Clip-On Sunglasses

Clip-ons, as their name suggests, are sunglass lenses that attach to your existing eyeglasses. These are much less expensive than prescription shades, but can also be a bit inconvenient and bulky.

A point in favor of clip-on lenses over prescription shades is the very fact that clip-ons are separate. If you scratch the tinted clip-on sunglasses, lose them or leave them at home, you can still see to do all the things you need to. You don't have to wait for a replacement lens to be made (in the case of scratching or breaking one in a regular frame). Just order another clip from your optometrist's office or buy a generic replacement at a retail store.

If you do opt to use clip-on sunglasses rather than purchasing a separate pair of glasses, there are several different types available, and the one you choose will depend on your circumstances, lifestyle and budget.

Clip-Ons Purchased with Eyeglasses

If you are ordering your clip-ons and your prescription eyeglasses at the same time, you have several options. Since these come with your glasses, they provide a custom fit.

Magnetic Clip-Ons

Magnetic clip-ons often come with the frames for your prescription glasses. They are often polarized to offer protection from distracting and harmful UV rays and glare.

When you choose your frames with clip-on sunglasses, make sure you ask your optician if your prescription will allow the clip to set properly on the frame once it's filled. Since they are magnetic, these are quite easy to use and just "click" into place. They require nearly no effort to snap them on while driving or walking. When you no longer need sun protection, simply take the clip off.

Magnetic Flip-Ups

Magnetic flip-ups are very similar to the magnetic clip-on sunglasses mentioned above. They clip-on a bit differently, though, and aren't as easy to put on the frame as their non-flip counterparts. The trade off is you won't have to take them off and put them back on as often, since they flip right up when you need to read or go inside out of the sunlight.

True Clips

True clips feature actual claws that hook to your frames. They're the most cumbersome to put on and take off, so you'll want to put them on before you walk outside or begin driving. Some eyeglass frames come with these attached instead of the magnetic type that seem to be all the rage right now.

Clips Purchased Separately

If you did not order clip-ons at the time of your eyeglass purchase, you are not out of luck. There are still options available to give you the sun protection you need.

True Clips

As mentioned before, true clips are the clips with claws. They come in generic shapes and are readily available. You can find them at stores like Wal-Mart, Target, K-Mart or your optometrist's office.

Since these clips are purchased separately, they are not made to custom-fit your frames.

Custom Clips

Visit ClipOn.com for information on getting a customized clip for your frames. You can put in your state here and find out where to buy them.

Another custom clip-on sunglasses site to check out is 1800clipons.com.

Storage

Many clip-on sunglass vendors, such as CoolClips and EZClip, offer specialized cases: a hard shell clam case for your prescription glasses and a soft pocket that attaches via Velcro on the inside, just for your clip-on sunglasses. They keep them safe, scratch-free and available.

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