9 Types of Prescription Mounting Options for Sports Glasses

Having a prescription doesn't mean you have to sideline your favorite sports or recreational activities. However, you can’t play with the wrong eyewear either. Be honest: Don’t you find it annoying when your standard glasses keep slipping your nose while you're active? What if we told you that you don’t have to compromise on comfort or performance? 

 

With the right pair of prescription sports glasses, you can continue to play with confidence and perform to the optimal level. These specially designed glasses offer a range of features to cater to different sports or activities and visual needs while you play. Prescriptions come in all ranges.  Those with some prescriptions in the past may now have been able to get sporty glasses.  Now all prescriptions can be accommodated using a variety of prescription lens mounting options. 

 

With so many options available, you must understand what each mounting technique offers.  At Sporteyes, we’ve got a variety of in-house prescription mounting options that fit in with everyone’s needs. However, since they are specified by non-generic names and symbols, it may get confusing to understand what each option means. Don’t worry, we are here to help you out with that. By the end of this blog, you’ll know what each symbol means. Let’s get started. 

 

Why do sports glasses have different prescription techniques? 

What makes our sports glasses stand out from regular glasses is their ability to be customized for each sport or activity. While regular glasses have the same generic design, different sports and activities have different needs. For example, the frames for ball sports need thicker, impact-resistant glasses to ensure protection. On the other hand, cycling glasses need to give you wrap-around coverage for wind protection.  

With more and more people being affected by myopia today, we are seeing people with higher prescriptions than ever before. With that in mind, and the limitations in lens manufacturing, different prescription mounting techniques have been created to allow 99% of prescriptions to be made in our eyewear.  This means every player can have a crystal-clear vision on the field or outdoors.

 

9 of The Best Prescription Mounting Options for Sports Eyewear

As we said,  there isn’t a one-fits-all approach to mounting prescriptions over sports glasses.  Many factors come into play, especially the frame design and lens power to be accommodated. This is your chance to take a peek at all the possible options you have. After all, you don’t want glasses that won’t work for your sport or activity. Nor do you want ones that will distort your prescription, making them unusable.  Let’s explore what mounting options work for each type of prescription, budget, and activity.  

 

1. RX4 Prescription Lens Mounting  

For your regular, everyday glasses, there is nothing better than the traditional RX4 option. These prescriptions are often used for regular-wear glasses, which tend to accommodate flatter lenses. In comparison, other sports glasses usually use frames like RX6 or abov,e which tend to be more curved. 

 

Since these lenses are flatter and more straightforward, they are perfect for reading glasses, computer use, or general prescription needs without the added wrap effect. Additionally, they can accommodate the most types of prescription powers too.  

 

2. RX6 Prescription Lens Mounting 

Most sports goggles or fashion sunglasses will be what we call RX6 mounting.   With RX6 mounting,  the lens is what we call “direct-in.”  This means that the full lens is made to the prescription, and no additional mounting piece or insert is needed.  

 

This prescription option is widely opted for casual use and sports that don’t require wind protection. Due to their flatter lens, RX6 prescriptions are suitable for most powers. 

 

Some brands have “gaskets” in the frame allowing us to utilize RX6 technology on an RX8 base frame.  This will give you the coverage of a full RX8 base frame (see below), but the prescription is mounted into a 6-base gasket (the piece that jets out from the frame to make the lens surface area flatter).  This is great for those with high prescriptions who can’t do RX8 frames but still need the coverage that an RX8 frame offers.

 

3. RX8 Prescription Mounting 

 

High-speed sports like cycling or running require eye protection from wind, debris, and stray light. In these cases, the sports glasses designed for them have wrapped frames. 

 

RX8 utilizes the “direct in” frame technology where the full lens is made to the prescription. This means no inserts are needed. They are more wrapped and full coverage. However, due to lens curvature, it may be difficult to accommodate higher prescriptions. Therefore, make sure to look at the prescription ranges for each RX8 frame in the “description “ section of our website.  Some brands do have special technology that allows RX8 frames to be made with higher prescriptions. This is brand-specific, so it is best to check the Rx lens parameters stated on each brand or product page.  

4.Direct In Ghost Ocular Prescription (RXGO)

If you are looking for a solution that fits with the aesthetic appeal of non-prescription sunglasses while also offering vision correction, RXGO is the way to go. Direct-In Ghost Ocular is a type of prescription sunglass lens system where the prescription is applied to the backside of the lens, while the front face remains in a non-prescription state. This creates a "ghost" effect, hence the name.

This prescription system can accommodate prescriptions  However, due to the placement, there may be limitations for extremely high or complex prescriptions. Keep in mind that this mounting option is only available for very specific shield frames that require separate lenses for each eye.  The upside to this kind of mounting is that it is the most cosmetically appealing type of mounting. You can barely tell from the front there is a prescription, and you can’t see any thickness on the sides as the rim of the shield remains thin.  However, this is a very specialized technology so it comes with the highest price tag. 

 

5. Direct In with Cutouts (RXCO) 

Direct-In with Cutouts is very similar to Ghost-Oculars. In this system, specific areas or cutouts are created within the shield to accommodate the prescription lenses for each eye. These cutouts create 6 base lenses which allow higher prescriptions while giving you an 8-base coverage.

