Reading Sunglasses: Who Needs Them and How to Choose
Reading sunglasses let you read menus, phones and books outdoors. Learn who needs them, how they differ from bifocals and how to choose a pair.
3 min de lecturePar IGIOO Optical
Dans cet article
Reading sunglasses are sunglasses with a built-in reading power, so you can read a menu, a phone or a book outdoors without swapping to a separate pair of readers. If you already wear reading glasses and spend time in bright light, they are the simplest way to see close text clearly and keep glare down.
What reading sunglasses actually are
A reading sunglass is an ordinary sunglass frame fitted with tinted lenses that carry a near-vision prescription. The power sits across the whole lens, just like standard readers, only with a tint added.
That makes them different from bifocal or progressive sunglasses, where the reading power occupies only part of the lens. With reading sunglasses the entire lens is for close work, so they are best worn when you are seated, reading or doing detail tasks.
Who gets the most out of them
- People who read on a terrace, beach or boat deck and find plain readers too bright.
- Holiday travellers who check maps, tickets and menus in strong sun.
- Gardeners, makers and anyone doing close outdoor tasks.
- Anyone who is tired of swapping between sunglasses and a second pair of glasses.
If you need to see far away as well, walking around in them will look blurry in the distance. In that case, consider progressive lenses or prescription sunglasses made for all-day wear.
Reading sunglasses vs the alternatives
| Option | Best for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Reading sunglasses | Reading outdoors while seated | Blurry for distance |
| Progressive sunglasses | Near, intermediate and far in one pair | Needs an adaptation period |
| Clip-on shades over readers | Occasional use | Extra layers, can feel bulky |
| Plain readers plus sunglasses | Short outdoor stops | Constant swapping |
Choosing the right frame
Pick a frame you would happily wear as everyday sunglasses, because the same shape works for reading. Slightly larger lenses give you more room to look down at a page without the frame edge getting in the way. Acetate and tortoise tones suit most skin tones and look good in daylight.
Choosing the tint
For reading, a medium tint is usually more comfortable than a very dark one. Brown and amber tints tend to keep text looking warm and high in contrast, while grey keeps colours more neutral. If you read mostly in shade, go lighter; for open beach or snow, go darker.
Getting the power right
Use your latest prescription and the near (ADD) value if you have one; our guide on how to read a prescription explains the numbers. Add your pupillary distance too so the lenses are centred for your eyes. If you are unsure of the strength, our reading glasses strength guide can help you estimate.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I drive in reading sunglasses?
No. Reading powers blur distance vision, so they are meant for close tasks only. For the road, choose sunglasses with your distance prescription.
Are reading sunglasses the same as bifocal sunglasses?
No. Bifocals have two zones in one lens, while reading sunglasses have one close-up power across the whole lens.
Do I need a prescription?
Yes, your near-vision power is needed so the lenses are made for your eyes. Without one you can still choose a plain tinted pair.
Can I use my glasses prescription in sunglass frames?
Yes. Pick a frame, then add your prescription with the lens selector at checkout.
Ready to read in the sun?
Browse our sunglasses collection or our reading glasses to find a frame you like. Add your prescription in a few clicks with our lens selector.
