Sunglasses are an excellent way to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of UVA-UVB rays. They are able to filter UVA and UVB rays so you can enjoy the sunshine without worrying about your vision. They also keep you comfortable in harsh sunlight, shaded at the beach or in bright sun, and are a fashionable way to stand out in the summer or all year long. 

However, when you think of sunglasses, you probably think of regular sunglasses without any lens strengths. Did you know there are more options? If you wear a pair of reading glasses, you can combine these with sunglasses and enjoy better focus no matter where you are.

This guide breaks down the major differences between bifocal style reading sunglasses and fully magnified reading sunglasses so you can decide which pair is best for you. 

What Are Bifocal Style Reading Sunglasses?

Bifocal style reading sunglasses are an excellent way to enjoy the benefits of a sunglass, including UVA-UVB lens protection, while incorporating a small reader segment into the sunglass lens. Bifocal readers have unmagnified lenses containing a “bifocal style” single powered reading glass insert located on the lower portion of the lenses.

What Are Fully Magnified Reading Sunglasses?

Fully magnified reading sunglasses are sunglasses and readers in one. They contain the magnification strength you need throughout the entire lens while also providing all the benefits of a sunglass, including UVA-UVB lens protection for your eyes. These types of lenses aren’t separated into two segments like bifocal style readers are, but you can still wear them all day for ease and work.

UVA-UVB Lens Protection

Reading sunglasses are also excellent ways to protect your eyes from harmful UVA-UVB rays from the sun. Sunglasses are a stylish way to stay safe all year long.

Plus, sunglasses are a fantastic way to keep your eyes feeling great. If you’re outdoors often in bright light, you may have to squint your eyes in order to see, and bright lights can be painful to our eyes. Sunglasses help darken this light, supporting your eyes so that you can enjoy more of the outdoors, squint-free.

Picking the Best Option for You

There are a few things to know to help you choose between bifocal style reading sunglasses and fully magnified reading sunglasses. 

Let’s talk about how you can find the best option for you. 

Things To Know About Bifocal Style Reading Sunglasses

Bifocal style reading sunglasses are great for those who aren’t going to be reading all day. They have an upper portion you can look through when interacting with others, working on projects, and using your distance vision. The lower portion is great for reading, writing, or focusing on smaller objects up close. 

If you tend to adjust your focus throughout the day between objects that are farther than those nearby, bifocal style readers are a great option! 

It’s important to note that those new to bifocal style readers might need a short adjustment period. You may have to train yourself to look through the correct lens portion at first.

Things To Know About Fully Magnified Reading Sunglasses

Fully magnified reading sunglasses are great for those who like to wear their reading glasses all day but work outdoors or spend time outside often and want sun protection as well. Sunglasses and readers in one are convenient and a great way to help you see up close.

Choosing Your Reading Glasses Strength

Whether you decide a pair of bifocal style reading sunglasses is right for you or that fully magnified reading sunglasses are the best option, you’ll need to determine the reading glasses strength you need.

Here are a few easy ways you can do this at home:

Print off this diopter chart and hold it 14 inches away from your face. Make sure you’re not wearing any reading glasses during this process. Start reading at the very top line and move down the list until you reach a line you can read clearly without the help of reading glasses. 

Once you find a line you can focus on, look at the corresponding reading glasses strength beside it. It will be in the form of a number and a plus sign. This may be the reading glasses strength you need in your reader reading sunglasses.

For more resources on how to find the best reading glasses for you, this guide to buying reading glasses can help.

Sun Protection for All Your Vision Needs

The best part about wearing reading sunglasses is the UVA-UVB protection available. Plus, with Readers.com®, there are tons of fashion-forward styles to choose from. Pick a bold frame or one to wear every day and enjoy better focus all year-round!