Clip-on sunglasses vs tinted lenses: Which one is better?

No matter how much we love soaking up that Vitamin D during summer, we hate the feeling of squinting our eyes. Sunglasses, being one of the most important essentials of the summer season, might not be of much help for people with prescription needs. The struggle of changing sunglasses while moving outdoors and wearing clear lenses indoors is something I can relate to.

Over the years, struggling with the same, I found my rescue- Transitions lenses and Clip-on sunglasses. Just as I was in my twenties, you might be unsure about the two and which one’s better. Having tried both, I thought it was time to set the record straight. Read this blog to know what made me stay committed to one and what should be your ultimate pick.

What are Clip-on Sunglasses?

A pair of brown acetate eyeglass frames with a detachable gold metal clip-on featuring dark tinted lenses, designed to instantly transform prescription glasses into functional sunglasses.

Clip-on sunglasses offer sun protection with your regular glasses. They come in different lens tints and attach to your optical lens, giving them the capability and look of sunglasses. They are nice when you wear glasses and are looking to save yourself from buying a separate pair of shades. Since they are available in different tints, sizes and shapes, you can find clip-ons for your current pair of glasses as well.

Clip-on sunglasses used to be quite popular in the 90s. However, they made a huge comeback a couple of years ago with revamped features and designs. Today, you can find polarised clip-on sunglasses that reduce glare and enhance depth perception. Here are some things you must know about them:

Don’t always work

These sunglasses can only provide sun protection when they are the same size and shape as your current eyeglasses. If they don’t cover up the optical lenses properly, they will neither block 100% harmful UV rays nor will they give you the stylish look you were rooting for.

It can be a bit pricey

This point brings me to the next most common demerit of clip-ons: not affordable. What if you like to buy prescription glasses online in different silhouettes and styles? Then you will need to buy different clip-ons in the same silhouettes as well. This makes them a little costlier pair.

Not good for your eyeglass lenses

Also, the clips and the magnets used in these sunglasses can scratch the surface of your optical lenses. Or if you have an extra coating on your eyeglasses, frequently putting on and removing clip-on sunglasses may even harm that coating. This is the very reason I never came back to wearing clip-ons.

What are Transitions® Lenses?

A smiling woman wearing black rectangular glasses, shown in a split view. Left side demonstrates clear indoor lenses, while right side darkens outdoors, illustrating transition lenses adapting to different lighting conditions against a bright blue sky.

Also known as photochromic lenses, Transitions lenses remain fully clear indoors, but they become dark like sunglasses when exposed to the sun. They have trillions of microscopic molecules on their surface. These molecules react with UV light by changing their structure. This process is what causes the lens to darken. Here are the most common things people find great about these lenses:

Convenience

Transitions lenses come with the convenience of not carrying two pairs of eyeglasses and sunglasses together. They offer the comfort and convenience of both in one. They will transition from clear to dark whenever you move from indoors to outdoors.

Cost-Effective

Owning two pairs of eyeglasses and sunglasses will add extra cost to having only one pair. As discussed above, Transitions lenses offer the benefit of both worlds in one, further reducing cost.

Visual Comfort

Get ready to say goodbye to that constant problem of squinting your eyes in the sun. They will seamlessly adapt to light conditions while offering you visual comfort.

Made up Your Mind Yet?

Don’t let the myths and rumours keep you from making a life-saving investment. With Transitions Lenses, you get the best of both vision and eye protection. On the other hand, clip-on sunglasses can be a great choice for people who want to add a retro style to their look. But, if you ask me, I find Transitions lenses are a more hassle-free solution. If you also have your heart set on Transitions lenses, then you can explore our range of fashion-forward eyeglasses crafted to the highest level of British precision.