Prescription Oakleys

[duff_duffy]

For those that thought prescription Oakley’s were way overpriced here is a solution....check with local eye doctors. I went to all of chain stores and all said I had to get Oakley lenses which were close to $500. Online lens places are another option but have to get prescription from doctor who don’t make it as easy as it should be....was about to go the online route and stopped by my local eye place. They sold me Oakley’s for $150 + $80 for basic prescription lens with tint and they took prescription off old glasses for free. Wound up spending drop extra for coatings to make them look identical to Oakley finish at half price of the chain stores and Oakley lenses. Support your local shop and save ton of money at same time!

[parris]

Duff are the lenses you had put into the Oakley frames cr-39 or Polycarbonate? The reason I ask is because cr-39 can be dyed where polycarb really can't. Cr-39 also isn't as impact resistant. It's not that it's not a good lens material but like many things there are options.

[duff_duffy]

Not sure...they offered nice warranty, free lense replacement, and money back if I did not like the look / looked identical to the Oakley lenses on display that I asked them to copy. My head is weird shaped and looked for ages for something that looked good on my noggin and when I finally found something was floored by the price of the Oakley lenses. This was a nice cheap option, brought it inline pricewise with many of the generic frames and lenses out there but these looked great. I’m not concerned with impact resistance or scratch protection or thickness for how I use them. Just needed to look good and block some light (they are polarized too)! I was thrilled how they turned out, I was sure something would be off but perfect. The doc at the place told me not too worry about quality, he sold me on giving it a try and was glad she did.

[LouDeeter]

I was killing time at an eye place in Denver recently while my brother-in-law had some work done on his glasses. I asked the folks about prescription sports glasses. The eye doc told me that getting prescription inserts was the way to go. He showed me a pair of glasses with the inserts fitted closely behind the regular non-prescription lenses. He said that this way, the prescription lenses rarely get scratched and if you need to update the prescription, you at least don't have to buy new sunglasses, just new prescription lenses.

[Mark McM]

I was killing time at an eye place in Denver recently while my brother-in-law had some work done on his glasses. I asked the folks about prescription sports glasses. The eye doc told me that getting prescription inserts was the way to go. He showed me a pair of glasses with the inserts fitted closely behind the regular non-prescription lenses. He said that this way, the prescription lenses rarely get scratched and if you need to update the prescription, you at least don't have to buy new sunglasses, just new prescription lenses.

There are both advantages and disadvantages to both systems. On the plus side:

- Easily change lens tint by swapping the front lenses
- As mentioned above, the front lenses are the most commonly scratched, so it cheaper to replace them
- Wrap-around frame styles often won't accommodate higher refractive prescriptions for direct-in prescription lenses, but the inserts can take almost any prescription
- Almost any optician can make prescription lenses for inserts

Now the downsides:

- Extra lens surfaces can cause internal reflections
- Extra lens create twice as many surfaces to fog up, or to collect rain drops
- Prescription insert creates extra weight resting on your nose.
- Prescription insert places prescription lenses very close to the face (close enough that eyebrows and eyelashes can rub against them, transferring perspiration to the lenses).


My eyes are sensitive to wind, especially cold wind, so I prefer wrap-around style sunglasses. Unfortunately, my lens prescription has a somewhat high refractive value, so direct-in lenses with my prescription can't be made for most wrap-around style sunglasses. Of the few wrap-around models that can take direct-in prescription lenses, I've had poor success with the two I've tried - the vision correction when looking dead straight ahead is okay, but there are large distortions when I look to the sides. So, I've mostly had to settle for sunglasses with an auxiliary prescription insert. But if I had a lower refractive prescription, I'd much prefer sunglasses with direct-in prescription lenses.

[duff_duffy]

Great points...in my case the inserts would have brought the lens to close to my eyes/face or would have tried. Something to keep in mind if you go this route.

If anyone needs a pair of Oakley lenses I’ll be putting on the classified soon:).

There are both advantages and disadvantages to both systems. On the plus side:

- Easily change lens tint by swapping the front lenses
- As mentioned above, the front lenses are the most commonly scratched, so it cheaper to replace them
- Wrap-around frame styles often won't accommodate higher refractive prescriptions for direct-in prescription lenses, but the inserts can take almost any prescription
- Almost any optician can make prescription lenses for inserts

Now the downsides:

- Extra lens surfaces can cause internal reflections
- Extra lens create twice as many surfaces to fog up, or to collect rain drops
- Prescription insert creates extra weight resting on your nose.
- Prescription insert places prescription lenses very close to the face (close enough that eyebrows and eyelashes can rub against them, transferring perspiration to the lenses).


