Oakley has been a leading name in eyewear since the brand began making O-Frame goggles in 1980 and the brand’s first sunglasses styles, the Factory Pilot Eyeshades and Frogskin, in 1984 and 1985 respectively. Today, Oakley is one of the most trusted brands of eyeglasses, safety glasses, and sunglasses. Here are three reasons why the quality of Oakley glasses justifies the price.
1. Oakley Frames Are Durable
Oakley only uses the strongest materials to make frames, such as the proprietary O Matter™. This material is a type of nylon that is 25% lighter than acetate and two times as strong. This material is also more flexible, which allows for improved fit and impact resistance.
Other proprietary materials improve the fit of Oakley frames. Many styles feature Unobtainium® nose pads. This hydrophilic substance was one of the first materials patented by Oakley for use on nose pads and temple tips to increase grip and keep glasses in place.
Many Oakley frames meet high-mass and high-velocity impact standards maintained by the American National Standards Institute. Some ballistic-rated eyewear styles also meet the U.S. Military MIL-PRF-32432 standard.
2. Oakley Lens Technology Is Unmatched
Oakley holds more than 600 patents in the areas of eyewear, materials and gear. Some of the leading lens technology today includes Oakley Prizm™, Plutonite™ and Twin-Toric lenses.
Prizm™ lenses by Oakley enhance color and contrast to make visual details stand out. Plutonite™ lenses are made of high-quality polycarbonate and block out 100% of UVA, UVB and UVC rays in addition to blue light wavelengths up to 400 nanometers. Twin Toric lenses allow for High Definition Optics® for more accurate, clear and sharp sight.
Some advancements in Oakley lenses are strictly related to strength. For instance, the Hannibal eyewear platform, sometimes abbreviated HNBL, were the first frames to support prescription lenses with a ballistic rating to match frames.
3. Many Oakley Glasses Are Prescription-Ready
Many styles of eyewear made by Oakley are prescription-ready. Authentic prescription lenses by Oakley may be available for some frames. Another option is to customize prescription lenses based on your measurements and choice of lens tint and finish, such as polarized or mirrored lenses.
Keep in mind that some Oakley frames can only accommodate a limited range of prescription powers. Check the description on the product page for your favorite pair of Oakley sunglasses, prescription safety glasses or eyeglasses to see the range of prescription measurements that a given pair of frames can accommodate.
In general, frames that have higher base curves may not be compatible with powerful prescriptions. Frames with a six base curve or higher may begin to introduce visual distortion. If you wear prescription lenses, you may also have more limited options with regard to the ability to switch out lenses in frames that have this feature.
Oakley glasses are among the leading eyewear brands for casual, lifestyle, sports and tactical wear. Oakley currently operates as a subsidiary of EssilorLuxottica, a company that owns and manufactures many leading optical brands. You can count on the high quality of Oakley sunglasses, safety glasses and eyeglasses.
