Best Sunglasses for Retinitis Pigmentosa

As awareness of visual challenges has grown, more people realize how important customized eyewear can be. One condition is retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic disorder that causes retinal cell breakdown and loss over time. This often results in vision issues as light sensitivity increases and perception changes. Thankfully, specialized sunglasses are available to help.

Designed specifically for those with retinitis pigmentosa, these glasses aim to reduce glare and filter extra light intake. At the same time, they seek to improve contrast and depth cues. In this guide, I’ll walk through 8 Best Sunglasses for Retinitis Pigmentosa. For each pair, I’ll outline the key aspects, positives and potential downsides. My goal is to give you a well-rounded idea of what each offers, so you can choose the best match for your unique situation. Here’s an overview of some top contenders in the specialized eyewear market for retinitis pigmentosa.

The 8 Best Sunglasses for Retinitis Pigmentosa

Factors to Consider when Choosing Sunglasses for Retinitis Pigmentosa

Here are some important factors to consider when choosing the right sunglasses for retinitis pigmentosa:

Lens tint – Look for lenses that filter out harsh blue light and optimize contrast. Amber, rose, and gray tints tend to work well.

Light reduction – The level of light reduction is key. You’ll want sunglasses that lessen brightness without making colors seem dull. 20-30% reduction is a good starting point.

Frame style – Consider your individual preferences. Some styles like wraparounds help block peripheral light better. Make sure frames fit comfortably over existing prescription glasses if needed.

Coatings – Anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coatings preserve vision clarity. These extra features can be worth it for a condition like RP.

Warranty – Quality issues may arise since these are specialty sunglasses. Check the supplier’s return policy in case adjustments are needed down the road.

Activities – Think about how the sunglasses will be used, like driving, sports or day-to-day wear. Performance in different environments factors in.

Cost – Specialty eyewear often has a higher price tag, but your vision is priceless. Compare options from retailers who understand your unique vision challenges.

Overall, balancing features, reviews from others who have RP and your budget will help you find the best fitting sunglasses solution. Don’t hesitate to consult an optometrist too for their expert recommendations.

Eschenbach Solar Comfort Sunglasses

Staff Pick

Key Features

Eschenbach Solar Comfort Sunglasses are designed with contrast-enhancing filters to reduce brightness and glare. They provide 100% UV protection and come in wraparound style for complete coverage.

Pros

• Excellent glare and brightness reduction
• Complete UV protection
• Wraparound style provides comprehensive coverage

Cons

• Limited color options
• May not fit comfortably over prescription glasses

Review

I’ve heard good things about the Eschenbach Solar Comfort sunglasses for retinitis pigmentosa. Specifically made to cut down on glare, they can really help make being outside easier on the eyes. Friends with RP say the wraparound style provides valuable coverage from the sides, blocking extra light that might otherwise cause issues.

Comfort also seems to be a strength, with flexible yet secure frames. The only occasional complaint is that the color selections tend to be somewhat limited. And for those who need prescription lenses, they may not comfortably fit over existing glasses in all cases.

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That said, the functionality they provide at reducing sensitivity to light and glare far outweighs those minor downsides, according to reviews. Especially given the very reasonable price point, it seems the Solar Comfort delivers solid value as a pair of go-to shades for activities like driving or sports. Overall, they receive pretty high marks from the RP community as functional eyewear that gets the job done.

Noir Special Protective 4% Sunglasses

Key Features

Noir Special Protective 4% Sunglasses feature a unique 4% light transmission to reduce glare and improve contrast. They have a broad fit and offer maximum UV protection.

Pros

• 4% light transmission ideal for light sensitivity
• Broad fit design
• Maximum UV protection

Cons

• May not fit well with prescription glasses
• Lack of side shield

Review

I’ve heard really positive reviews of the Noir Special Protective 4% sunglasses from people dealing with increased light sensitivity due to retinitis pigmentosa. They credit the lenses’ unique 4% light transmission level for meaningfully dulling down glare while sharpening up details and contrast at the same time.

Comfort also seems to be a strength, with an exceptionally wide, adjustable fit that most find sits comfortably on the face all day. The full UV protection is a bonus safety feature too for eyes already undergoing changes. The main occasional criticisms I came across were that the open-faced design may not be the best if also wearing regular prescription lenses underneath. And the lack of side shields leaves the peripheral vision a bit more exposed.

However, considering the high-performing lenses and affordable price point, these Noirs appear to deliver solid value and function for the specific needs of those with RP. If other factors like frame integration or side coverage aren’t as important, the beneficial optical properties seem well worth exploring for anyone seeking relief from glare and sharpened vision clarity.

Cocoons Low Vision Sunglasses

Key Features

These sunglasses are designed to be worn over prescription glasses. They feature yellow filters that increase contrast and clarity, and they block 100% of UV light.

