Prescription Cycling Glasses
I’ve always used prescription glasses to drive my car and eventually the time came for me to get a pair for my bicycle. I think the stimulus was as much so I could see a bike computer as it was to see what I was about to ride into.Whatever the key driver to the decision, I was very clear that my cycling would improve if I could see where I was going!
There are 2 solutions to this: Firstly you can get a single lens with the prescription built into it or secondly you can use prescription inserts (called Rx Inserts) within a more normal set of cycling glasses. Typically Oakleys have one lens which has the prescription applied to it. I suspected the inserts solution wouldn’t be as good as a set of Oakleys, but the rate my eyes seem to change I wanted something a bit more disposable.
Periphery vision
Whilst pondering what to do I saw a roadie on the climb to Newlands Corner one morning. He was wearing prescription inserts and appeared to be able to see where he was going. When he stopped, I stopped too and took my chance to enquire about peripheral vision. I was worried the insert might be too small and irritate me when I’m doing shoulder checks etc. He was happy with his experience of the inserts and that gave me the confidence to invest £10 on ebay for a set of Cycling glasses with blank prescription-ready Rx inserts.
Four Surfaces – But the two surfaces on my current cycling glasses mist up and are filthy
A drawback should be that there are lots of surfaces to keep clean. I deliberately went for glasses with no ventilation holes at the top as I have a tendency to ride whatever the rainfall. I was keen to keep the raindrops out, and I always use glasses cleaner to minimise the misting up. I think there is inevitably more cleaning to do, but in the big picture of cleaning the bike and cycling clothing this increase is negligible.
Distance or Varifocal Lenses
I wondered about having a set of varifocal lenses so I could see the computer in my near vision and the roots, drops etc. in the distance. The decision was made for me as the inserts on the glasses I bought were not tall enough to have varifocals. So distance lenses were my only option.
What I Bought
I searched eBay for prescription cycling glasses and found a set with inserts and lots of outer lenses for £10. They arrive with an empty insert ready to have the prescription lenses added. Specsavers in Dorking kindly fitted my distance prescription for £39 within a few days. It really was that simple.
My eyes got used to them within a couple of rides and now wonder how I used to ride without them. I use either the clear lens or yellow tint normally, but also have the option of a polaroid tinted lens to use.
Happily the improvement to my vision is good enough to be able to see bike computers so all the boxes are ticked.
Similar glasses to what I bought can be found on eBay, although sadly I don’t look like the model either with or without glasses.
About the author
There are 7 comments on ‘Prescription Cycling Glasses’
We love to get comments from our readers - if you've spent a few moments to comment, thank-you.
If you haven't had a chance yet, jump to our comments form if you have something to say.
Leave a comment…
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
JR says:
Interesting – but when it’s foggy or raining I tend to ditch the glasses and go for contact lenses, to avoid the problems of the glasses repeatedly fogging up.
Isn’t that even more if a problem here, with 4 surfaces to attract condensation?
Add a new comment, or
Posted on November 3, 2015 at 2:18 am
StevenD says:
Very timely Gordon as two of our group were having a discussion about eyewear on sunday. I will pass this on.
Add a new comment, or
Posted on November 3, 2015 at 7:37 am
Andrew akak says:
I looked at these a few years ago Gordon but also thought that the fogging would be an issue on the extra glass. Then I did something to make even the Oakleys look cheap and had them lasered instead.
You might be interested in a company called Ciliary Blue who will reglaze any frame with a prescription lens for a minimal cost.
Add a new comment, or
Posted on November 3, 2015 at 12:51 pm
Gordo says:
With any cycling glasses there is an element of misting up and getting filthy. I think all we can do is try to minimise that. Four surfaces certainly won’t help. However, with with regular cleaning with glasses cleaner and pulling them down my nose away from from my face when I stop then I’m happy with the results.
Add a new comment, or
Posted on November 4, 2015 at 9:01 am
Matt says:
I’ve sat on the fence for ages Gordon, wondering about going down this route. I didn’t realise you could pick up the necessary sports glasses and Rx inserts off eBay so cheaply for a start.
I normally wear varifocal contacts which mean they are compromised for both near and far, but workable. I should really wear sports glasses (always used to), but fed up with them misting up, so your experience is interesting. However, I like the idea of Ciliary Blue too (good tip Andrew). Do they really accommodate sports glasses though?
Add a new comment, or
Posted on November 3, 2015 at 11:47 pm
Gordo says:
I’ve been using these since July without a hitch, but last night the frame for the inserts broke and the lens popped out. This morning the lens is superglued back in, but perhaps I should have bought a more robust frame.
Add a new comment, or
Posted on November 4, 2015 at 9:03 am
Glen Batchelor says:
Problem I have with inserts is they are too close to the surface of my eye.
Add a new comment, or
Posted on February 28, 2021 at 5:59 pm