Sunglasses Clip On Flip Up

• Your prescription's intact in the clear lenses, so even when it gets dark, you don't have to change frames.

• The sunglass portion is generally magnetic. Shop around for brands that offer strong magnets and you won't have to worry about losing your sunglasses.

• If you do lose the sunglass part, you can still see. Just call the company for a replacement. You're also not going to be out the cost of a whole pair of lenses.

• With sunglasses, clip-on, flip-up styles are usually polarized for additional visual clarity.

• You're sparing yourself the cost of a new pair of prescription sunglasses. Think of this as an all-in-one investment. You'll end up saving quite a bit of money unless you know where to get a buy one, get one free deal.

The Benefits

It's a hassle to shuffle around two or even three pairs of glasses. This clip-on, flip-up style makes it easy. One case in your pocket can hold the sunglasses when you don't need them. As soon as you do, you just add them to what's already on your face. In most cases, this is a simple "click" as you drop the clip-on portion into the magnetic slots at the top of the frame (sometimes the magnetic connection is on the bridge).

Magnetic clip-on technology is always improving, offering stronger magnets and better placement. That means you're less likely to lose your sunglasses for the sake of convenience. In the early days of clip-ons, magnets didn't hold as well and sunglasses went flying at the drop of a hat.

Polarized prescription sunglasses tend to be on the pricey side. This is a way to get everything you need, for less. You'll have the prescription in your clear lenses with a polarized "plano" lens on the outside. That's what makes the sunglass portion so much cheaper to replace than a pair of prescription sunglasses.

Carrying around the clip is lighter and less cumbersome than carrying around a second pair of glasses just for the tint.

The bonus that comes with the flip-up version of the clip-on sunglasses is this: you don't even have to take the sunglass portion off of the frame if you don't want to. If you're reading a map, for example, and the darkness of the sunglasses bothers you, you don't have to remove them completely and put them back on when you get your route update. Simply flip them up—they'll stay in place. When it's back to looking at the road again, flip them back down. You never even have to bother with taking the case out of your pocket.

Why to Go a Traditional Route

There are a few reasons you may prefer to go the traditional route when it comes to choosing your sunglasses:

• Style selection: All eyeglasses don't have the clip-on, flip-up option of a pair of sunglasses that fit flush with the frame. That severely limits your options.

• Frequency of wear: If you usually wear contact lenses and just wear your glasses at night or when you have to because of allergies, eye strain, needing a new box of disposable contacts, etc, you may not be interested in paying a little extra for the technology of a clip-on, flip-up pair of sunglasses.

• Fear: Some people are afraid they'll lose the smaller sunglass piece more easily than they would misplace a pair of prescription sunglasses. They may also think the sunglasses portion will fall off easily, into water perhaps, if they bend down, etc. Sometimes you can ease your fears by going to an optical shop and checking them out for yourself. The salespeople are always glad to demonstrate the magnets' strength.

Find Yours Now

These Cocoons don't even require you to restrict your eyeglass frame choices. They'll attach to just about any type of frame. They "hug" the bridge and offer the same color and protection of their traditional Cocoons.

Other brands that offer clip-on, flip-up styles:

• Rudy Project
• Magic Clip

Visit your favorite optical shop for a better idea of what's available. Sometimes it's hard to shop for these online, but it's easy to pick just the right pair off the rack or out of a catalog with an optician's assistance.