Sunglasses come in two basic types: prescription and non-prescription. The former are the most common type, worn by those who either don’t need vision correction or those who wear contact lenses. Prescription sunglasses, however, provide the double benefit of UV and sunlight protection while offering the necessary vision correction as well.
Both the pros and cons of getting a specialized pair of prescription sunglasses should be considered before taking the dive however.
Pros
Forget about the clip-ons or slide in lenses meant to act as an add-on to your regular clear-lensed prescription glasses. Prescription sunglasses eliminate the need to have those extra accessories lying around.
Furthermore, you probably don’t want to be caught out in public or on the beach with some clip-ons hanging from your glasses. Prescription sunglasses would allow you to look fashionable while still being able to see clearly.
If you are on the beach, you’ll also not need to worry about getting water in your eyes nearly as much as a contact lens wearer would.
Cons
Getting a set of prescription sunglasses essentially means that you’ll need to carry around two pairs of glasses.
If you’re driving down the road and it suddenly becomes overcast or a storm happens upon you that darkens the skies, flipping up the clip-ons is much easier – not to mention safer – than fumbling around to try and switch out for your pair of regular glasses.
Compromise
A viable compromise are transition lenses that are light sensitive and will automatically darken or lighten according to the level of lighting they are exposed to.