Sunglasses - Prescription Raybans

[Arclite01]

I'm just about to replace my sunglasses and being a conventional old hector I like the usual pilot shaped ones made by Rayban. (Although Suntigers might be OK too)

Only problem is that I'm also a short-sighted old hector and need prescription ones. My optician is unable to help but I know you can get them is the US

Anyone know where you can get them in the UK ?

cheers guys.

[maggioneato]

Have you tried an alternative optician, I have prescription sunglasses and could have them in any frame I wanted, with Rayban tint, and very happy I am with them, must admit I was a bit dubious at first about what I would end up with. If you already have Raybans could you have them "reglazed."

[Hersham Boy]

My girlfriend recently bought some Oakleys and had the lenses ground by a high st optician (Specsavers, I think).

they said as long as the lenses are good qual, any sunnies can be ground to prescription...

[Aim Far]

Got my prescription sunnies in 20/20 - they said you could get sunglass lenses for any frame in the shop if that's what you want. I'm pretty sure they had RayBans but I wasn't looking for those so don't quote me.

[IO540]

The problem with all Oakleys I have seen is that they make a nice big gap around the headset earpieces, allowing noise to get in. Really does not help with ANR headsets.

The best frames I have found, in light of the above, are the very thin "flex" ones; which you can supposedly sit on without bending them. Cost EVEN more than Oakleys though ...

[BigGreenPleasureMachine]

I've had my Aviators glazed with my prescription recently (in Belfast), they matched the colour perfectly, really neat job, I suspect your optician is not as au fait with his lab as he should be.

[goatface]

Arclite - don't waste your money on raybans, I've heard of cases with the prescription type where they deterioate after a while - possibly incorrect information though.

There are some superb lightweight prescription sunglasses available, any good optician should be able to help you out. You probably won't get much change out of £150, but at least you'll get something reliable which also sets off your fine features;)

[redsnail]

I get lenses for the frames. I don't worry too much about the arms breaking the ear piece seal. I have found that after a few hours it gets uncomfortable any way. Forget style and just put the arms above the ear pieces. Much more comfy and the seals stay intact. I also use cloth socks for the ear pieces too. Well worth buying.

[Bad medicine]

Hi all,

There has been a lot of discussion over sunglasses in the Medical forum. The latest one is:
Photochromic lenses (http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=99467)

The best advice I can give on sunglasses, including prescription ones is:

Narrow frames that carry large lenses are the most desirable from a field of view standpoint. The most critical problem with frames arises from the presence of wide sidearms which can significantly impair the peripheral visual field.

Lenses should not be too dark, and should transmit at least 15% of incident light. The tint used should be "neutral density"
(N.D.), that is, a greyish tint that does not distort colour perception. Much has been written about the perceived benefits of various coloured lenses, especially in regard to contrast and perceived brightness. Coloured lenses have been shown to reduce the colour information received, and to have a detrimental effect on both perception and reaction time.

Lenses of polycarbonate material are preferred because of their impact-resistance and ability to absorb ultra-violet and infra-red rays. However, these lenses can scratch easily. Harder materials may be suitable, however these may be more prone to shattering in an impact.

Different jurisdictions and countries have standards to which sunglasses are manufactured. Sunglasses should be chosen which conform to the appropriate standard. For example, the current Australian Standard ensures that sunglasses meet acceptable standards for lens quality, frame strength and lens retention and also ensures that sunglasses provide adequate protection from solar radiation.

Polarising sunglasses should not be used when flying. The polarising filter interacts with the cockpit transparency to produce a distorted and degraded visual image. This effect can also be seen with laminated car windscreens. Better keep the polarised lenses for fishing.

Pilots who wear prescription spectacles can choose from a number
of options for glare protection. Prescription sunglasses with N.D.15 lenses can be obtained, or N.D.15 clip-on or flip-up sunglasses may be worn over prescription spectacles.

Back to the original issue of photochromatic lenses. Photochromatic lenses have several disadvantages that render them unsuitable for use by pilots.

