CraigB

I'm nearsighted, and have been as far back as I can recall. I wore contacts successfully for 30+ years, but with the onset of presbyopia, I've had to rethink things. My current contacts, while fine for distance, allow no reading of the bike computer, or any ride sign-in sheets, maps or cue sheets. I used a mono-vision setup successfully for 6 or 7 years, but that's no longer practical, as there's a large gap from about 2' to 6' (and getting larger every year) in which neither eye sees well enough. My eye doc has had me try just about all of the various multi-focal brands/types out there, and none of them have worked for me.

So has anyone had success with prescription cycling glasses? Some that have not only worked for them, but aren't frighteningly expensive?

carbonframe

I just went to LensCrafters. They told me that the more "wrap-around" lenses are, the more difficult it is to make them prescription. I got a pair of Raybans there which are fairly "wrapped". They aren't technically bicycling shades but they look close enough and do the job and they didn't break the bank. They were less than $200 if I recall.

Piratebike

I use regular glasses and use Cocoons or Fitovers over them. I like Cocoons better.

Nightshade

While not often considered here there is a LOT of value and practicality in a set of Solar Shield "fit overs".
https://www.amazon.com/Maxi-Aids-Sola...f=pd_sbs_hpc_1

Fit overs allow you to wear your current prescription glasses while they also protect against wind and flying debris.

JohnnyCyclist

I understand when you talk about the 2' to 6' gap. I've got my own eyesight issues, though they are not the same as yours.

Get your prescription and PD (pupillary distance) from your eye doctor, visit the various on-line eyeglass sites (you'll pay only PENNIES ON THE DOLLAR - the markup at Lenscrafters, Pearl Vision, etc. is RIDICULOUS), find a set of frames you like, and give them a try.

I bought a couple of pairs online, strictly for cycling (one with brown lenses, one with grey lenses, the former for bright sunlight, the latter otherwise - note that your vision needs may be different than mine). They're attractive, provide substantial coverage of the eye area, and have a little bit of wrap to them. The cost? Less than $50 each.

I hesitate to name specific on-line sites publicly. PM me if you want the name of the one particular site that provide the best best prescription sunglass bang-for-the-buck, imo.

TomD77

I've been buying from an on-line site for years; I can buy quality glasses from them for less than the insurance copay when buying from Lens Crafters, etc.

Currently I have progressive lens and the pair with which I bike have transitional lenses, that is they darken in bright light. I have pretty good distance vision but can't see squat within 4 feet without the glasses. With the progressives I have 20/20 throughout the range.

bigbadwullf

Oakley RX frames hold up very well and STAY PUT! They aren't necessarily "cycling glasses"(not wind-blocking) but I have no problems with them. Plus I'm an eye doctor but don't take my word for it(as the internet usually goes)

Transitions XtraActive progressive lenses too. You get what you pay for. This would be like getting 105 group(+).
If the Xtra Active are too much the regular Transitions will do fine.

My personal pair:
The blue isn't really seen but you can flip it around to show that color if you wish. The end pieces are replaceable rubber slip ons. That is what makes them grip so well. They never slide. Ever. The frames are very strong. Never bend out of shape......you get the idea.........ever!

CraigB

I should have made it clear in my OP that I'll need bifocals, if that affects anyone's recommendations, or the pricing/availability of any online glasses. Shame on me.

TomD77

If you try it I think you will find progressives to be far superior to bifocals.

What is the difference between XtraActive and regular Transitions? I've got Transitions in my current glasses and have been quite happy so far.

CraigB

Progressives are all I've ever had in my every-day glasses. I'm willing to go to standard lined bifocals in the riding glasses if it'll cut costs.

zonatandem

Progressive/transitional lenses.
No need for special bicycling glasses or inserts.

nuttygrandma

I'm just a little visually impaired but have been most of my life, from a childhood injury. When I hit my mid 40's they took my contact away and said I needed bifocals and mono-vision was not an option for me. Transition lenses have been wonderful but I hate clip-ons for sun. So, I went to route of "fit overs". OK, I'm female and maybe a little more vain. Solar Shield is cheap and I only use them if I absolute can't find my sunglasses. The best "fit overs" I've bought, to date, came from QVC. They generally run around $40 but well worth the money. Very comfortable wearing over prescription glasses and they sorta wrap around. The pair I purchased last year, were more sporty and do prevent the sun from coming in the sides.