 

Aside from the shield itself which is a special technology, the cutouts are standard lens manufacturing technology which makes it easier to fabricate lenses and allows for a wide range of prescriptions.  This makes it perfect for cyclists and athletes with higher vision needs. However, due to the design,  cutouts for the prescription lenses may be visible as there will be a “seam” where the prescription lens and shield meet. This may affect the overall aesthetic appearance of the sports glasses.

 

6.RX Direct Clips & Optical Docks (RXDAD)

RXDAD  Are what we call “direct adapters”  These are technically “adapters” but not the kind that snap inside the glasses like the RXADT type. These adapters replace the non-prescription lenses with an adapter that allows you to have the frame style you want even if your prescription would normally be out of range.   This method takes an 8-base frame and converts it into a 6-base area. You won’t get as much coverage as you would with an 8-base lens, but this allows people who are not “in range” for direct in 8-base mounting and allows them to get the frame styles they want even with the higher prescriptions.  There are two types of DAD that we offer:  

 

Direct Clips:

Direct Clips uses a nylon cord (similar to a fishing line) that is virtually invisible.  This allows for “traditional” grooved type edging allowing for a wide range of prescriptions, and keeps the price down while allowing an infinite amount of lens options.  These look like rimless lenses, but that stealthy nylon cord is really what is doing the work holding the lens in.  These can accommodate a variety of prescription lenses, giving you flexibility and convenience. Moreover, they're easy to pop in and out, so you can switch between different color lenses whenever you want. 

 

Optical Docks:

Similarly, Optical Docks also provide vision correction with a full-rim clip system. It is engineered to minimize weight and thickness, offering a comfortable and lightweight wearing experience. Optical dock #1 offers full coverage on the sides since they have a full frame around the lens, they don’t offer that same “rimless” look. However, they can handle a wide range of prescription lenses because of the full-rim mounting. 

7.RX Inserts (RXADT)

 

Rx Inserts are the most budget-friendly way to make prescription lenses.   They give you the option of detachable prescription lenses and are designed to snap into place behind the plano (non-prescription) lenses, allowing you to easily insert or remove your prescription lenses as needed. 

 

This system allows you to use multiple lens colors with one prescription lens.  Thus, saving you money on purchasing separate pairs of sunglasses.

 

This option is widely used in ski goggles and other high-wind cycling or running sports glasses due to their wide compatibility. RXADT can accommodate a range of prescriptions, often up to -8.00 in most instances. 

The biggest negative our customers complain about with this type is having two separate lenses. This makes it heavier and can fog more easily. The viewing area is also smaller than the lenses of the glasses so peripheral vision is not as good.  However, the price point of this option cannot be beat. It is what we call “standard lens manufacturing” so any lab can easily make lenses, and there are no “extra” charges to make lenses for this type. These are the most popular because of the price point and flexibility if you need to change lenses for various lighting conditions or uses. 

 

8.Premade Lenses (RXSTEP)

RXSTEP lenses are only available for swim goggles or some dive masks (sports that we don’t consider to be “vision critical”.  These lenses are ideal for basic vision correction needs, where you just need to see the wall or some fish.  They correct “close to the prescription”, not exact.   

RXSTEP lenses are created in increments or “steps” of common diopters (e.g., -1.00, -1.50, +2.00). Because they’re pre-manufactured, RXSTEP lenses are easier to produce in bulk, which brings down the cost compared to custom lenses.   If you have astigmatism, though, these are not for you as they will only correct the sphere power.  

 

In short, RXSTEP lenses offer a middle ground between economy and functionality, ideal for straightforward vision needs. However, if you have complex prescriptions, like significant astigmatism or specific vision nuances, we recommend custom lenses.

 

9. Glue-In Lenses

Primarily used in dive masks, this prescription method involves fusing custom prescription lenses directly into a mask. These lenses are made from glass, known for their high scratch resistance, providing durability and longevity compared to plastic alternatives. 

 

Keep in mind that the "Glue In" process takes more time and requires specialized technology, making it an expensive option. It is ideal for those with challenging prescriptions, as it can accommodate a wide range of visual needs, including higher prescriptions and unique requirements. Often, customers who want to use their existing dive mask opt for this option as they like their mask so much that they don’t want to do another option. But other mounting options are cheaper and faster to make if you don’t care about using your existing mask. 

Every Eye Deserves The Best

No matter what your prescription is, we have various ways we can mount your prescription in the eyewear you need for any sport or recreational activity.  Now that you are familiar with all the types of prescription mounting options for sports eyewear, symbols you see on our site, like RX6 and RXGO won’t look like gibberish anymore. 

 

When you browse through our catalog of sports goggles, make sure you scroll down and read our “Prescription Information” section for each product.  This will let you know what prescription mounting options work for that given pair of glasses and will let you know which mounting option will work for your prescription.   Choose the style that fits your needs both visually and cosmetically. Oh, and if you need some help with your prescription needs, our team at Sporteyes is always here to help. Shop for your prescription sports eyewear now.