My eyes are sensitive to wind, especially cold wind, so I prefer wrap-around style sunglasses. Unfortunately, my lens prescription has a somewhat high refractive value, so direct-in lenses with my prescription can't be made for most wrap-around style sunglasses. Of the few wrap-around models that can take direct-in prescription lenses, I've had poor success with the two I've tried - the vision correction when looking dead straight ahead is okay, but there are large distortions when I look to the sides. So, I've mostly had to settle for sunglasses with an auxiliary prescription insert. But if I had a lower refractive prescription, I'd much prefer sunglasses with direct-in prescription lenses.

[benb]

The insert story falls apart even more when Sports Optical will make you two pairs of lenses for the same Oakley's for about the price of the frame + insert setup from the local lab that wants you to have inserts.

You end up with 2 pairs of lenses that let you see better than inserts (prescription to the edge that works) that you can swap out while you're out on the road if lighting or weather changes and you have none of the disadvantage of inserts.. you're basically back to the same place someone with perfect vision is at, though they still win on total $$ spent.

IME prescription Oakleys at the doctor were running me $500-600 (just like regular prescription eyeglasses). Sports Optical for me was $700 with 2 sets of lenses.

Also the lenses from Sports Optical might as well be made out of some comic book super material compared to my Maui Jim prescription sunglasses or the previous pair of prescription Oakleys I've had. The Sports Optical lenses seem to be as tough as the pre-Luxottica Oakley lenses were. Lately the Luxoticca sourced/lab-made lenses I've gotten from the doctor are completely toast at 18 months in terms of scratches and failed coatings. The lenses I got from Sports Optical are 3 years old now and are scratch free and no degradation of the coatings. And I'm never wearing the glasses from the doctor on my bike anymore, so they're getting a much cleaner/easier life.

Time to try Warby Parker for the non-sports glasses though for me. Their prices are just so fantastic you could buy 2 pairs in case something happens and still save hundreds.

Having had 3 sets of prescription Oakleys though I am not sold on their frames being terribly great anymore.. I have Rudy Project Frames now and they're 100% better for me. Lighter, more comfortable, more adjustable, just more functional period.

[R3awak3n]

The insert story falls apart even more when Sports Optical will make you two pairs of lenses for the same Oakley's for about the price of 1 from the local lab that wants you to have inserts.

You end up with 2 pairs that you can swap out while you're out on the road if lighting or weather changes and you have none of the disadvantage of inserts.. you're basically back to the same place someone with perfect vision is at, though they still win on total $$ spent.

IME prescription Oakleys at the doctor were running me $500-600 (just like regular prescription eyeglasses). Sports Optical for me was $700 with the 2 sets of lenses.

Time to try Warby Parker for the non-sports glasses though for me. Their prices are just fantastic.


Warby Parker is excellent. I just got some glasses through them. Got tired of paying $300+ dollars for glasses. I work in NYC but did not feel like going to the store so ordered their kit (5 pairs of glasses to try at home), picked one, send prescription and had my glasses in a week or so. Quality is axtually really good for $100.

They should make sports glasses.


I have some oakleys, prescription with transition lens (meh, I should have just got clear, transition lens are never what I want). I do have eye insurance so I got a bit of a discount but I think I still paid $350 for the glasses.

[buddybikes]

I doubt they will do half jackets or similar in house. std sunglasses sure.

ps: do like the road tint

[echelon_john]

I have my ‘nice’ glasses and sunglasses, and have tried Warby Parkers as well. They’re about 80% as good as my nice glasses, vision/lens quality wise, but about 20% of the price.

I also took a chance on some prescription sunglasses from Zenni (www.zennioptical.com) and have been thrilled with them. Less than $100 all in, including high index lenses to accommodate my -5.5 right eye. They were going to be my “beater” sunglasses for hiking, boating, etc. but I wear them all the time.

[chiasticon]

(meh, I should have just got clear, transition lens are never what I want)hah! try having them for your every day glasses! you basically always look like a creepy 70's porn star (or serial killer).

I need a new set of prescription lenses. I have some Jawbone/Racing Jackets that are great overall. but in my experience, the lenses start to get scratched up (enough to be annoying) right about the time where I need another eye exam. for me, my prescription hasn't changed enough to invalidate these lenses, it's the scratching that has. but if you historically have a changing prescription, it might be something to keep in mind; as far as choosing an insert option just to avoid scratching the prescription lenses.

[Charles M]

Go to Sports Optical... That is all...

field of view of cheap glasses is small. look a bit off center and the view turns to 5h!t...

The deal with inserts is that they tend to be better field of vision than lots of places.

Oakley charge a lot for that better view without the need for inserts.

Sports optical have an even bigger field of view that Factory Oakley for a better price... I've not found any place making the quality of lens that Sports Optical make...


The local shops just do not have the lens clarity and quality so they should be cheaper.

