Eyewear guide
Prescription Sunglasses Options: Pros and Cons of Each
If you wear glasses, you have several ways to get sunglasses that work with your prescription. Each one balances convenience, coverage and style a little differently.
Prescription sunglasses
The most complete option is a dedicated pair of sunglasses with your prescription built into tinted lenses. You choose a sun frame, a tint and extras like polarization, a gradient or a mirror coating, and the lenses are made to your prescription.
Prescription sunglasses work like any other sunglasses: no extra pieces, full coverage and a frame chosen for the sun. The trade-off is that you'll switch to your regular glasses indoors, so you'll carry two pairs.
A note on wrap frames
Sport and wrap styles curve sharply around the face. Many can be made with prescription lenses, but some strong prescriptions or very high wraps may not work, or may need a special lens design. Ask the optician before you fall for a frame.
Clip-ons, magnetic clip-ons and fit-overs
Clip-ons are tinted lenses that attach to the front of your regular glasses. Standard clip-ons hook on with small clips. Magnetic clip-ons are made to match a specific frame and snap on with small magnets built into the frame and the clip.
Both let you keep one frame and one prescription, and they fold away into a small case. Magnetic versions tend to look the most intentional, since they're shaped to line up with your frame. The catch is that clip-ons are one more piece to keep track of.
A related option is fit-over sunglasses, which are larger frames designed to be worn over your glasses. They're simple and practical, but bulkier than the other choices.
Light-adaptive lenses and contacts
Light-adaptive (photochromic) lenses
These lenses darken outdoors when they're exposed to UV light and fade back to clear indoors, so one pair of glasses handles both. They often darken less behind a car windshield, which blocks much of the UV, and they take a little time to clear when you come inside. Some people wear them every day and keep separate sunglasses for driving.
Contacts with regular sunglasses
If you already wear contact lenses, you can pair them with non-prescription sunglasses, including sport and fashion styles that aren't made in prescription versions. Whether contacts are an option for you is a question for your eye doctor.
Pros and cons at a glance
Here's a quick comparison to help you narrow it down.
- Prescription sunglasses. Pros: full coverage, any tint, polarized or mirror options. Cons: a second pair to buy and carry, and some wrap frames and strong prescriptions don't pair well.
- Magnetic clip-ons. Pros: light, quick to attach and matched to your frame. Cons: one more piece to lose, and they're only made for specific frames.
- Standard clip-ons. Pros: simple and easy to carry. Cons: they may not fit every frame shape, and the look is less tailored.
- Fit-over sunglasses. Pros: they go over many glasses. Cons: bulky.
- Light-adaptive lenses. Pros: one pair for indoors and out. Cons: often less dark in the car, and they take time to clear indoors.
- Contacts with regular sunglasses. Pros: wear nearly any sunglasses you like. Cons: only an option if contacts suit you, which your eye doctor can advise on.
Compare your options with our opticians
Aesthetic Eye Care in San Luis Obispo offers prescription sunglasses, plus non-prescription sunglasses in designer, sport, polarized and children's styles, all with 100% UV protection. Sunglass lens options include polarized, gradient and mirror-coated lenses. Our opticians can tell you which options work with your prescription and the frames you love.
Bring your current glasses and a sense of where you'll wear your sunglasses most, such as driving, the beach or sports, and we'll narrow the choices from there. Call (805) 439-1010 or request an appointment online.
Can any frame be made into prescription sunglasses?
Many frames can, but not all. Very curved wrap frames and some strong prescriptions may not work together, so ask the optician before choosing a frame.
Are polarized lenses available with a prescription?
Yes. Polarized prescription lenses are widely available. Your optician can tell you which lens options suit your prescription and frame.
Are clip-ons as good as prescription sunglasses?
They serve a different purpose. Clip-ons are light and convenient for occasional use, while prescription sunglasses give you full coverage and more lens options. Many people who spend a lot of time outside prefer a dedicated pair.
Do light-adaptive lenses replace sunglasses?
For some people, yes, especially for errands and walks around town. Because they often darken less in the car, many drivers still keep a dedicated pair of sunglasses.
Keep reading
More from our eyewear guide
Polarized Sunglasses: How They Work and When to Choose Them
How polarized lenses cut reflected glare, where they help most and the trade-offs to know.
Read about polarized lensesEyeglass Lens Coatings: What Each One Does
Anti-reflective, scratch-resistant, easy-clean and light-adaptive lenses, and how to care for them.
Read about lens coatingsSunglass Lens Colors: What Each Tint Does
Gray, brown, green, rose, yellow and more, plus light categories and how to match tint to activity.
Read about sunglass lens colorsAccepting new patients
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