Clip-on sunglasses are an ideal way for wearers of prescription glasses to protect their eyes from the sun. They can save the wearer money, since owning clip-ons means the wearer need not purchase prescription sunglasses.
Clip-on sunglasses are placed on top of glasses and are held in place using either a clip or magnetic clips. The range of colors and styles available makes them a popular choice for fashion-conscious people who cannot afford multiple prescription sunglasses. Some designer clip-on sunglasses can be custom made to specifications of the wearer. This guide aims to show what to look for when purchasing designer clip-on sunglasses, to help buyers avoid purchasing counterfeits that may not offer UV protection. This guide also discusses the three main types of clip-on sunglasses, as well as their advantages and disadvantages. The final section then explains how and where to buy great clip-ons at an affordable price.
Types of Clip-On Sunglasses
There are three main types of clip-on sunglasses available. The choice of type to purchase depends on factors such as lifestyle, budget and circumstances. Each type of clip-on sunglasses can be purchased in a variety of colors, sizes, and styles.
Standard Clip-On Sunglasses
Standard clip-on sunglasses clip to the middle of the bridge on prescription sunglasses. The clips are rubber coated so they do not damage the frame or the lenses of the spectacles. Standard clip-on sunglasses are the most difficult to attach to and remove from glasses, but they are the least expensive type of clip-on sunglasses. The clips on standard clip-on sunglasses are the most noticeable of all the types available.
Flip Clip-On Sunglasses
The main advantage of wearing flip clip-on sunglasses is that they do not need to be constantly removed and put back on. They clip over the prescription glasses and can be flipped up or down according to the lighting conditions. The clips on flip clip-on sunglasses are much smaller than standard clip-on sunglasses and are therefore not as noticeable. Flip clip-on sunglasses can remain on the frames of prescription sunglasses, so are less likely to get lost in a bag or a pocket. They are also less likely to damage prescription glasses as they do not need to be constantly removed. However, the hinge on flip clip-on sunglasses can break easily.
Magnetic Clip-On Sunglasses
Magnetic clip-on sunglasses use a clear magnet which attaches to the prescription glasses. They have no clips so they are barely noticeable. They can only be used on frames which are magnetic (i.e. metal), and so cannot be used on plastic frames. They fit directly onto the frame, and therefore the magnetic clip-on must be exactly the correct size for them to block the sun. Magnetic sunglasses are the most expensive clip-on sunglasses available.
The chart below summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of each type of clip-on sunglasses.
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Type of Clip-On Sunglasses |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
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Standard Clip-On Sunglasses |
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Flip Clip-On Sunglasses |
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Magnetic Clip-On Sunglasses |
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Advantages of Wearing Clip-On Sunglasses
Wearing clip-on sunglasses is much cheaper than having to buy a separate prescription pair of sunglasses. Clip-on sunglasses can be easily removed or flipped up when the sun goes behind clouds or when walking indoors. They can also protect reading glasses from becoming scratched. Clip-on sunglasses are very durable and come in a range of colors and styles to fit precisely over prescription sunglasses. Clip-on sunglasses can have an anti-glare coating which can prevent the sun from reflecting on the lens.
It is less expensive to buy many different colors of clip-on frames than different pairs of sunglasses. This allows any fashion conscious glasses wearer to look as though they have many different sunglasses to suit all occasions. It is much easier to buy a new pair of clip on sunglasses than new prescription sunglasses if they become lost or broken. A new pair can be bought easily at a retail store. Clip-on sunglasses are popular with sportsmen such as fishermen and golfers. They believe using clip-on sunglasses gives them the best sight possible for their sports and still protects their eyes from the sun's dangerous rays.