Inserts? Nah, Not for 10+ years have I messed with inserts when Sports Optical has a better field of view without mounting an extra set of glasses to my glasses

[ptourkin]

Go to Sports Optical... That is all...

field of view of cheap glasses is small. look a bit off center and the view turns to 5h!t...

The deal with inserts is that they tend to be better field of vision than lots of places.

Oakley charge a lot for that better view without the need for inserts.

Sports optical have an even bigger field of view that Factory Oakley for a better price... I've not found any place making the quality of lens that Sports Optical make...


The local shops just do not have the lens clarity and quality so they should be cheaper.

Inserts? Nah, Not for 10+ years have I messed with inserts when Sports Optical has a better field of view without mounting an extra set of glasses to my glasses

Do they "make" the lenses, though? My understanding is that Sports Optical and SportRX here are authorized Oakley dealers and order then lenses from Oakley.

[Gpmrntz]

There is no doubt Oakley Rx glasses are expensive. They are worth it. Every cent. I currently have three pair - Sun, Clear (for riding at dusk) and another Sun for off the bike. I've had the same line-up, several times, over the past 15 years as my Rx changed. Always worth it. They are simply fantastic. If you have access to a Flex Spending account (via health insur), it's a great way to go....

[ultraman6970]

Duff's plan is interesting but depends a lot of the prescription and the frame he is talking about.

For example, with my prescription no store would even dare even try to put it in any pair of frames too curved, for example the went to lenscrafters and I told them i liked the crosslink MNP, which is not that curved, they told me right out of the bat that they cant do them, but in other ^%$&^ they could do it

There's a lot of variables when you want to go curved nice frames, so i ended up 2 years ago in sportsrx, they told me yes right away and in the frame i wanted, obviously there was limits like those 6 point super curved frames, I cant do those... besides I have to pick or asian fit or the mnp or the frames fit weird.

Then you have the lenses, you have hi-index lenses, bifocals, and a bunch of other stuff you can put to the glasses, I have a set of glasses with oakley made lenses and the things were awesomely nice. But now just because I want a bunch of other stuff like antireflex, no fog and anti-matter aswell, easy you can go out 600/700 bucks range but honestly it worth the money.

For years I bought my stuff in lenscrafters and then other store I cant remember, well always asked for antiglare (I drive a lot at night) and the $hit never worked, I never knew if they never put the thing into the lenses or not. At night reflexcions of light coming back and forth different direccion sucks, bite the bullet and went with sportsrx, not a problem, that takes me to think the other suckers at lenscrafters never built the glasses I asked, always stuff missing.

So, honestly what the OP is talking about is something I thought, but the problem is the prescription, the frame and the features you want, you can get lenses for 50 bucks, ideal if you have almost no prescription, but if you are like me where the astigmatism is just nasty, the same 50 bucks glass will be like 2 inches thick (making up stuff ok?), and you cant put that in a nice oakley frame (depending of the model), besides will weight A LOT!

Hope this helps the guys picking up glasses....

[muz]

I was very happy with my Oakley Rx sunglasses until someone stole them from my bike bag. I wanted to try a cheaper option; I chose Vuarnet sunglasses and had my optician put in photo-chromatic lenses.

They felt fine at the store, but they definitely caused more eye strain during long rides. Peripheral vision was a lot more distorted. Long story short, I went back to Oakleys.

[deechee]

Duff's plan is interesting but depends a lot of the prescription and the frame he is talking about.


For those of you who love your Sports Optical, can you post photos of your glasses against your regular ones?

I don't have an excessive prescription (-5.5) but the Sports Opticals I had made (probably about 5-8 years ago now) were beautiful but too thick and heavy. As an asian with a flat nose, my frame selection was limited and picking a rimless frame was a mistake. I recently had some regular sunglasses made with high index lenses and wow, despite them being polarized (weirdly, the polarized lenses cost less; I hate that I can't read the clock in my car) they are much lighter and comfortable.

Anyway, I'm happy I tried Sports Optical but I'm more than happy with my regular optometrist and her regular selection. It sucks that Oakley has such a monopoly on sports glasses, but, despite my Crosslinks looking a bit cheap, they have been indestructible which I appreciate. My son has broken two of my wife's glasses but my Oakleys are still going (replaced the lenses though since he kept throwing them and they were scratched up.) . I spent the money on some Lindbergs once; they're nice glasses but honestly weren't really worth it. Ultimately, hard to know until you try for yourself. Kind of like saddles.

ps. Thanks for the mention of the Zenni stuff, I'm surprised the 1.74 index is so cheap. Maybe I'll get a pair to commute with.

[ctam]

There is currently a promo for 25% off Oakley prescription glasses from authorized rx dealers. It says select sunglasses and rx models - not sure which models are included. I received an email from Oakley a month ago for this. This deal expires Sept 30/18.

