Curve Technology
Most modern sunglasses, particularly those designed for sport, have a high lens curvature. This wraparound style looks great and provides excellent protection but the curvature can cause considerable peripheral lens distortion – especially for those with a strong prescription.
So, what’s the answer? Many non-specialist opticians and online retailers will tell you the answer is a sports frame with a prescription (RX) insert. This type of eyewear is much easier to glaze if you don’t have specialist equipment designed for curved lenses because the clip-in prescription insert is not curved like the outer part of the glasses.
However, if you don’t want eyewear with an RX insert you need to speak to the experts? Our specialist, optical laboratory uses highly-advanced computer programs to overcome the difficulties of producing fixed (direct-glazed) lenses for wraparound frames. By inputting your prescription details and the curvature of your chosen frames into our ‘Curve Technology Program’, a modification is calculated which allows for the extra curve. This minimises the peripheral distortion and allows you to wear sports sunglasses that previously would have been impossible to fit with prescription lenses.
All our lenses are made in our in-house laboratory which means we can monitor every step of the manufacturing process. Our Curve Technology Program has been perfectly calibrated to our range of sports frames and sunglasses so that we can offer you the very best vision possible.
I discovered Optilabs after being told by my high street optician that my prescription was too strong for sports glasses. Cycling and running are a huge part of my life, so I was over the moon when Optilabs proved them wrong. I now have a pair of their Rapide frames, fitted with grey photochromic lenses. My vision is spot on and the lenses are fantastic at adapting to changing light. I’ve tested them to the limit and they’ve never let me down. They’re even helping with my hayfever, which is a wonderful bonus!
Gary Mason
Thank you very much for the quality of your product and service. I purchased a pair of prescription sports sunglasses from you in April and they have been superb. I had been advised by some opticians that sports sunglasses would not work well with varifocal lenses, as the curvature of the lens would lead to a distorted image. Prior to placing my order with you I phoned for advice and was reassured to be told that if I ordered varifocal lenses and I wasn’t happy that I could return them to be fitted with single vision lenses. I placed the order for varifocal lenses fitted to your Rapide frames and this proved to be a good choice. These lenses work really well for me with a clear image and absolutely no distortion. When these glasses need replacing I know that I can order from Optilabs with complete confidence.
Peter Cullerton
I had been after a pair of prescription wraparound sunglasses for many years but had always been advised by my optician that because of my prescription, and the curve of the wraparound frames, it was not possible to make them for me. On the recommendation of a friend I was put in contact with you and I’m writing to express my gratitude – thanks to Optilabs I am now, at long last, the proud owner of wraparound shades. I’m absolutely bowled over by the quality. I’m absolutely delighted with them! Many many thanks for your excellent service. I will have no hesitation in recommending you whenever I can.
Roy Evans
Try before you buy
Buying a pair of sunglasses is an important purchase. Not only do the lenses need to give you the best possible vision, your frames need to fit well too. If you are unsure which frames will suit you, Optilabs offers a Try Before you Buy service allowing you to choose up to three frames and have them delivered to your home so you can make your choice – and ask advice from family and friends should you need to. All frame samples will be fitted with plain, non prescription lenses at this stage but you will be able to get a good idea of fit and comfort before you order.