Blog | Choosing the right prescription glasses for trekking and mountaineering

If you use prescription glasses, for trekking and mountaineering, it is good to know when to use the right pair of glasses. Most frames for prescription glasses are excellent for vision clarity and comfort but they do not provide complete coverage against ambient lights. Wraparound frames commonly seen in sports shades provide better coverage but may cause eye fatigue when mounted with prescription lenses. Wearing a wraparound or curved sunglasses may look cool but if you are myopic or astigmatic, distortion of the images at the curves may give you eye fatigue when used for long duration. Prescriptive lens inserts are an alternative but the lens size is generally smaller which gives you a reduced view or it may bend due to the sunglasses curvature and causes eye fatigue. While the preference may be to use prescriptive wraparound sunglasses, it may be better to use it when you hit the snowline at higher altitude. Contact lens is an option but the level of hygiene needs to be considered especially when access to clean water is limited and it is also not advisable to sleep overnight wearing contact lenses due to much higher risk of eye infection. Before getting a pair of wraparound shades with prescription, you may wish to get a pair of glasses using a frame that is suitable for trekking. In region such as the Himalayas, you may not hit the snowline until 5000 m and you would need protection from the UV long before hitting the snowline.

So does that mean that any urban prescription glasses would do for trekking or for the approach trek to the base camp? Not quite. There are specific features that you can look out for when selecting the frames and the prescription lenses.

Prescription Frame selection:

For the last two decades, more high performance, lightweight plastics are used to make frames. They are generally more flexible and resistant to environmental conditions than metal frames. You also would not want to put on an icy cold metal glasses when you wake up in the morning.

VASAC Eyewear, made from lightweight, high performance TR-90 plastic .

Choose real non-slip design:

Trekking can be strenuous and depending on the climate, you may be covered in perspiration after a while. It can be very irritating to keep pushing up your glasses if it slips down your nose as you push yourself along the trek. Choose prescription frames that provide greater support. These can be recognized by temple tips with mechanism, shape or appendages that allow better support from the ears. Note that straight temple design generally offers less support.

Vision Eyewear, lightweight with soft anchor tip to provide support without discomfort.

Prescription Lens selection:

Most prescription lenses from reputable brands come with 100% UV protection coating but it is better to ask your eyecare provider to be sure. Tinted lenses may reduce the glare but may not offer UV protection. The disadvantage of tinted, polarised and mirror coated prescription lenses is that they are not useful when night falls.

If budget allows, go for photochromic lenses as these darkened when exposed to UV light. A further advantage is that the lens darkens according to the intensity of the UV light. Under artificial light or at night when there is no UV light, the lens remains clear and transparent. On cloudy days, UV light may still penetrate through the cloud cover and the photochromic lens will still darken.

When to use wraparound glasses?

With stronger UV rays and reflections of UV rays from snow at high altitude, it is recommended to have your eyes fully shielded from the rays coming from all angles. Using wraparound glasses is an option however, it is highly recommended that the glasses are fitted in person to ensure that the gap between the glasses and your face from above and below, and the nose bridge area are minimal.

What other options are there?

Beyond wraparound glasses, there are snow goggles that can cover the prescription glasses provided that the pair of glasses is not too big. When trekking above the snowline, it is always good to have snow goggles as it provides the best coverage against ambient lights and high winds.

There are some frames for prescription glasses that come with side shields. The side shield blocks out the light from the side of the glasses but depending on the design, may not provide sufficient coverage from the top and bottom.

Conclusion

When it comes to selecting glasses for trekking, it is common to look for sports shades. However, for most part of the journey, it is the prescription glasses that you will be using and it is important to get that right. That includes getting the right frame and the right lenses for it. Such glasses are also good to use during training prior to your expedition. Wraparound sports shades may provide better coverage but are usually limited to part of the journey above the snowline at higher altitude. Having the right pair of eyewear can enhance your outdoor experience by combining clear vision with essential protection. If you're unsure which type is best for your needs, consult with an optometrist or eyewear specialist. With the right guidance, you'll find a pair that not only improves your sight but also supports your active outdoor lifestyle.

Taking on high myopic prescription power lenses

Weight and thickness are two unavoidable characteristics of high myopia power prescription lenses. Concav frames are designed and engineered specifically to address the challenges of using high myopia power prescription lenses. Particular attention is paid to the mechanics of our frames such that it can support the weight of the lenses without sliding down your nose. Concav allows you to wear your glasses with confidence.

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Maximising field of vision

Unobstructed vision, VASAC is designed to give you a wide, all round field of vision so that you can look up through and not over the top of your lenses. Engineered, firm fit tip ensures that the frame sits properly on your nose without sliding. Recommended for pilots, leisure sports, non-contact sports and activities where unobstructed top vision is required.

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Minimalist Design with Functional Depth

Minimalist, universal design that uses advanced frame development to ensure a firm and painless fit. Lightweight, comfort and fit are the main features of Beta-Simplicity Vision eyewear. Go about your daily activities without the hassle of sliding glasses with Beta-Simplicity Vision eyewear.

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