Best Prescription Aviator Sunglasses

There are heaps of choices when deciding on a pair of prescription aviator sunglasses. Here are some of our favorites.

Best For: Classic Look

For pilots, Ray-Ban Aviators have long been considered the gold standard when it comes to looking the part. And for good reason—the sunglasses have been used by U.S. pilots since 1937, according to the company. The iconic design assures that generations later, these sunglasses will be stylish in and out of the cockpit.

Size: Lens widths: 55, 58, and 62 mm

Lens Type: Polarized and non-polarized

Replaceable Lens: Yes

Anti-Fog: No

Photochromic: Yes

Adjustable Nose Bridge: Yes

Special Features:  

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Best For: Full spectrum UVA protection on a budget

Serengeti Summit sunglasses offer a lot of high-end features for a fraction of the price of high-end performance sunglasses. They feature lightweight, scratch-resistant, and impact-resistant photochromic lenses held in place by a durable nylon frame. They were designed by Bolle Sunglasses for use in numerous light situations—a plus for any pilot.

Size: One size

Lens Type: Scratch and impact-resistant borosilicate mineral glass lenses

Replaceable Lens: Yes

Anti-Fog: No

Photochromic: Yes

Adjustable Nose Bridge: No

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Best For: Lightweight eye protection

Serengeti's Velocity sunglasses have a robust fan base. Their lightweight titanium frames and photochromic lenses make them comfortable to wear. "I’ve been a professional pilot for over 30 years and these are the only sunglasses I will ever consider purchasing," said one reviewer.

Size:

Lens Type: non-polarized mineral glass

Replaceable Lens: Yes

Anti-Fog: No

Photochromic: yes

Adjustable Nose Bridge: Yes

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Best For: Premium style

If you're in the market for heirloom quality eyewear, Randolph White Gold Classic Aviators have you covered. These classically styled sunglasses, which have been issued by U.S. military pilots since the late 1970s, come with a lifetime guarantee on the frames. They're also designed to fit snugly under helmets and headsets.

Size: 52, 55, and 58 mm

Lens Type: Polarized glare prevention with UVA/UVB protection

Replaceable Lens: Yes

Anti-Fog: No

Photochromic: No

Adjustable Nose Bridge: Yes

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Best For: Wrap-around sunglasses

Size:

Lens Type: Single vision, lined bifocal, progressive bifocal

Replaceable Lens: Yes

Anti-Fog: No

Photochromic: No

Adjustable Nose Bridge: Yes

Special Features: 

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Pricing: $410

Best For: Comfort

If you're a pilot with a larger head, finding comfortable prescription sunglasses that fit under a headset can be tricky. According to Flying Eyes, its sunglasses are engineered with comfort in mind. The Cooper Aviators are lightweight and made of a material that is flexible and virtually unbreakable.

Size:

Lens Type: Polycarbonate

Replaceable Lens: Yes

Anti-Fog: No

Photochromic: No

Adjustable Nose Bridge: No

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Pricing: $229 - $249

Best For: Durability

Randolph Chrome Classic Aviators protect your eyes while looking stylish. These sunglasses have been issued to U.S. military pilots since the late 1970s and come with a lifetime guarantee on the frames. They're also designed to fit snugly under helmets and headsets.

Size:

Lens Type: Non-polarized

Replaceable Lens: Yes

Anti-Fog: No

Photochromic: No

Adjustable Nose Bridge: Yes

Special Features:  

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When it comes to flying an airplane, your vision is your most important asset. A good pair of quality sunglasses—with prescription lenses, if needed—is an essential part of the gear needed by any pilot in the cockpit.

The fit and size of frames is an important detail when considering a pair of prescription aviator sunglasses. The frames must be functional, but shouldn't interfere with your headset or helmet. Also, frames that have small lenses may let in too much light.

When choosing a pair of sunglasses to wear while flying, steer clear of polarized lenses, which can distort or interact with displays in the cockpit. 

Photochromic lenses that automatically darken when exposed to UV may have limited ability to transition to warm temperatures over 70 degrees. Tinted lenses, such as gray, gray-green, and brown, are all excellent choices when selecting sunglasses, according to the FAA. "Gray [neutral density filter] is recommended because it distorts color the least," the agency said.

Polarized sunglasses are not recommended for pilots because they can reduce or eliminate the visibility of aircraft instruments with anti-glare filters. Polarized lenses could also potentially interfere with visibility out of an aircraft windscreen, such as masking light sparkles from shiny material like other aircraft, which could lessen the time a pilot has to react.

When it comes to choosing the best prescription aviator sunglasses, there are plenty of options in a range of prices that keep functionality while also staying stylish.