Wearing prescription sunglasses with contact lenses is a topic of discussion that stirs varied opinions among vision care professionals and contact lens users. To some, it seems redundant or even counterproductive. Others, however, see potential benefits. This article aims to shed light on answer to the question: can you wear prescription sunglasses with contacts? the pros, the cons, and what eye care professionals have to say about it.
Understanding the Basics
To delve into this topic, it’s important to first understand the basics. Prescription sunglasses are specialized eyewear designed to protect the eyes from the sun while also correcting vision based on the wearer’s unique optical prescription. Contact lenses serve a similar function, sans the protective aspect against sunlight, and are worn directly on the eye’s cornea.
Is It Possible?
Technically speaking, yes, it is possible to wear prescription sunglasses over contact lenses. There’s no physical impediment that would prevent someone from doing so. The real question, though, is whether it’s necessary or even advisable to combine these two types of vision correction simultaneously.
Benefits of Wearing Prescription Sunglasses with Contacts
Despite the potential downsides, there are some scenarios where wearing prescription sunglasses with contacts could be beneficial.
Protection from UV Rays: Contact lenses do not protect against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays unless specifically designed to do so. Even then, they don’t protect the entire eye or the surrounding skin. Prescription sunglasses offer comprehensive UV protection, making them an essential companion when you’re out in the sun.
Convenience: For contact lens wearers who don’t have a pair of non-prescription sunglasses, it’s easier to simply slip on their prescription sunglasses when needed.
Visibility in Bright Light: Prescription sunglasses, especially those with polarized lenses, can reduce glare and improve visibility in bright conditions, which is a boon if you’re engaging in outdoor activities or sports.
Drawbacks of Wearing Prescription Sunglasses with Contacts
Conversely, there are some potential drawbacks to consider before choosing to wear prescription sunglasses with your contacts.
Overcorrection: The primary concern is overcorrecting your vision. If both your contacts and sunglasses are correcting for the same refractive error, it could lead to headaches, dizziness, or blurry vision.
Cost: Prescription sunglasses can be expensive, and adding them to the cost of contact lenses could be prohibitive for some people.
Discomfort: Some people may find the experience of wearing both contacts and prescription sunglasses uncomfortable, especially if they’re not used to wearing glasses over their contacts.
What Do Eye Care Professionals Say?
Most eye care professionals advise against wearing prescription sunglasses over contact lenses due to the risk of overcorrection. However, this does not mean it can’t be done. If you want to wear your prescription sunglasses while wearing your contacts, one solution is to have sunglasses made with plain, UV-protective lenses.
If you’re already wearing contacts, non-prescription sunglasses (either regular or polarized for glare reduction) can offer the UV protection you need without the risk of overcorrection. Alternatively, prescription sunglasses can be useful if you wish to give your eyes a break from contacts but still need vision correction outdoors.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether or not you should wear prescription sunglasses with contact lenses depends on your personal needs, comfort, and the specific advice of your eye care professional. Always consult with your optometrist or ophthalmologist before making any significant changes to your vision correction regimen. The primary goal is to protect your eyes and ensure your vision is clear and comfortable, so it’s crucial to find the solution that best fits your unique circumstances. The more information and guidance you have, the easier it will be to make the right choice for your eye health.
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