construction, size and shape, as well as your prescription. Particularly curved designs, unusual lens shapes and delicate frames may need closer consideration.Ā
You can also start with a vintage optical frame and have prescription sun lenses fitted, provided the combination is suitable. Your chosen frame does not have to begin life as a pair of sunglasses.
If you have a stronger or more complex prescription, contact us with the frame you are considering before ordering. We can advise on what is possible.Ā
How do you choose the right vintage frame?
Start with fit. Compare the measurements on the product page with a pair you already find comfortable, using our glasses size guide. Look at the width across the frame, bridge and side length rather than judging size from photographs alone.Ā
The way a frame sits on your nose matters just as much as its appearance. If you are unsure, we can help you interpret the measurements and narrow down your choices.
Read the condition description, too. Professionally refurbished vintage frames have been prepared for wear again, while new old stock refers to original vintage frames that have remained unused. Both are genuine vintage; the distinction tells you about their history.
The finish makes a difference to both appearance and use:
- Full tints have an even colour across the lens, with grey, brown and green among our standard choices, but custom colours are available.Ā
- Gradient tints are darker at the top and lighter towards the bottom, a popular finish for oversized vintage frames.
- Polarised lenses reduce reflected glare, which can be useful around water and on bright days.
Our prescription sun tint options include UV protection. We can help you choose the combination for your needs through our prescription lens service.
- Choose your frame.Ā Check the measurments and condition, and ask us about suitability if needed.
- Try it at home if you are unsure of the fit.Ā UK customers can purchase the frame first through our Home Trial Service, before committing to bespoke lenses.Ā
- Choose your lenses and supply your prescription.Ā Upload a copy of your current prescription when ordering, or email it with your order reference to info@retrospectacle.co.uk.
- Provide your measurments.Ā We will need your pupillary distance (PD), and may need additional fitting measurments depending on the lenses. If you do not have these, ask us for guidance.Ā
- Have your lenses fitted.Ā Once the prescription, measurments and lens choices are confirmed, your frame can be prepared for glazing.Ā
If a particular frame has caught your eye, get in touch. I can help you work out whether it is a good match for your prescription, your fit and the look you want.Ā