For example, sunglass frames with an excessive wrap around design can only accommodate prescription lenses up to a power of approximately a +/-5.00 sphere. However, each prescription really needs to be evaluated on a 'frame by frame' basis. We use a special computer programme to calculate the prescription for wrap around sunglass frames to give you the best possible vision. Other factors, such as a possible astigmatism correction in the prescription, can help to complicate the frame selection process further.

Some sunglass manufactures like Adidas and Ruby Project have a special proprietary system that allows clear prescription spectacle lenses to be clicked in behind a standard sunglass frame. From the outside these clip on lenses are completely hidden from the sunglass itself. These clip on systems are particularly useful if you are involved in active sports like skiing and cycling when you want the kind of protection from the elements that only wrap around sunglasses provide.

You do not have to use a sunglass frame for prescription sunglasses, however. If you wish to, you can have your prescription sunglasses made up in an ordinary ophthalmic frame. Or, if you would prefer it, we can we can tint your existing ordinary spectacle lenses and turn them into prescription sunglasses.

Our trained staff can advise you about the best options for your particular needs and prescription requirements.

A Graduated Tint is darker at the top of the lens and fades to clear at the bottom of the lens.

Prescription sunglasses lenses can receive a coating on the outside that is called a 'multicoat' which helps to reflect light away from the wearer. The advantage of this coating is that it serves to reduce the amount of reflected light or glare in bright light conditions.

Photo-sensitive or sun-sensitive lenses are technically called photochromic lenses. However, they are sometimes called 'transition’ lenses. Transition lenses are actually the brand name of one brand of photochromic lenses.

Photochromic lenses automatically darken when they are exposed to the ultra-violet rays of direct sunlight. When the direct sunlight is removed the lenses lighten again. Photochromic lenses are available in brown and grey and in the normal range of vision correction for prescription sunglasses.

Photochromic lenses, however, have some limitations. They need ultra-violet light to darken and it will darken more slowly or incompletely if not in direct sunlight. For example, if you are wearing a hat, or if it is cloudy, or if you are inside an automobile, your photochromic lenses may darken slowly or not completely.

Polarised lenses are tinted lenses that block light reflected off surfaces like roads and water. In the harsh New Zealand sun, glare caused by this reflected light is a major problem for some people and a source of eyestrain.

Polarised lenses for trout fisherman are a must. Only with these lenses can the reflected glare off water be eliminated, allowing the fish to be seen below. Drivers also find polarised lenses very helpful and restful by cutting out the glare reflected off the road. There are many other surfaces causing reflected glare including snow, sand, windows, vehicles and buildings. Water sports enthusiasts, fisherman and golfers often find polarised lenses very useful.

It is important to remember though, in some situations, seeing reflected light can be beneficial. For example, polarised lenses could make it difficult for a driver to see ice on a mountain road, or for a skiers to see ice on the ski slope, or for a seaplane pilot to see the water when landing. So you need to talk to us about your specific requirements before you purchase polarised lenses.

Polarised lenses are available in several colour and density options and in the normal range of vision correction for prescription sunglasses. The Drivewear lens is a polarising lens which is also Photochromic.

Clip-on sunglass lenses are tinted lenses that ‘clip’ onto regular prescription glasses, effectively turning them into prescription sunglasses. The clip-ons usually match the eyeglasses frame in shape and colour and attach either by clips or with magnets. Regular clip-ons require two hands to add and remove the clips, but magnetic clip-ons can be added or removed with just one hand.

Our most popular brands of Clip On Sunglass Frames are the Convertible and the Intelliclips ranges which have a large range of styles, sizes and colours.

A wide variety of tints are available in prescription sunglasses. Prescription lenses are tinted by leaving them in a bath of tint solution. The longer the lenses are left in the solution, the darker their tint becomes. Lenses bathed in tint colours can assume just about any colour shade or colour density. The lens actually absorbs the tint colour into the lens material. Tint density is defined as a percentage, where 0% is completely clear, and 100% permits no light to pass through (solid). A 10% to 20% tint is used for a 'fashion' or cosmetic tint, and a 50% to 80% tint is used for outdoor protection from the sun.

For sun protection you would normally use a 65-80% tint for most conditions. In snow you would normally go darker still, up to a 90% tint. A lighter tint might be useful in duller conditions to increase contrast in activities like skiing and mountain bike riding.
Our trained staff will be pleased to show you samples of various tints in differing intensities. You will be able to hold these samples up to the sunglass frame itself in order to match the two together. Usually it is a possible to match the existing tint that already exists in the sunglass frame, and also, if it is necessary, to match one lens in an existing pair of prescription sunglasses if the other lens in the sunglasses has been lost or damaged.

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