How Do Prescription Sunglasses Protect Your Family’s Vision While Combining Clarity and UV Defense?

Ever squint your way through a bright afternoon at the playground while your child tries to make out the sight of a friend on the slide? If you've ever juggled sun glare, vision correction needs, and a wriggly toddler who's determined to ditch their shades, you're not alone. Many families face the same daily challenge: how do you keep everyone seeing clearly while also staying protected from the sun's strongest rays?

Prescription sunglasses offer a simple yet powerful solution, especially for active families who want fewer compromises and more comfort. Instead of having to switch constantly between glasses and sunglasses or putting up with blurry outdoor vision, prescription sunglasses combine both benefits in one everyday essential.

In this guide, we'll walk through why UV protection matters so much (especially for kids), how prescription sunglasses work, what features to look for, when kids should start wearing them, and how Roshambo makes the prescription process effortless for busy parents.

Why Are UV Rays Harmful to Your Eyes—Especially for Kids?

What types of eye damage can UV rays cause over time?

Sun exposure doesn't just impact the skin, but it can have long-term implications for eye health as well. Over time, exposure to UVA and UVB rays can increase the risk of:

• Cataracts: clouding of the eye's lens

• Macular degeneration: central vision is damaged

• Photokeratitis: a painful sunburn on the cornea

These conditions are built up from years of unprotected UV exposure; thus, sunglasses are a very important everyday habit, not just for summer.

Why are children more vulnerable to UV exposure than adults?

Children's eyes are still developing and thus naturally more sensitive to sunlight. Their pupils are larger, their lenses are clearer, and they usually spend more time outside, think recess, sports, playground visits, and weekend adventures. All of these factors combined mean more UV rays reach their retinas compared to adults, thus increasing long-term risks.

Can UV damage be prevented with the right eyewear?

Absolutely. UV400-rated lenses block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays for full-spectrum protection for the whole family. Here are a few quick tips for everyday sun safety:

• Wear UV400 sunglasses.

• Add a hat for extra shade.

• Whenever possible, avoid the direct midday sun.

Encourage your kids to wear shades even on cloudy days; UV rays still pass through! Discover UV400 sunglasses for babies, kids, teens, and adults in all styles at Roshambo. 

What Are Prescription Sunglasses, and How Do They Actually Work?

Is there a difference between prescription glasses and prescription sunglasses?

Prescription sunglasses simply combine the clarity of corrective lenses with the comfort of protective tinted lenses.

How do prescription lenses help with common vision issues?

Whether your child is nearsighted, farsighted, or affected by astigmatism, prescription lenses work to focus light properly onto the retina. This greatly enhances clarity, reduces eye strain, and helps kids feel more confident and comfortable outdoors. 

To parents and teens alike, it means sharper driving vision, easier workouts outdoors, and fewer headaches at the end of long days under the sun.

Who makes prescription sunglasses at Roshambo?

At Roshambo, our expert opticians craft every prescription lens to exacting standards—whether your tiny toddler is learning to walk or you're heading out for a weekend hike. Each pair is customized to your family's needs and built into our light, flexible, kid-safe frames.

Learn more about vision correction for kids: Prescription Kids Glasses Guide.

What Features Should You Look for in Quality Prescription Sunglasses?

What does UV400 actually mean, and why does it matter?

UV400 signifies that the lenses block all wavelengths up to 400 nanometers, including 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. This is the best level of UV protection you can receive in eyewear and is suggested for all ages, even young children.

Should your prescription sunglasses also be polarized?

In most cases, yes! Polarized lenses help reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, sand, snow, car hoods, or playground equipment.

Mom Tip: Think of polarization like adding a little "glare shield" to your child's sunglasses to help them see more comfortably - and safely - during outdoor adventures.

One small note: polarization can sometimes make screens look different, but for most families, the comfort benefits alone are well worth it.

What makes eyewear frames kid-friendly versus adult-focused?

Kid-friendly frames should be:

• Flexible and bendy (so they survive toddler life)

• Lightweight to avoid slipping

• Perfectly sized for tiny faces

• Durable and safe for active play

Roshambo frames check all these boxes and are even recommended by many pediatric optometrists because of their soft and flexible build.

Not sure which features your family needs? Try our Prescription Home Try-On Kit.

When Is the Right Time to Get Prescription Sunglasses for Your Child?

How can I tell if my child needs vision correction?

Keep an eye out for signs that may indicate a vision problem, such as:

• Squinting to see things far away -Frequent headaches

• Sitting too close to screens

• Holding books too close to your eyes

• Complaining of blurry vision

If you see any of the above, schedule your child's yearly eye exam to catch any potential issues early.

Are there age-appropriate options for babies, toddlers, and kids?

