Sunglasses over glasses: Which option should you choose?
Sunglasses over glasses: Which option should you choose choose?
CEO & Owner of PREGO with +25 years of experience in the eyewear industry.
Sun protection without compromising your vision
Your regular glasses help you see clearly, but they are not necessarily optimal in strong sunlight. A supplementary sunglasses solution can therefore make outdoor activities more pleasant.
The right choice depends in particular on how often you use sunglasses, whether you drive a lot and how important it is for you to be able to quickly switch between ordinary light and sunlight.
If you use prescription glasses, you have probably experienced that sunglasses can be a bit of a challenge. You need to be able to see clearly, but at the same time you want to avoid squinting when the sun is high or the light is reflected from the road.
Fortunately, there are several options if you want sunglasses over glasses or another solution that works together with your normal vision correction. Among other things, you can choose fit-over sunglasses, sun clips, photochromic lenses or a separate pair of prescription sunglasses.
But what is the difference and which solution is best for your everyday life? Here you get an overview of the advantages and limitations of the options, so that you can choose based on your needs rather than just the appearance.
Fit-over sunglasses - when flexibility is most important
The most straightforward solution is sunglasses that are designed to sit on top of your regular glasses. They are called fit-over, wear over or Suncover, among other things.
The advantage is that you do not need to change anything about your existing glasses. You simply put the sunglasses on top when you go outside and take them off again when you no longer need them.
Fit-over sunglasses are especially relevant if you have progressive lenses, a special strength or are just happy with your current glasses. As long as the fit-over sunglasses have the right fit, you can continue to use your usual vision correction.
However, it is important to choose a model that has room for your own glasses. An ordinary large-sized pair of sunglasses is not necessarily suitable for the purpose.
Solclip - a smaller solution with other advantages
Solclip are sunglasses that are attached to the front of your regular glasses. They are available both as magnetic solutions and models with clips that grip around the frame.
The big advantage is that sun clips often take up very little space. You don't have to have an extra whole spectacle frame on the outside, and the solution can therefore be discreet.
On the other hand, the clips must fit your glasses. Some can be difficult to fit, and others provide less shielding from the sides. If you change your regular glasses, you may also need new clips.
Sunclips can be relevant if you want a compact solution that fits exactly to a specific eyeglass frame.
Powered sunglasses - when you want one frame at a time
A separate pair of powered sunglasses is another option. Here you get sunglasses with the vision correction you need, mounted directly in a sunglasses frame.
It can be a good choice if you use sunglasses daily and want the feeling of wearing only one pair of glasses at a time.
The disadvantage is that you have to switch between your regular glasses and the sunglasses. It can be impractical if you often move in and out of buildings, and the solution can be more expensive if you have special glasses or often have to change your power.
Photochromic lenses - glasses that react to light
Photochromic lenses are glasses that darken when exposed to certain types of light, typically UV radiation.
The advantage is that you can have one pair of glasses for several light conditions. You don't necessarily need to take out an extra pair of sunglasses every time you go outside.
However, there are limitations. Many photochromic glasses only become slightly dark behind the car's windscreen, because the glass reduces the UV radiation that causes the glasses to react. There are special variants for car use, but the effect depends on the type of glass.
If you are primarily looking for sunglasses for driving, you should therefore investigate this feature before choosing photochromic lenses.
The best solution is not necessarily the most advanced. The decisive factor is how easily you can use the sunglasses in the situations where you actually need them.– Jesper Krog Jensen
Which solution best suits your everyday life?
If you often switch between indoor and outdoor environments, fit-over sunglasses can be an advantage because you can quickly take them on and off without changing your regular glasses.
If you prioritize a compact design, sun clips may be worth considering.
If you wear sunglasses most of the day, a separate pair with strength may be a more permanent solution.
And if you want glasses that adapt to changing light conditions, photochromic glasses can be interesting.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution. It's about choosing based on the situation of use, comfort and economy.
Be aware of the UV protection
Regardless of the type of sunglasses you choose, you should check their UV protection.
Dark lenses do not automatically mean good protection against ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, look for information about UV protection on the product.
If you often stay by the water, on the beach or in other places with strong reflections, polarized glasses may also be relevant. They reduce certain types of glare, but polarization is a different property than UV protection.
Find a simple solution at PREGO
At PREGO you will find Suncover models that have been developed to be used without regular glasses.
The range includes different shapes and sizes, so you can use the glasses you already have as a starting point. This makes Suncover an interesting alternative to custom-made sunglasses with strength.
