Prescription sunglasses: how they work and which lens to choose
Which sunglasses frames take prescription lenses, what categories 0 to 4 mean and why UV protection is a separate value.
By OCCHIO
See clearly in the sun, in the frame you chose.
Many sunglasses in the OCCHIO! selection accept prescription lenses. Before choosing, there are two numbers to know: the lens category and the UV protection. They are not the same thing.
Which frames can take prescription lenses
You will find it on the product page: “frame suitable for prescription lenses”. This applies to most acetate and metal frames that are not strongly wrapped.
The more curved the frame, the more delicate the fitting, especially with strong prescriptions. Lens width matters too: with significant short-sightedness, a small lens stays thinner at the edges than a large one. That is why it is worth checking the model and your prescription with an optician before buying.
Sun · Acetate
Madman: small lens width, prescription-ready
Kazoku’s Madman is in black acetate, handmade in Japan, with 100% UV protection lenses. The frame is suitable for prescription lenses.
At 38 mm lens width it is a compact frame: compare its measurements, 38–27–145 mm, with a pair you already wear comfortably.
Discover MadmanSunglass lens categories
Every sunglass lens has a category from 0 to 4 that shows how much light it lets through. The higher the category, the darker the lens.
| Category | Light transmitted | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 80–100% | Clear lenses, for looks or indoors |
| 1 | 43–80% | Low light, cloudy days |
| 2 | 18–43% | Medium light, everyday use in town |
| 3 | 8–18% | Strong sun, seaside, summer |
| 4 | 3–8% | Very intense light, high mountains. Not suitable for driving |
Most sunglasses are category 2 or 3. The category is marked on the lens or in the manufacturer’s information leaflet.
UV protection: a different value
UV protection tells you how much ultraviolet radiation the lens blocks. Look for “UV 100%” or “UV400”: it means the lens filters UV rays up to 400 nanometres. A light lens can have full UV protection, and a dark lens may not: that is why it is worth checking both values.
Sun · Metal
Z14: category 3 and UV 100%
Kuboraum Z14 BMB states both values: category 3 lenses with 100% UV protection. The metal frame from the MASKE series is suitable for prescription lenses.
Discover Z14 BMBSolid, gradient, polarised, photochromic
With prescription lenses you can choose between several lens types:
- solid: one even colour across the lens;
- gradient: darker at the top and lighter at the bottom;
- polarised: reduce glare from water, snow and roads;
- photochromic: darken in sunlight and clear indoors.
How it works with OCCHIO!
Choose your frame online or in the boutique. Bring a recent prescription: prescription lenses can be fitted at the OCCHIO! boutique in Crema or by your own optician.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put prescription lenses in any sunglasses?
No. Strongly wrapped frames or frames with special lenses may not be suitable. OCCHIO! product pages state when a frame accepts prescription lenses.
Which lens category should I choose?
For everyday use in town, usually category 2; for strong sun, the seaside and summer, category 3. Category 4 is for very intense light and must not be used for driving.
Does the category show UV protection?
No. The category shows how dark the lens is. UV protection must be checked separately: look for “UV 100%” or “UV400”.