Prescription sunglasses protect the eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays that can cause severe eye damage, and they’re a must-have accessory for anyone who spends time outdoors. But what about the price tag? 

According to CostHelper, depending on the brand, frame style, lens type, and coating features you choose, a pair of prescription sunglasses could cost anywhere between $20 to $700. Basic frames and lenses with no coating will be on the lower end of that scale, while designer frames and high-index lenses with special coatings are more expensive. 

This article details how much you can expect to pay for different lenses and frames and how Accrue Savings can help you save money on your next pair of prescription sunglasses.

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The wide price range for prescription sunglasses comes down to three main factors: brand, material, and popularity. High-quality frames are more expensive than lower-quality frames, and designer brands will fetch a higher price than generic brands.

Brand of frames

Designer brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley, Gucci, and Prada are the most expensive frames. They cost between $120 and $400, depending on the collection and features you choose. High-end frame brands like Maui Jim, Adidas, Kate Spade, and Costa offer quality frames without the designer price tag, with an average cost of $90 to $300.

Generic frames are the most affordable option, with a price range of between $20 and $100. These frames may not have all the bells and whistles of the more expensive ones, but they offer a great way to protect your eyes without breaking the bank.

Material of frames

Prescription sunglasses are available in plastic (acetate), metal, and mixed material frames. Plastic frames are the most popular because of their lightweight design and affordability. They cost anywhere between $20 and $200, depending on the brand.

Metal frames command a higher price tag, costing between $50 and $400. They offer greater durability and a more luxurious look and come in a range of colors. Mixed material frames offer the best of both worlds — combining the lightweight feel of plastic with the durability of metal — and cost between $50 and $200.

Popularity of frames

Prescription eyewear is constantly on trend, with new styles coming out each season. Trendy frame styles like aviator, round, and cat-eye come with a higher price tag than timeless or classic designs like wayfarers and flat-tops.

Designer sunglasses worn by celebrities and influencers can cost as much as $600 per pair. It helps to have a budget before you go shopping and do some research to find frames that fit your style while also staying within your budget. You don’t need to pay top dollar for a stylish look when cheaper alternatives are available.

You also need prescription lenses for your sunglasses. The lenses you choose for your sunglasses play a large part in the cost of your glasses. Your optometrist or eye care provider will help you determine which lenses are best for you based on the results of your eye exam.

Level of tint

The level of tint refers to the degree of darkness in your lenses and affects how much light they can block out. A lighter lens tint, such as orange or yellow/amber, is more comfortable for your eyes in bright sunlight and blocks blue light better.

Darker lens tints like brown or grey are great for outdoor activities such as skiing and snowboarding and can reduce glare. The level of tint you choose impacts the cost of your lenses — lighter lens tints are more expensive than darker ones. Decide on the level of tint based on the activities you plan to do with your sunglasses.

Quality of lens material

Your prescription sunglass lenses can be made from high-index plastic, glass, polycarbonate, photochromic, or polarized materials. These materials are also used for prescription eyeglasses, each with its benefits and drawbacks.

• High-index plastic lenses are the most popular and lightweight option for people with strong prescriptions like high astigmatism. They give you a thinner lens profile than regular plastic, making them look more natural. Your sunnies won’t feel heavy on your nose and will be comfortable to wear all day. The high-index materials feature a coating that provides complete UV protection, so you can stay safe while enjoying a sunny day.
• Glass lenses offer excellent optical clarity but are heavier and thicker than high-index plastic. They are also more fragile, so they’re not a good choice if you lead an active lifestyle. You can polarize the lenses to reduce glare and reflections.
• Polycarbonate lenses are lightweight, durable, and impact-resistant, holding up to 50X more impact than standard plastic lenses. They’re great for athletes, adventurers, and children prone to dropping or scratching their glasses. They provide 100% protection from harmful UV rays.
• Photochromic lenses are a great choice if you want an all-in-one lens that can transition automatically based on the amount of light you are exposed to. They darken in bright sunlight and lighten indoors, so you don’t have to worry about carrying a separate pair of prescription eyeglasses. Their high cost makes them more of a luxury than a necessity.
• Polarized lenses reduce glare and reflections, providing sharper vision in the sun. They are great for fishing, water sports, and snow skiing, where you must cut out distracting reflections on the water or snow.

The type of lens material you choose also affects the cost of your prescription sunglasses. You can get cheaper lenses made from standard plastic or polycarbonate, but glass and polarized lenses will be more expensive.

Lens treatments

Lens treatments such as anti-reflective coatings, UV coatings, scratch-resistant coatings, anti-fog coatings, and mirror finishes can add to your lenses’ style and increase their durability but come at an additional cost. 

Unlike prescription glasses that are often sold with a standard scratch-resistant coating included, you will have to pay extra for specialty treatments when you buy prescription sunglasses.

• Anti-reflective coatings reduce glare and reflections that the lenses may create. This makes it more comfortable for you to see in bright light and decreases glare when someone is looking at your sunglasses from the side.
• UV coatings protect your eyes from harmful UV rays by blocking 99-100% of UVA and UVB radiation. Prolonged UV exposure causes over 3.2 million cases of vision impairment and blindness in the U.S., so it’s essential to ensure your sunglasses provide adequate protection.
• Scratch-resistant coatings safeguard against scratches, chips, and abrasions that can degrade the quality of your vision and the durability of your lenses. They are available in different colors and densities and are applied to the outer surface of the lenses.
• Anti-fog coatings keep your vision clear in humid or wet environments. The coating prevents fogging up, allowing you to focus on the task.
• Mirror finishes offer a stylish look while also providing extra protection against glare. These lenses are usually darker and more reflective than regular tinted lenses, as they reflect more light away from your eyes.

The cost of new prescription sunglasses varies greatly depending on the lenses, lens treatments, and frame material you choose. You will spend between $150 and $500 on average, but you can find cheaper options by comparing prices from different retailers.

High-end designer frames with premium lenses and treatments will set you back upwards of $700 due to the higher cost of materials and craftsmanship. Customized options are expertly designed to fit your face shape and style preferences but can cost more than pre-made options.

You can use your vision insurance to help cover the cost of your prescription sunglasses if it includes vision benefits. Check with your insurance provider to know your exact coverage terms. 

Non-prescription sunglasses are budget-friendly, but they won’t protect your eyes from UV rays or provide the same visual clarity as prescription lenses. Assess your needs and budget to decide which type of sunglasses is right for you.

Start saving for prescription sunglasses with Accrue Savings

Prescription sunglasses offer the superior protection and clarity you need in bright outdoor environments, but they can also be expensive. Extra attention is needed when researching and selecting the frame style, lens material, and lens treatments. 

With our easy-to-use budgeting tool, Accrue Savings allows you to save money for your prescription sunglasses and other vision care expenses.  There are no high-interest loans or other financing options when you can save up for your vision care expenses with Accrue Savings. Our platform helps you set a savings goal, make affordable deposits to your wallet, and track your progress toward achieving it. 

Sign up today, check out our partners, and earn money directly into your account to help you reach your savings goals quickly.