Firstly, their transition times are relatively slow. Photochromatic lenses take about five minutes to increase their density to the level of sunglasses, but more importantly, the bleaching time from maximum to minimum density can be as long as 30 minutes. Although there is a rapid lightening of the lens in the first five minutes, this may be too long when there is a sudden variation in light during a descent into or under cloud, or because of a rapid change in cloud cover.

Their second disadvantage is that, even when fully bleached, photochromic lenses still absorb slightly more light than untinted lenses. Since vision is critically dependent on ambient light levels, even this small decrease of light reaching the eye through photochromatic lenses is undesirable, especially at night or in low light levels. The inherent degradation of these lenses with time causes them to progressively become darker, as they become unable to reach the fully bleached state. This effectively prohibits their use in flying or controlling air traffic.

I hope that "sheds some light" on the subject.

Cheers,

Bad medicine

[The Nr Fairy]

Arclite :

I have prescription lenses for my RayBans - they're not B&L lenses, but they work just the same.

I've asked my missus to check this thread and see if she's got any constructive comment to make.

[Bodie]

I bought a standard pair of Ray Bans then had a prescription windscreen fitted to my PA28.

The other shareholders always complain of headaches after flying. Why is that?

[Arclite01]

OK Guys thanks for your help.

Any recommendations as to where I can buy them ??


Standard Opticians or mail order or Pilot type shops ???

Ta

Arc

[Flyin'Dutch']

You are likely to get the best deal if you go to the optician who can also do the lenses bit.

With regards to the comfort factor; find the Randolphs very comfortable and they can be taken off and put back on without having to take the headset off.

FD

[bar shaker]

Interesting topic. I love my Oakley Wires but cannot fly in them as they block too much light. Fine in the air, but I don't like landing in them.

So I bought some of these Ray Bans last week...http://www.rayban.com/catalogo/RB3182/img_zoom.jpg and they are perfect for flying. The light block isn't too heavy, they are graduated tint/mirror and are very light. If they are available in prescription, I'd recommend trying them.

I suspect that these may be even better...http://www.rayban.com/catalogo/RB3160/img_zoom.jpg but my wife said I looked a pratt in them.

:cool:

[down&out]

Bodie

What's you prescription? I keep loosing my specs, so if we match it'd be great to join your group (if I could find the a/c in the general bluuuurrr.....)

[Flyin'Dutch']

BS,

Your wife has obviously excellent taste!

Well at least when it comes to sunglasses!!

:D

FD

[flyingfemme]

Silhouette Minimal Art - the lightest glasses I've ever worn, bendy titanium arms; comfortable for hours under a headset. Available in all flavours of prescription, non-prescription, sunglasses, polarised, non-polarised and even quite trendy too.
I have the non-polarised sunglasses (non-prescription) and they were £120. They are so comfortable I hardly ever wear my Oakleys or RayBans any more.:cool:

[expedite_climb]

Apparently polarised lenses arent very good for EFIS flightdecks.

[ATC Watcher]

I fully endorse flyingfemme comments.
I owned 3 pairs of Raybans ( made and bought
in the US of A ) but since I discovered Silhouette titans a couple of years ago , I use them now all the time. No weight, excellent ant-eye protection, good on windy days, no reflection, doe not distort headsets earpieces and looks cool according the ladies.
Avoid the "NASA"gold finish glasses , prefer the original dark grey ones.
only minus : you cannot fold/ store them on your pockets , need the case every time.

[Starchild]

How dark would you recommend for flying in Florida next April ?.

[ATC Watcher]

I would recommend the standard dark grey issues in any form of sun.
Too dark glasses are to be avoided in flying as they distort colors. Only when you overfly the icecap at low altitudes or when you fly at very high altitudes (e.g. above 45.000 ft ) do you need extra dark glasses. But then a helmet with 2 sun visors ( i.e in heli or jets ops ) are generally the best. not sunglasses .