Clip on sunglasses

Clip-on sunglasses are a practical and convenient solution for people who wear prescription glasses and want the benefits of sunglasses without having to purchase a separate pair of prescription shades. They essentially transform your existing eyeglasses into sunglasses.

Here's a detailed look at clip-on sunglasses:

What are Clip-on Sunglasses?

Clip-on sunglasses consist of two darkened lenses, connected by a bridge, that attach directly to your existing prescription eyeglasses. They are designed to provide UV protection and glare reduction, just like traditional sunglasses, but offer the flexibility of being easily attached and detached.

Types of Clip-on Sunglasses:

There are generally three main types of clip on sunglasses:

1. Standard Clip-ons: These typically feature small clips or claws on the nose bridge that physically attach to your existing glasses. They are often the most affordable option.
2. Flip-up Clip-ons: These clip onto your glasses but have a hinge mechanism that allows you to flip the tinted lenses up when you go indoors or don't need sun protection, without having to remove the entire clip-on. This offers great convenience for frequent transitions between light conditions.
3. Magnetic Clip-ons: These are often considered the most seamless and modern option. They use small magnets embedded in the clip-on and sometimes in the prescription frame itself to securely attach. This creates a very clean look, almost like a single pair of sunglasses. However, they usually require specific compatible frames.

Benefits of Clip-on Sunglasses:

• Cost-Effective: This is a major advantage. Instead of buying expensive prescription sunglasses, clip-ons offer a much more budget-friendly way to get sun protection with your existing glasses.
• Convenience and Portability: They are small, lightweight, and often come with a slim carrying pouch, making them easy to carry in a pocket or bag. You can quickly clip them on or off as needed.
• Maintain Your Prescription: You continue to wear your regular prescription glasses, ensuring you have clear vision while also blocking the sun.
• UV Protection: Quality clip-on sunglasses offer 100% UVA and UVB protection, safeguarding your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays.
• Glare Reduction (Polarized Options): Many clip-ons come with polarized lenses, which are highly effective at reducing glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and roads, improving visual comfort and clarity.
• Variety of Styles: While once limited, modern clip-ons come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and lens tints to match various eyeglass frames and personal styles.
• Preserves Your Lenses: Some designs can even protect your prescription lenses from scratches and dirt.

Considerations:

• Fit is Crucial: For optimal effectiveness and appearance, the clip-on should match the shape and size of your prescription lenses as closely as possible to ensure full coverage and prevent blind spots.
• Aesthetics: While designs have improved, some people might still find standard clip-ons less aesthetically pleasing than integrated prescription sunglasses. Magnetic options often offer a sleeker look.
• Potential for Scratches: With repeated attachment and removal, there's a slight risk of scratching your prescription lenses, especially with some traditional clip designs. Look for clip-ons with protective sleeves on the clips.
• Weight: While generally lightweight, they do add a small amount of extra weight to your existing glasses.

Where to Buy Clip-on Sunglasses in the UK:

You can find clip-on sunglasses from various retailers in the UK, both online and in physical stores:

• Online Retailers: Many online eyewear specialists stock a wide range of clip-on sunglasses, often with filters for shape, size, and type (magnetic, flip-up, standard). Examples include:
  • Just Glasses UK: Specialises in clip-on sunglasses and offers a wide range of shapes, colours, and fittings.
  • SmartBuyGlasses: Offers a selection of designer and house-brand clip-ons.
  • Ollie Quinn: Has a collection of stylish clip-on options.
• Opticians: Some opticians, though not all, may stock clip-on sunglasses, especially if they offer compatible frames for magnetic clip-ons. While Specsavers in the UK currently states they don't offer clip-on sunglasses themselves, they can guide you on alternatives like prescription sunglasses or Transitions lenses. It's always worth checking with your local independent optician.
• High Street Stores and Supermarkets: Larger retailers like Argos may carry basic clip-on sunglasses, often more generic in fit.

When buying, make sure to consider the dimensions of your existing glasses (lens width, bridge width, and temple length) to ensure a good fit for the clip-on. Many online retailers provide guides on how to measure your glasses for this purpose.