Reading Sunglasses vs. Bifocal Sunglasses: Which is Better?

When you were a kid, choosing the right pair of sunglasses basically meant choosing between brown and black lenses. As an adult, you have more options than before! A variety of frame shapes and lenses will enhance your face shape and elevate your unique look. Best of all, each option lets in the right amount of light and helps to block harmful UV rays from your vision.  

When it comes to types of sunglasses, you can choose between non-corrective lenses, corrective reading glasses and bifocal lenses. With so many styles available, which are the best sunglasses for you? The truth is that the right pair of sunglasses depends on what you like to wear and how you plan to use your eyewear. Choose from styles like chic aviator sunglasses or retro cat-eye sunglasses in a variety of finishes and colors. Let’s take a look at the different types of sunglasses so you can determine which type is the perfect choice for your face shape and lifestyle. 

Non-Corrective Polarized Sunglasses

When most people think about wearing sunglasses, they think of non-corrective lenses. This eyewear includes tints and helps to block harmful UV rays, but it doesn’t magnify your vision. If you have no vision problems whatsoever, non-corrective polarized sunglasses are an easy choice to make. 

Even if you have presbyopia — the condition in which your close-up eyesight naturally deteriorates with age — you may find yourself choosing non-corrective polarized sunglasses over reading sunglasses or bifocal sunglasses. It really depends on when and how you wear them! 

The point of reading glasses is to help with your close-up vision. However, if you’re wearing a pair of sunglasses only when you’re taking walks with the family or playing at the park with your kids, you may be interested more in the style of your glasses than in improving your close-up vision. If that’s the case, non-corrective polarized sunglasses could be the type of lens that makes the perfect eyewear for your lifestyle.

When you select non-corrective polarized sunglasses, you have many choices in frame shapes. Shop for round sunglasses to accent a square face or a square jawline. Many of the best sunglasses come with lightweight acetate frames or plastic frames in fun colors. If you prefer, you can get a pair of retro square sunglasses with metal rims. Discover trendy brow line sunglasses with metal frames and the perfect amount of tint. Or shop for the right pair of oval sunglasses with a gradient pattern and robust UV protection. 

Polarized sunglasses have many benefits, but it’s also important to know how they affect your digital experience. Polarized lenses will affect your vision when you’re looking at screens, which is something to keep in mind when you’re shopping for eyewear. Pairs of sunglasses with polarized lenses offer superior glare protection but make it harder to read your smartphone. 

Reading Sunglasses

Just like regular reading glasses, sunglass lenses for reading are fully magnified. While they’ll improve your reading experience and block UV rays, they’re not meant to be worn while driving or looking across long distances. When you’re done reading, you can always choose a pair of non-corrective polarized sunglasses for your outdoor activities. Other eyewear options are bifocal sunglasses. 

If you’re the type of person who likes to spend a few hours reading a book outside, reading sunglasses can be a game changer. You can stay engrossed in your novel without limiting your field of vision in any way. Learn something new while you get fresh air! 

Reading sunglasses can also be the best sunglasses for wearers who do fine detail work outdoors, such as gardeners or sculptors. Keep it sleek with classic aviators or turn heads with a pair of shield sunglasses. Even reading glasses come in cat-eye sunglasses or feature chic details at the brow line. 

Bifocal Sunglasses

Bifocal sunglasses are a cross between non-corrective sunglasses and reading sunglasses. The top half of the lenses near the brow line are non-corrective and the bottom half of the lenses are magnified for reading. Bifocal sunglasses are the ideal types of sunglasses for people who need to move quickly from looking at things up close to looking at things far away. For example, maybe you want to be able to read a menu and then look up and see your friend’s face, or you might be driving and need to glance between the road and the speedometer.

Bifocal glasses can help with outdoor activities. They also come in the same modern and traditional styles that you’ll see with non-corrective sunglasses or a pair of reading sunglasses. Oversized sunglasses are an excellent style for bifocals, but you’ll find everything from chunky square sunglasses to trendy retro round frames for every face shape. Cat-eye sunglasses or square sunglasses can take bifocals to the next level. So can eyewear with a gradient look or metal frames. Enjoy lightweight polycarbonate lenses, which are a type of lens that make it enjoyable to wear your sunglasses for longer periods. 

Choosing the Best Sunglasses for You

At the end of the day, every wearer can find the best sunglasses for their needs. Depending on how you plan to use your sunglasses, you may prefer readers, bifocals or non-corrective polarized sunglasses. Some people even choose to have a few different pairs of sunglasses so they can pull out the perfect peepers for any occasion. 

Whether you’re going with retro rims or want angular frames with a modern brow line, you’re sure to find polarized and non-polarized sunglasses to fit your style and face shape. Discover soft square frames and vintage-style round framed glasses that flatter your features. You’ll also enjoy the right amount of sun protection!

 As you shop for types of sunglasses, there are even classic oval frames and sporty wrap-around sunglasses to help you make a fashion statement. All will help you finish your work or enjoy your favorite hobbies. Shop for aviators with chic metal frames to elevate your look anywhere you wear tinted lenses. Or try a new look with clubmaster sunglasses or sports sunglasses. 

Luckily, when you shop at Peepers, you don’t have to choose between form and function. Whether you’re shopping for non-corrective polarized lenses, readers or bifocal eyeglasses, you can find chic, wear-anywhere styles to complement your unique style in our comprehensive collection of sunglasses.