You may have heard people talking about ‘lens coatings’, but what does that really mean? And should you be considering them for Packing for a summer holiday is meant to be exciting! That’s until you’re sitting next to the suitcase, considering packing the fourth pair of sunglasses “just in case”. Prescription sunglasses, everyday frames, readers for the plane, and maybe a spare pair, how many pairs of glasses do you really need for one holiday?
With a few smart lens choices, you can simplify your suitcase while still enjoying crystal-clear viewing throughout your trip. In this article, our lens experts walk you through exactly how to combine multiple lenses and prescriptions into one handy pair of sunglasses.
One Pair or Two? Simplifying Holiday Eyewear
When it comes to travel, most people don’t actually need numerous pairs of glasses. They just need the correct lenses. When these are fitted into your favourite frames, you can feel confident and comfortable no matter what your trip entails.
From different environments and varying light levels to reading menus, sightseeing, sunset views, and scenic drives, one lens can really accommodate it all! This brings travellers huge benefits, including:
- Saving money by avoiding buying another pair of frames
- Having a pair of dedicated holiday sunglasses
- Lenses reinforced your holiday activities
- Save time stressing over what glasses to pack
- Reduce the risk of damaging or losing your main pair of glasses
Whether you’re upgrading your everyday glasses into customised sunglasses or transforming an old pair of frames into your trusted holiday sunnies, we can reglaze and fit your summer-specific prescription lenses into any style of frame.
The Best Lenses for Flights, Reading, and Screen Time
Travel days are always longer than expected. With so much waiting around, we naturally turn to our devices to pass the time. This increased level of screen time, combined with bright airport lighting and artificial aeroplane lights, can take its toll on your eyes. Luckily, there are specific lenses designed to make these environments a little easier on the eye.
Digital Lenses
Made with blue light filtering, these are designed to help reduce the impact of artificial light on your eyes. They also make extended screen time more comfortable by supporting reading, intermediate and distance viewing. You can also add tints and lens coatings to improve visual clarity and comfort throughout your holiday.
Learn more about digital lenses
Varifocal Lenses
These support wearers with close-up, intermediate, and distance requirements. This happens a lot when travelling, from checking departure information and finding your seat on the plane to reading your book or checking your phone. Varifocals cover all of these distances with a smooth transition between each one. No need to switch glasses for different parts of your trip.
Transitions® Lenses
Depending on the time of travel, you may move from dark skies to bright artificial lighting to dim aeroplane lighting. This can result in your eyes squinting to see better in the different environments, eventually leading to eye strain, fatigue and headaches – not the best start to your holiday! Transitions® lenses adapt to the level of light in your environment, providing a consistent, comfortable view wherever you are.
Why Choose High-Index Lenses for Travel Comfort?
When you’re wearing sunglasses from sunrise to sunset, comfort matters. If you have a stronger prescription, lens thickness and weight can become noticeable, not to mention uncomfortable. Especially if you’re wearing sunglasses for long summer days. Myopia and hyperopia prescription lenses can both benefit from high-index lenses as they offer:
- Thinner lenses which fit more styles of frames
- Lighter lenses, which help prevent glasses from slipping in the heat
- A more comfortable fit for longer periods
- Improved cosmetic appearance
If you have a strong or complex prescription, our excellent technicians can help design a high-index lens that meets your requirements while fitting your existing frames.
Travel-Proof Lens Coatings That Make a Difference
We know that holiday environments can be tough on sunglasses. Constant handling, daily wear, sand and seawater exposure, suncream smudges, and changes in temperature all affect your sunglasses’ lenses.
Here are the most popular lens coatings for your sunglasses:
- Scratch-Resistance: Essential for beach trips where fine sand can cause micro-abrasions.
- Easy-Cleaning: Quickly wipe away fingerprints and smudges for undisturbed viewing.
- Anti-Glare: Reduce glare from bright sunlight to reduce squinting and increase visual comfort.
- Polarised: Really helpful near water to reduce blinding glare off the pool or sea’s surface.
- Anti-Fog: Ideal for trips where you’re moving between places with different temperatures.
- UV Protection: Our tints include 100% UV protection for ultimate protection while matching your style
It’s important to choose coatings that best suit your type of holiday. For example, active adventures would benefit from polarised lenses to reduce glare and enhance visual performance. City breaks would be better suited to Transition® lenses, so you can easily move between locations without worrying about changing your eyewear. Either way, quality prescription sunglasses should block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, provide sufficient tint, and fit comfortably throughout your holiday.
Top Tips for Holiday Eye Care
Sunglasses aren’t just about style; they’re about visual comfort and protecting your eye health. Here are a few extra tips for eye comfort while travelling:
- Staying hydrated (dry cabin air can worsen eye dryness)
- Use eye drops to help moisturise your eyes
- Avoid rubbing your eyes after swimming – pack goggles!
- Rinse saltwater off frames promptly
- Use cleaning spray or wipes, not your t-shirt!
- Store glasses in a hard case when not in use
Sort Your Summer Sunglasses with Lensology
If you’re looking for a way to save time, money and stress before a big holiday, investing in a dedicated pair of sunglasses is the first step! We don’t mean buying a new pair of sunglasses. We’re talking about reglazing the lenses in your existing frames to meet your holiday needs, which is a lot quicker, cheaper, and can be done without leaving the house!
By sorting and packing your sunglasses well in advance, you avoid last-minute packing chaos! Give yourself one less thing to worry about and upgrade your favourite frames into your go-to holiday sunglasses.
