Optilabs - prescription cycling glasses - any experiences?

Brassknocker

Anyone used these guys before?
They appear to be pretty good, but googled for reviews and some say their vision is distorted through their lenses...

I've used contact lenses with cheap bike specs for years quite happily, but last summer had a nasty eye infection forcing me to wear normal specs for a while, might try some proper prescription cycling glasses that don't use an insert (I have a strong astigmatism of -5.00).

kingrollo

ive had a pair for years. very goodvalue for money, and never any problems with vision. my only slight crtiscm , is that the specs are pretty big compared to some of the sexy sunglasses people can wear !
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fungus_the_muffin_man

I think it all comes down to your prescription strength to be honest. If you have a strong script it only stands to reason as they thin the lense down so it can follow the contour/ curve of the frame to stream line them like with wrap rounds. You would get a natural distortion due to it. Its the main reason why I got my shades from kontrol sports with the rx insert. They're the best thing I've bought for on the bike. They sit perfectly, even when on the drops. So that your always looking through your rx lense and can see evrything perfectly. I can't praise them enough.

plowmar

+1

Best things since sliced bread but I always had problems with those.

dennisn

I wouldn't take the chance spending all that money for curved lenses and then be stuck with possible distortion because of a desire for fancy wrap around style. Get a standard frame with maybe a little bit of wrap or, like myself, get a pair that just looks like it wraps.
There are lots of styles out there. I want a pair of sunglasses I can use, not something
that all I can say about them are "they're cool looking but the vision sorta sucks". What good is that???

dov2711

Ive had a pair of the optilabs ones since Christmas and they have been a fantastic addition to my cycling-I asked about distortion and was told that if unhappy a full refund would be offered.

Sure they are a wee bit Bono for my fashion sense but seeing where Im going is a bit of a positive I guess!!

dynastarg9

I've used rxsports a couple of times and found them to be great. I've got a couple of pairs of bolle glasses with prescription lenses - one clear(ish) and the other polarised. I use both for riding and they're fantastic (although expensive).

davis

Can absolutely recommend RXSport. I spent quite a long time getting help from them. Excellent service, and great product knowledge

I've got -6.75 dioptres in one eye and -7.25 with some extra astigmatism in the other. This is beyond the spec of most "sports sunglasses", but RX were able to knock up a pair of Adidas Evil Eye Pro (ignore the stupid name). They're apparently the most forgiving in being able to push the spec because they've got enough room between the optical "insert" (clip-in lens) and your eyeball, and between the insert and the outer lens.

They've got changeable clip in/out lenses on the outers too, and they increase the available visual contrast, and the "orange" lens lets a lot of light through which is great for foggy or very overcast conditions.

They're very good, and I've got minimal optical distortion. The only problem I get is the edge of the insert rubs against the inside of the outer lens, which has scratched it a bit, but that's invisible because it's concealed by the frame of the insert.

They cost a bit, but I can see.

I believe my brother has the Rudy Projects from there, and he's equally happy.

PieterM

I have two pairs of prescription sunglasses from Optilabs, though my prescription is not very strong (-1.25/-1.00). They are good value for money but the polarised ones that I have do show some glare when looking at wet/shiny surfaces lik ecar windows or manhole covers.

passout

I got lasered - 20/20 now. Had pretty bad eyesight with astigmatism before. Steam was always the issue with me when cycling!