Where to Find Prescription Sunglasses in Knoxville
Choose Hardin Valley Eyecare for Prescription Sunglasses in Knoxville
For prescription sunglasses in Knoxville, TN, Hardin Valley Eyecare & Optical stands out for our:
- Expert team
- Wide selection of designer frames
- Advanced lens technology
We offer personalized guidance to ensure that your sunglasses provide optimal UV protection, a perfect fit, and stylish options from brands like Maui Jim and Ray-Ban. With convenient appointment times, friendly staff, and a passion for excellent service, Hardin Valley Eyecare makes finding the right prescription sunglasses easy and enjoyable.
How UV Radiation Affects Your Eyes
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a form of energy produced by the sun that poses significant risks to your eye health. It comes in two main types of UV rays that reach the Earth’s surface:
- UVA
- UVB
Both types can harm various parts of the eye. UVA rays penetrate deeply to affect the retina and lens while UVB rays primarily damage the cornea and lens.
Short-term exposure to intense UV rays can cause photokeratitis, sometimes called “sunburn of the eye.” This condition leads to symptoms like redness, pain, a gritty sensation, and temporary vision loss, but usually resolves within a few days. However, the long-term effects of UV exposure are far more serious.
Chronic exposure can accelerate the aging of eye structures, resulting in:
- Cataracts
- Macular degeneration
- Growths that obstruct vision
UV radiation also increases the risk of skin cancers around the eyelids.
These changes are often irreversible and can lead to permanent vision loss if not prevented. To protect your eyes, it is crucial to wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, use wide-brimmed hats, and seek shade during peak sunlight hours.
Do I Need Sunglasses During Winter?
You may think sunglasses are only for spring and summer, but protecting your eyes in fall and winter is just as important. UV rays remain strong all year, and UVA rays can penetrate clouds and even windows, making eye protection crucial regardless of the weather.
Snow and ice can also reflect up to 80% of UV radiation. This significantly increases your exposure and risk of eye damage during winter activities.
Additionally, sunglasses reduce the intense glare caused by sunlight reflecting off snow and ice, which can impair your vision and make it harder to see road conditions or obstacles. Polarized lenses are especially effective at minimizing this glare, enhancing contrast, and improving visual clarity, making outdoor activities safer and more comfortable during the colder months.
What to Consider When Choosing Prescription Sunglasses
When choosing prescription sunglasses, prioritize lenses that block 99–100% of UVA and UVB rays for maximum UV protection. Ensure a comfortable, snug fit to prevent light leakage. You should also opt for high-quality lenses to avoid distortion, and select lens types like polarized, transition, or polycarbonate for added glare reduction, adaptability, and durability.
UV-blocking
Lens quality
Fit
Lens type
Find Your Style at Hardin Valley Eyecare & Optical
Hardin Valley Eyecare & Optical helps you find your perfect pair of prescription sunglasses by offering a wide variety of lens options and designer frames tailored to your vision, comfort, and style needs.
Our expert team guides you through choices like polarized lenses to reduce glare and enhance color, transition lenses for adaptable light protection, and anti-reflective coatings for clearer vision. They ensure your sunglasses provide 100% UV protection, safeguarding your eyes from harmful rays year-round.
We have frames from top brands such as:
- Ray-Ban
- Maui Jim
- Tiffany
With such a wide selection to choose from, we’ll help you find frames and lenses that complement your face and lifestyle, making eyewear both functional and fashionable. Our personalized service ensures you get sunglasses that fit well, look great, and protect your vision in any environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prescription Sunglasses
Hardin Valley Eyecare & Optical has been serving the community since 2009. In that time, there have been a few frequently asked questions about prescription sunglasses that we have heard.
Yes, many prescription sunglasses are available with polarized lenses, which reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and roads—especially useful for driving, boating, or outdoor sports.
Coverage depends on your insurance policy. Many health funds and vision insurance plans include prescription sunglasses as part of optical benefits, but you should check with your provider for specifics.
Yes, many providers offer progressive or bifocal prescription sunglasses for those who need multifocal correction.
No, contact lens prescriptions differ from glasses prescriptions. You need a specific eyeglass prescription from your eye care professional.