[benb]

I don't have my Sports Optical glasses with me today but I can try and put a picture up.

The lenses on mine are not noticeably thicker than any of my normal Rx glasses even though the Sports Optical lenses are ridiculously bigger.

The FoV on the Sports Optical glasses is just astounding.. pretty much as good as contacts. It's game changing for bike riding. Literally less neck fatigue on long bike rides cause you can use your eyes as they were intended to be used as opposed to craning your head up all the time.

Remember Oakley is not really a company anymore.. they're a brand name of Luxottica just like most eyeglass brands. My experience was after they were bought by Luxottica the Rx lenses stopped having the little "O" on them and that's when the quality tanked.

My prescription is not extreme on nearsightedness.. my eyes are not the same but they're maybe -1.5 or something, but I have astigmatism in the 2.5-3.0 range IIRC so I am usually rejected on anything with curved lenses at the eye doctor or with Oakley, etc..

Sports Optical is either using a different machine or they're doing it by hand by some proprietary method. They told me my prescription was "cake, absolutely no big deal" and they backed it up.

The most hilarious thing about Luxottica owning everything and jacking prices to the sky was I recently found out they also own EyeMed, one of the bigger vision insurance plans. I've had EyeMed offered through work before... it's such a joke, it's really a "eyewear payment plan" as opposed to insurance. My medical insurance has always covered the actual eye care appointments. So they get you to buy an "insurance plan" that just gets you a discount on the eyeglasses they've raised the prices on to a ridiculous level and then you go into the store/retailer/whatever that they've also captured.

[buddybikes]

>>>The most hilarious thing about Luxottica owning everything and jacking prices to the sky was I recently found out they also own EyeMed, one of the bigger vision insurance plans. I've had EyeMed offered through work before... it's such a joke, it's really a "eyewear payment plan" as opposed to insurance. My medical insurance has always covered the actual eye care appointments. So they get you to buy an "insurance plan" that just gets you a discount on the eyeglasses they've raised the prices on to a ridiculous level and then you go into the store/retailer/whatever that they've also captured.


// I believe they own right down to retail outlets now. Basically becoming a monopoly now. Why??? Can't others build quality and well designed pieces of plastic and lenses. It isn't rocket science...

[buddybikes]

good article: http://www.americanmanufacturing.org/blog/entry/seeing-through-the-lens-american-made-eyewear

[weiwentg]

...

Remember Oakley is not really a company anymore.. they're a brand name of Luxottica just like most eyeglass brands. My experience was after they were bought by Luxottica the Rx lenses stopped having the little "O" on them and that's when the quality tanked.
...

When was this? I recall that in 2012, Oakley was owned by Luxottica but the optical shop I got my glasses from was under the impression that Oakley still made their own lenses. That's 6 years ago, of course.

Also, is the quality down for just the Rx lenses or in general?

[ultraman6970]

I do not think oakley has a monopoly, they were the 1st ones that actually took cycling frames to a new level, the rest of the manufacturers just got to the game later.

The other thing is that the darn designs of oakley are just fantastic, nobody Ive see has stuff evne close to what oakley offers.

Luxotica bought everbody since years ago, but looks like every company moves their own direction tho. what luxotica did was to buy distributors, like for example lenscrafters. So they put their products there, and considering that each brand goes to a different market it doesnt affect them or the public IMO.

Oakley have their own lenses aswell, but is not a lense that has it all, depending a lot of what you want in the lense you have to move away of oakley lense and go with whaever the place you are buying the stuff at can offer which sometimes is better than oakley lenses.

[cmbicycles]

I just ordered a pair of prescription oakley glasses for riding, though I too opted for the non-oakley lenses. Other than a few $ for mirror coating, they are completely covered by my insurance, so not much to lose. If I hate them, I can always pop the lenses out and use with regular lenses and contacts like I've been doing for years.

I'll stop back in a couple weeks after they come in and report on how they are. I have ridden with the same pair of 1st gen 1/2 jacket xlj glasses for almost 20 years, so the fit and function is well established for my use, we'll see how the optics are once they come in. I've never used prescription sunglasses before so hopefully it is a nice change from putting in and taking out contacts.

[cmbicycles]

Ended up going with prescription Half Jacket 2.0xl glasses with a medium tint and mirror coating. Wow, big difference from contacts and glasses. I notice no distortion anywhere, my only regret is not doing this sooner. Minor gripe is that I don't care for the direction the 1/2 Jacket arms fold, makes it harder to put in a case, but they work great while riding/driving so not that a big deal... just might go with something else next time.

[ultraman6970]

I got my new sets today... :D Orange :D

Crosslink sweep asian fit, the regular ones are Crosslink mnp.