What Sunglasses Options Do I Have If I Wear Glasses?

One of the most valuable pieces of eye equipment you can own is a pair of sunglasses. In fact, they are so helpful that the Vision Council has an entire day dedicated to celebrating their potent sun protection and encouraging organisations and individuals to spread awareness about their UV-safeguarding efficacy. However, if you use glasses for vision correction, your specs tend to be a barrier in donning sunnies. Don’t worry—you still have options for wearing sunglasses.

Here are four of them.

Sunglasses over your glasses 

This is precisely what it sounds like; placing a pair of shades on top of your eyeglasses. You’ll be able to get the clarity you need via your prescription lenses while the sunnies block out harmful UV radiation. It’s effective. The downside, of course, is the sheer discomfort and clunkiness of this arrangement. Sometimes necessity calls for it, however, if the bright sun is nearly blinding you while you’re driving down the road, it’s best to suffer some discomfort to ensure your security. This only really works as a temporary measure, though, and if you want to wear sunglasses frequently, you’re better off seeking other solutions.

Clip-on sunglasses 

This is a more palatable version of the method outlined above. Rather than putting on an obtrusive set of sunnies over your prescription glasses, you utilise clip-ons—armless, flexible shades that fasten to your existing glasses via a clip on the nose bridge or a magnetic attachment. Clip-on sunglasses are available in a range of shapes like cat eye, round, or square and are offered by top brands like David Beckham and Emporio Armani. People appreciate their affordability, flexibility, and convenience. If your priority is a frugal and relatively comfortable way to ensure your bespectacled self is protected from the sun, use clip-on sunglasses.

Prescription sunglasses 

Some people prefer a more seamless way of protecting their eyes. If you’re one of them, you might consider purchasing a pair of prescription sunglasses – sunnies that incorporate your eye grade into the properties of their lenses so you can see clearly while safeguarding your eyes. They look no different from regular shades, and you’re free to purchase classic and geometric metal frames like the Aviator or bold acetate frames like Clubmaster from designer brands. You can also have them polarised to guard against sun glare. Use prescription sunglasses as a smooth way to protect your eyesight.

Transitions lenses 

If you only want to worry about one pair of glasses but still want that necessary sun protection, consider upgrading your eyeglasses with transitions lenses instead. These can detect UV light via the proprietary dyes they contain and can consequently darken to shield your eyes. They work whether indoors or outdoors, and you no longer have to fret about where you could have placed your protective eye gear or whether it’s worth the effort to find and put them on. Your eyewear will simply adjust without you having to lift a finger. That said, note that these lenses are affected by cold weather or the auto glass within cars, so it’s not a foolproof solution. Still, it’s a great way to keep your eyes safe from UV radiation with little effort on your part after the purchase.

As an eyeglasses wearer, you deserve to have both clear and protected vision. Choose among the options above to ensure your eyesight is well-guarded.

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like our piece on how diabetes can cause blindness. Find that, and much more, in the health section of our website.