Yes! Roshambo makes it easy for families to keep everyone protected by offering a complete range of prescription sunglasses from Baby (0-2 years) all the way up to Adult sizes. With all the different sizes available, you can find a pair of sunglasses that fit your little one perfectly!

Does sunlight pose a risk year-round or just in summer?

UV rays are present no matter what the weather is like (cloudy, snowy, sunny), and because of the reflective properties of snow and water, you are getting an increased amount of UV exposure. So whether it is summer or another time of the year, a pair of daily-use sunglasses is a smart idea.

Need help choosing the right size? Visit our size chart!

What Are Photochromic (Transition) Prescription Lenses—And Are They Right for Your Child?

How do these “smart lenses” switch between clear and tinted?

Lenses with photochromic characteristics have special molecules that react to UV light, keeping them clear indoors, but automatically darkening outdoors—almost magically—to serve as sunglasses when needed.

Are they a good multi-purpose solution for kids or teens?

Yes, they are good for kids who are always in and out, who lose or misplace sunglasses, who may require comfort for the whole day at school or daycare, or participate in sports activities that make switching glasses impractical. These lenses darken fast when they reach sunlight and return to clear in just minutes once back indoors.

Do Roshambo offer transition lenses in prescription sunglasses?

Yes! Roshambo does offer photochromic transition lenses as an upgrade to most prescription glasses or sunglasses, and you can very easily add this option to any prescription sunglasses order.

Upgrade here! 

How Do I Order Prescription Sunglasses from Roshambo?

What info do I need to place a prescription sunglasses order?

Just a few basics:

• Your prescription - or your child's prescription

• PD- Pupillary Distance

• Type of lens: standard, polarized, transitions, etc.

If you are not sure about PD, Roshambo offers some simple guides to measure it at home.

How does the Home Try-On RX Kit make choosing a frame easier?

Choosing frames online can be overwhelming, so Roshambo makes it simple. The Home Try-On Kit lets you try sizes, shapes, and colors at home with your kids. No pressure, no guessing, and no tantrums from your toddler in an optical shop. Returns are hassle-free, and our team is always ready to help.

Can I swap out lenses once my child's prescription changes?

Yes! Roshambo does offer replacement prescription lenses. This means you can keep your favorite frames while updating the lenses as your child grows.

Check out Replacement lenses here!

Ready to get started with your RX sunglasses order? Choose your size and style! 

How Do Roshambo Sunglasses Support Children’s Health and Give Back?

What does “Roshambo” mean, and why is it more than just a name?

The term "Roshambo" is derived from the classic children's game of rock-paper-scissors, which is fun and easy for all of us as kids. Besides being playful, the game can also provide emotional support to teachers who work with autistic kids.

How does buying prescription sunglasses from Roshambo help other families?

Every time you purchase prescription sunglasses, you help other families by supporting Roshambo's mission through its partnerships with various nonprofit organizations. By donating prescription eyewear to children in need, many families have received tremendous assistance, such as a mother who said, "There was no way we could afford to get him glasses this year; Roshambo allowed my son to see everything clearly."

Can I use FSA/HSA funds to buy prescription sunglasses?

Yes! Prescription sunglasses are eligible for FSA and HSA funds because they are considered medical vision correction.

How often should I replace my child's sunglasses or prescription lenses?

Most families replace sunglasses every 12-24 months, depending on wear, growth, and prescription changes. Replace sooner if you notice scratches or damage.

Are there any other ways to reduce digital eye strain indoors?

Yes—Roshambo offers blue light–blocking glasses for kids, teens, and adults to help with screen-heavy days.

Explore blue-light glasses!

Still have questions about vision or sun protection? Check out our Prescription FAQ page, or get in touch with our friendly team anytime.

FAQs

1. What are prescription sunglasses?

Prescription sunglasses combine vision correction lenses with tinted or polarized lenses that block harmful UV rays. They help people see clearly while protecting eyes from sunlight.

2. Do prescription sunglasses block UV rays?

Yes. Most modern prescription sunglasses include 100% UVA and UVB protection. Always check for UV400 labeling to ensure full protection.

3. Can I get polarized prescription sunglasses?

Absolutely. Many brands offer polarized prescription lenses, which reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and roads while correcting your vision.

4. Are prescription sunglasses more expensive than regular sunglasses?

Typically, yes. Prescription sunglasses are more expensive because they combine custom lenses, vision correction, and UV protection. However, they provide both safety and convenience in one pair.

5. Who should wear prescription sunglasses?

Anyone who needs vision correction and spends time outdoors can benefit. They’re especially useful for driving, sports, and outdoor activities, providing clear vision and UV protection at the same time.