Wondering why sunglasses never seem to go out of style? It’s arguably because of their versatility. Different frame styles mean there’s a pair out there for every wardrobe. 100% UV-blocking lenses help shield wearers from vision impairments. You can even get sunglasses with specific features to suit your unique needs. Our post notes you can buy sunnies with special lens coatings that provide additional protection against the sun’s glare—great for driving and outdoor sports. There are even options for people who already use prescription eyewear!
Thanks to the varied sunnies solutions available today, even eyeglasses wearers can benefit from both sun protection and clear vision without the need to buy two separate sets of frames and lenses. Among the most popular options are clip-on sunglasses. A market report from Quartz Research reveals demand for these accessories continues to grow because of how convenient they are to use, which is why the magnetic clip-ons from Zenni Optical, Eco Eyewear, CheapGlasses123, and other industry leaders net sales amounting to more than $150 million every year.
If you wear eyeglasses and are looking for an affordable, easy-to-use means to protect your eyes from the sun, clip-on sunglasses are thus definitely worth looking into. Considering buying yourself a pair? Read on to learn more about them and how to use them for the best effect.
What are clip-on sunglasses?
People who wear eyeglasses have a few options when it comes to sun protection, including prescription sunglasses, photochromic lenses that darken outdoors, and clip-ons. The clip-on sunglasses from Foster Grant show that they typically consist of UV-blocking lenses mounted on frames without arms, and use magnets or hinges to attach to your regular eyeglasses. That’s where their convenience lies. Compared to buying separate sunglasses with prescription lenses or swapping out perfectly useful lenses for photochromic ones, you simply pop them on. Since they also use a minimal amount of material, they’re also generally more affordable. Prescription sunglasses, for instance, can cost anywhere between $50 and $500, while photochromic lenses can set you back by as much as $400. In comparison, you’ll find that clip-on sunglasses models like the Solar Shield and Haven are priced as low as $16.
How do you use clip-on sunglasses?
Get clip-ons that match your eyeglasses model
Before you buy your own clip-on sunglasses, pretty much the only thing you need to worry about is if they’ll adequately cover your usual prescription lenses. The best way to do that is by getting them from the same brand you bought your eyeglasses from. If yours use the Ascutney frames from Eyebuydirect, for example, you can buy the accompanying Ascutney clip-ons. That way, you’ll be purchasing clip-on sunglasses you can actually use to ensure maximum coverage from the sun.
Keep them in reach
To capitalize on their affordability and convenience, buy as many clip-on sunglasses as you need, then keep them in strategic places for immediate use. For example, you can place one pair at home, another at your office desk, and a third set in your car’s glove compartment. Doing so can be made even more affordable given that the eyewear offered by Warby Parker and other affordable retailers—many of which boast a solid online presence and multiple physical stores for accessibility—can be bought at slashed prices thanks to deals, sales, and discount codes. It’s a cost-effective way to buy and use multiple clip-ons for continuous sun protection.
Attach them to your eyeglasses
The way you attach these accessories to your eyeglasses will depend on the kind of clip-ons you own. If they’re magnetic, simply hold them close enough to snap onto your frames. If you bought “flip-clip” sunglasses that use hinges, take your eyeglasses so they’re facing you and align them with the clips on your sunglasses. You can then “hook” the hinges onto your eyeglasses and close the clips to secure them in place. From here, you should be able to flip your clip-ons up and down.
If you need sun protection but already wear eyeglasses, consider clip-on sunglasses as a great solution for your eyewear woes. Keep these tips in mind, and you can easily use a pair that suits your needs and lifestyle.
