Your Ultimate Buyer's Guide To Prescription Cycling Glasses

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic hit back in 2020, plenty of people have (re)discovered the joys and conveniences of biking. Imagine, instead of taking public transportation, relying on bus or train schedules and risking getting infected by other people, or bringing your car and having to pay for gas and parking, all you need to do is ride your bike. It’s a slower and more physically-demanding way to travel, but it gets you where you need to go!

And speaking of physically demanding, another great thing about the bike is that you can use it for exercise when you don’t have to be anywhere. You can kiss jogging goodbye and just use your bike to the fullest. Talk about a purchase that’s definitely not a waste!

Of course, one major problem with bikes is that you’re more exposed, especially when it comes to your eyes. Do you know the solution that’s best? Cycling sunglasses or simply cycling glasses.

The best ones can shield your eyes from elements like wind and rain, and even from objects flying in the air, like insects or grass. Of course, if you’re one of the many people who regularly visit their optometrist in NZ, it means you can’t use standard glasses, since your vision needs correcting.

You need prescription cycling glasses.

This blog will take a look at what you need to consider before buying any prescription cycling glasses from your optometrist in North Shore, Auckland. Here’s a spoiler: it’s a lot!

Let’s get to it, shall we?

What are prescription cycling glasses?

Prescription cycling sunglasses are basically sunglasses that you wear while biking, but they have your grade. That means no matter your eye problem (i.e. nearsightedness, astigmatism), you will be able to see clearly as if you have normal vision or if you’re wearing your prescription eyeglasses.

Also, as mentioned already above, your eyes are protected from dust, dirt, and fog. You don’t have to keep stopping to clean your glasses, letting you maximize your time for riding.
 

Do I really need to buy prescription sunglasses or cycling glasses?

If all you want is to be able to see clearly and protect your eyes, and you’re already wearing regular glasses, that might suffice. However, regular glasses may not provide you with enough eye protection.

For example, if you’re riding into the sun, you might get blinded by the sunlight. And if your favorite thing to do is ride in rough terrain, you run the risk of your glasses getting dislodged and falling. You might have a hard time getting home since you won’t be able to see.

Worse, you might get into an accident.

Therefore, if you are a regular bike rider, then yes, we recommend you do so. Why? Well, remember, cycling glasses aren’t just for you to look cool. Prescription sunglasses, online-bought or otherwise, are usually made with shatter-proof frames and lenses. 

Plus, the wraparound shape offers better protection while also giving you a wider field of vision. Furthermore, the design ensures you feel comfortable with the glasses on your face and that the glasses stay in place, no matter how bumpy your ride.
 

What should I look for in prescription cycling glasses?

While it’s easy to get prescription cycling sunglasses online from any eye doctor in Auckland, don’t just buy the first one that catches your eye! Here are some things you should look at:
 

The kind of frame

The choice of frame is a matter of more than just fashion. The frame design will dictate how your glasses will feel on your face and how the air passes as you bike. 

The frame will also affect your field of vision. Wearing big glasses means you will see the glasses in your peripheral vision, and you might find it a bit distracting. However, they do provide more protection.

In short, it’s best to visit your optometrist and try on different frames to see which one will work for you.
 

The fit on your face

Glasses that are too tight will ensure that they will never fall off, but they may not be comfortable to wear for a long period of time. On the other hand, if your glasses are too loose, they’re useless for protection and for your vision.

Your glasses should fit your face just right, as well as fit well with your helmet.
 

The weight of the glasses

Yes, glasses are pretty much very light, but that doesn’t mean you still shouldn’t consider the weight. It can be very painful to ride while feeling your ears and face ache because your glasses are too heavy. Look for a frame that’s light enough so you won’t feel yourself wearing the glasses.

To be sure, if you can, borrow a pair from your optometrist and try it out for a week just to see if the weight is too heavy for your face or if it’s just right.
 

The durability of the glasses

How durable are the glasses you are considering? For example, you accidentally drop them. Will they survive without breaking?

If they don’t, then what more if they drop during a rough bike ride? That should probably take them out of your choices when buying prescription glasses.

Another thing to consider is what if the glasses don’t break, but the lenses get scratched badly? That might make them useless as well. Look for glasses that are truly durable and will last, no matter the situation you get yourself in.
 

The lenses of the glasses

Consider the lenses that you want to get for your prescription cycling glasses. Remember, lenses can affect your depth perception, meaning if you have the wrong kind of lenses, you might not really be getting any vision correction. It is best to ask your optometrist before you decide on a final lens.

Another thing you have to consider regarding lenses is the tint. Lens tint will affect how much light will pass through the lens. Plus, certain tints perform better than others depending on different conditions.

For example, rose and amber tints can improve your vision if it's overcast. Clear lenses, on the other hand, are better for low light conditions. 

So what kind of tint should you pick?

You usually bike in the same weather conditions, right? So it is best to pick a tint that can handle the majority of all weather changes in your area.
 

The price

One last thing to remember: the more custom-made the glasses, the more expensive. Can you really afford all those upgrades? Or should you stick with the basics?
 

Where do I get prescription cycling glasses?

If you need prescription cycling glasses, there’s no better option than the best optometrist in Albany - NVISION Eyecare. We carry one of the best prescription sunglass brands for cycling ever - Rudy Project! 

As soon as you visit, we can easily make custom prescription cycling glasses for you, with grades made specifically for your eye requirements.

Contact us at 09-884-0034. You can also visit us at Apollo Health & Wellness Centre, Level 1, Suite 104, 119 Apollo Drive Rosedale. 

Let’s get your eyes ready for plenty of cycling - book an appointment today!