Hopefully this link will work but it's to QVC's page on fitover sunglasses: https://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/v...wCarrying-Case

con

I use the Liberty sport biker. Stays on my head, does not slip down and even has a strap that I use when kayaking when the conditions are not calm. I think the frames can be had for about $100 if you shop around; I don't know what the lenses cost.

trackhub

While I wear bi-focals during my daily routine, I wear single lens, prescription Oakleys while riding. I do not require the bi-focal for riding, lucky me. They are awesome, well worth the investment. I struggled with other solutions for some time, before just saying "to heck with it" and taking the plunge. The wrap around style provides great protection, even from the wind.

I believe the old expression, "you get what you pay for" definitely applies here.

Durockrolly

I've worn transitions for years. The only problem I have with them is on sunny days when your back is to the sun and there's no direct sunlight hitting the lenses, they are not very effective. Also they don't work well inside the car for the same reason. On overcast days they work pretty good.
My glasses are also tri-focul. Try getting any kind of curved lens with that! For that reason I wear Ray Ban Avaitors. They work great on the bike and my motorcycles.

cyclinfool

I have delt with this company before for sports related perscription eyewear https://www.sportrx.com/

bigbadwullf

ONLINE?
You guys talk a great talk about supporting local bike shops and you want to order glasses online? G O O D L U C K!

Craig. They can't measure the placement of bifocals online. That measurement is critical, especially with progressives. LET A PROFESSIONAL DO IT! YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How is it you guys can see a professional bike fit is critical and yet you'll rely on some idiot online for your eyesight? Simply friggen amazing! This is just simply amazing.

An Oakley RX frame in my office is like $175-200. That POC plastic frame above is $100. And believe me it's crap.

Craig what you are getting is an equivalent of a WalMart bike, fit by someone that knows nothing about bicycles, and measured to what? How can they possibly get the bifocal height right without the frame on your face and them there to measure it? This blows my ever living mind.

But, please feel free to take advice from non-professionals here that know NOTHING about eye care. Hell, go on an eye care sight and ask them where to order a get fit for a bicycle online. Blows my friggen mind every time I see this stuff.

bigbadwullf

Extra Active get darker. They also change inside a car(better). They will have some tint indoors but not anything that is like the photogray lenses of old. They do cost a good bit more and that is definitely a deciding factor.

Blanchje

I shoot trap and skeet in the winter. One of the issues in shooting is that different lens colors provide better contrast depending on weather, background, and lighting conditions. With all due respect to bigbadwullf I have a pair of NYX shooting glasses with prescription bifocal inserts that are the cats a$$ both on the range and on the bike. Total cost was about $200 with 3 different color lenses. Additional lenses are $22-45 depending on if you want them polarized. I love being able to swap out lens depending on the weather conditions. I do agree with BBW in that I would never look on-line for my daily glasses (which I've worn for 40 years), but for shooting and riding the NYX package has been great for me.

https://www.nyxsports.com/prescriptionoptions.htm

NOS88

I've gone two different routes with this. I use progressive lenses. I had one pair of prescription sunglasses made (they ended up in my car). I have another pair of prescription glasses with transition lenses. These are what I wear 98% of the time when I’m riding. Both pairs have titanium frames and were purchased on sale for under $150.

ping jockey

I had a pair of prescription transition lens sunglasses made a couple of years ago at the LOS (Local Optometrist Shop). Yes, they were expensive but I think they were well worth it in the long run. I wear them year round, while riding and driving.

I think my frames are by Liberty. They stay put even when I get hot and sweaty which counts for a lot.

My understanding is that some frames will not accept prescriptions that are quite strong so you need to consult with an optometrist.

Nightshade

With "fit overs" if doesn't matter what your script is........

cyclinfool

Well Thank You for the wishes of good luck. I indeed have had an excellent experience. The company I dealt with required me to go back to the Optometrist who I have seen for years and who I PAY for my prescription and PURCHASE a new pair of glasses from every 2 years to get a couple of key measurements, he gladly provided these for me FREE even when he knew I was ordering this specialty item on line. He even said if I had trouble to bring them by and he would see if he could help. I ordered a pair of ski goggles, they were perfect and I have used them every season for the past 5 years. Maybe I just got lucky...