Disadvantages of Wearing Clip-On Sunglasses
Clip-on sunglasses are prone to breaking. When they are removed, they may be placed in a pocket or a bag and can easily be bent, broken or scratched. Care must be taken to ensure that the clip-on sunglasses do not damage the rims of the prescription glasses. The clip-on sunglasses usually have some protection to prevent this from happening. However, if the clip-on sunglasses are too tight they may still scratch the frames. Clip-on frames must fit the prescription glasses. If they do not, then harmful UV rays can still damage the eye. Using clip-on sunglasses adds weight to prescription glasses. Although they are lightweight, they do make glasses seem slightly heavier than normal. When purchasing clip-on sunglasses it is important to check that they have a 100% UV rating. There are many less expensive clip-on sunglasses which offer no protection from UV rays.
The chart below shows the main advantages and disadvantages of using clip-on sunglasses
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Advantages of Wearing Clip-On Frames |
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Disadvantages of Wearing Clip-On Frames |
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How to Measure for Clip-On Frames
The first step in choosing the correct clip-on frames is to compare the style of clip-on frames to the frames of the prescription sunglasses. Choose the nearest in style so that the clip-on frames will cover the entire prescription sunglasses frame. Measure the width of the glasses. Ensure that the glasses are measured in the middle. If the clip-on sunglasses are not available in the same size as the prescription glasses, it is important to make sure they are slightly larger. This ensures that the eyes are completely protected from the sun. Not all clip-on sunglasses are measured in inches; some are simply classed as small, medium and large.
Designer Clip-On Sunglasses
Designers such as Giorgio Armani and Ray-Ban produce a range of designer clip - on sunglasses. These sunglasses offer 100% UV protection and are often custom made to fit the make and model of the prescription glasses. When choosing designer clip-on sunglasses, make sure they are not fakes that are mass produced in Far East countries. Counterfeit sunglasses usually do not offer any protection against the sun.
How to Tell Counterfeit Clip-On Sunglasses
Counterfeit clip-on sunglasses are poorly made. The name of the designer may be spelled incorrectly. Compare the model number on the clip-on sunglasses with the model numbers found online. If they are different, this indicates the sunglasses are not authentic. Real designer clip-on sunglasses are usually packaged well and are come with a designer case.
Purchasing Clip-On Sunglasses
Clip-on sunglasses can be purchased at mall kiosks, vision shops, and most department stores. They are also available at online stores and auction sites like eBay. When purchasing clip-on sunglasses on eBay, it is important to study the condition of the sunglasses in the photograph and read the description carefully. If you have questions, sellers are usually happy to respond. Clip-on sunglasses can be found on eBay in the Fashion or Health and Beauty filters located on the eBay homepage. Ask the seller about postage insurance when purchasing a clip-on sunglasses. Many clip-on sunglasses are very delicate and could easily become broken in transport. When purchasing designer clip-on sunglasses look carefully to see if the sunglasses are real or counterfeit.
Choosing a Reputable eBay Seller
Choosing a reputable seller on eBay can help to ensure a straightforward transaction when purchasing clip-on sunglasses. Looking at the feedback score of a seller gives you an indication of whether the service and product are likely to be satisfactory. Previous buyers leave feedback on a seller’s profile, indicating whether their experience was positive, negative, or neutral. Sellers who have a high percentage of positive feedback are far more likely to offer a better service than those who have a poor feedback score.
Conclusion
When purchasing clip-on sunglasses, choose the item most suitable to your budget and lifestyle. Clip-ons are often far less expensive than prescription sunglasses and are available in many colors. This allows the fashion conscious wearer to change the color of the lenses for a lot less money than buying several pairs of sunglasses. Standard clip-on sunglasses are the least expensive type. They are also the most noticeable, since they clip onto the bridge of the frame. Magnetic clip-ons are more expensive but are very discreet. Flip clip-on sunglasses are convenient because they do not need to be constantly removed. Designer clip-on sunglasses can be custom made to fit exactly onto the spectacles. Clip-on frames must be carefully fitted so they do not allow the UV rays of the sun through the edges of the glasses. The correct clip-on sunglasses protect the wearer from the sun while saving money and looking stylish.