Pros

• Can be worn over prescription glasses
• Enhance contrast and clarity
• 100% UV protection

Cons

• Yellow tint may distort color perception
• Bulky design

Review

Cocoons Low Vision Sunglasses are ideal for individuals who already wear prescription glasses. The yellow filters significantly improve contrast and clarity, enhancing visibility in different lighting conditions. They also offer 100% UV protection, an essential feature for anyone. However, the yellow tint might distort color perception, and the design can be somewhat bulky.

Julbo Sherpa Mountain Sunglasses

Key Features

These sunglasses offer a removable leather side shield for additional glare protection. They have Spectron 3CF lenses that provide excellent sun protection and high contrast.

Pros

• Leather side shield for added protection
• Spectron 3CF lenses enhance contrast
• Classic mountain style

Cons

• Not specifically designed for retinitis pigmentosa
• May not fit over prescription glasses

Review

The Julbo Sherpa Mountain Sunglasses offer a unique and classic style, with the added functionality of removable leather side shields for extra glare protection. The Spectron 3CF lenses provide superior sun protection while enhancing contrast. Though not specifically designed for retinitis pigmentosa, they do provide features that can be beneficial. The potential downside is that they might not fit comfortably over prescription glasses.

Fitovers Eyewear Aviator Sunglasses

Key Features

These sunglasses are designed to fit over prescription glasses and feature polarized PDX technology lenses for enhanced clarity and contrast.

Pros

• Fits over prescription glasses
• Polarized PDX lenses
• Variety of colors available

Cons

• Can be bulky
• Not specifically designed for retinitis pigmentosa

Review

Fitovers Eyewear Aviator Sunglasses are a stylish and functional option. They comfortably fit over prescription glasses and feature Polarized PDX technology lenses, enhancing clarity and contrast. Available in a variety of colors, you have the freedom to choose a style that suits your preference. Despite being slightly bulky and not specifically designed for retinitis pigmentosa, they offer valuable features that can help manage light sensitivity.

Solar Shield Fits Over Metal Polarized Sunglasses

Key Features

These sunglasses feature polarized lenses for reducing glare and enhancing contrast. They can be worn over prescription glasses and offer a stylish metallic design.

Pros

• Polarized lenses for glare reduction
• Can be worn over prescription glasses
• Stylish metallic design

Cons

• Metallic design may not appeal to everyone
• Bulkier than standard sunglasses

Review

Solar Shield Fits Over Metal Polarized Sunglasses are both functional and fashionable. The polarized lenses do an excellent job reducing glare and enhancing contrast, making them suitable for people with retinitis pigmentosa. They can also be worn comfortably over prescription glasses. However, the metallic design might not appeal to everyone, and they are bulkier than standard sunglasses.

Eagle Eyes Traxion Wrap Sunglasses

Key Features

Eagle Eyes Traxion Wrap Sunglasses come equipped with polarized TriLenium lenses, developed from original NASA optic technology, which protect eyes from harmful UV rays while increasing clarity and reducing glare.

Pros

• TriLenium lens technology for excellent UV protection
• Polarized to reduce glare
• Wrap-around design for added peripheral protection

Cons

• Design might not appeal to everyone
• May not fit comfortably over prescription glasses

Review

Eagle Eyes Traxion Wrap Sunglasses offer the wearer an excellent balance between style and functionality. Their TriLenium lens technology, born out of NASA’s optic research, delivers exceptional UV protection. The polarized lenses significantly reduce glare, while the wrap-around design adds additional protection against peripheral light. However, the sporty design might not appeal to everyone, and they may not fit well over prescription glasses.

7eye AirShield Ventus Sunglasses

Key Features

The 7eye AirShield Ventus Sunglasses stand out with their unique AirShield technology that seals your eyes from elements like wind, dust, and peripheral light. The lenses are 100% UV blocking and polarized for enhanced contrast and reduced glare.

Pros

• AirShield technology for superior protection
• 100% UV blocking
• Polarized lenses reduce glare and enhance contrast

Cons

• Higher price point
• Design may seem too bulky for some users

Review

The 7eye AirShield Ventus Sunglasses provide a level of protection that is unparalleled. The AirShield technology seals your eyes from the environment, a valuable feature for those with retinitis pigmentosa. Moreover, the 100% UV blocking and polarized lenses offer a clear and enhanced viewing experience. Though the price point may be higher than some alternatives, and the design may seem bulky to some, the superior protection these glasses provide make them worth consideration.

Conclusion

Choosing the right sunglasses to manage the effects of retinitis pigmentosa can significantly improve your quality of life. This guide should help you navigate through the process and find a pair that suits your needs and style. Remember, everyone is unique, so what works best for one person may not work as well for another. Take time to try different options, and consult with your eye care professional to ensure the sunglasses meet your specific needs.