Where to Buy Prescription Sunglasses in Washington State
- Visionaire Eyecare
- Aug 17
- 3 min read
If you wear glasses and you're tired of squinting behind cheap clip-ons or losing your regular glasses every time you swap to sunglasses, prescription sunglasses solve that problem. Here's what to know about getting a pair in Washington, and why an eye exam should be step one, not an afterthought.
The short answer
You can buy prescription sunglasses two ways: through an optometrist who fits and verifies your lenses in person, or through an online retailer that has you upload a prescription and ship the glasses to you. Both are legal options for prescription sunglasses Washington state. The difference comes down to accuracy, fit, and what happens if something's wrong with the pair you get.
At Visionaire Eyecare in Edmonds, we do both. Dr. Randy Wong performs your eye exam and writes your prescription, then our team helps you pick frames and lenses in person, so what you leave with actually matches your vision needs and your face.
Why get prescription sunglasses through your optometrist
Online retailers are convenient, but a few things get lost when you order sunglasses from a website instead of a clinic:
Fit. Sunglasses sit differently on your face than regular glasses because of the tint and, often, the lens curve. A frame that looks right in a photo can pinch, slide, or block your peripheral vision once it's actually on you.
Lens accuracy. Prescription tolerances matter more for sunglasses than people expect, especially with progressive or high-prescription lenses. A slight miscalibration is more noticeable in bright light.
Polarization and coatings. Polarized lenses cut glare, but they can also interact with certain digital screens and dashboards. Anti-reflective and UV coatings vary in quality. It helps to have someone explain what you're actually paying for.
After the sale. If something's off with your prescription or the fit, you can walk back in. That's harder to do with a mail-order pair.
What to ask for when you order prescription sunglasses Washington state
Whether you're ordering through us or anywhere else, here's what actually matters:
Lens type. Single vision, progressive, or bifocal — this needs to match your exam, not a guess.
Polarized lenses for real glare reduction while driving or on the water, versus simple tinted lenses which only reduce brightness.
UV protection. Not all dark lenses block UV; make sure it's specified, not assumed.
Photochromic (transition) lenses if you want one pair that works indoors and out.
Frame fit, especially if you have a strong prescription, since thicker lenses need frames built to handle them.
Getting Prescription Sunglasses at Visionaire Eyecare in Edmonds, WA
We're located in Edmonds and see patients throughout Snohomish and King County, including Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, and North Seattle. Our office has a boutique on site with a selection of both everyday glasses and sunglasses, so you get personalized, in-person service instead of scrolling through photos online. Come try on a pair and find the right one for you, with someone right there to help with fit, frame shape, and lens options. If you already have a current prescription, you can come in and pick from what's in the boutique. If it's been a while since your last exam, we'll check your vision and take care of both the exam and the sunglasses in the same visit.
Quick FAQ
Can I get prescription sunglasses without a new eye exam? Yes, if your current prescription is up to date (most are valid for one to two years), you can order prescription sunglasses without a new exam.
Are polarized lenses worth it? For driving, boating, or being outdoors most of the day, yes. They cut glare in a way that plain tinted lenses don't.
Does insurance cover prescription sunglasses? Some vision plans include an allowance for a second pair or sunglasses specifically. We can check your benefits when you come in.
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