For those folks who don’t want to be out the expense of prescription sunglasses but still want to protect their eyes from the harms of UV light, the fit over frames that are on the market now are ideal. Unlike their bulky counterparts from several years ago, these new styles can be very svelte and some of them are designed so well that you won’t even notice (and no one else will either) that you are wearing them.
What are They?
Fit over frames are a clip on style of sunglasses that clips on or fits over your eyeglasses or reading glasses so that you can have the best of both worlds, sunglasses and regular glasses, without having to switch between the two when you go inside or outside. A basic clip on style just fits right on the bridge of the glasses, although some may anchor to the sides of the glasses instead. This makes staying cool all summer long simple.
How Much do they Cost?
Fit over frames are not terribly expensive. You can find some models for far under ten dollars at nearly any big box retailer or online. There are, of course, designer models when it comes to purchasing these, and they will, of course, be more expensive but will likely not do any better at protecting your eyes from the sun than the cheaper kind.
Where to Buy
As mentioned above, you can buy this type of frame at most big discount stores and also at your optometrist’s shop. The latter may be the more expensive choice but you will have an advantage of having them fit perfectly with the glasses that you already own. You can also buy them online with a variety of different retailers who are now selling frames and eyeglasses very inexpensively.
Do I Need a Prescription?
You do not need a prescription for fit over frames because they are not a prescription item. You will still be wearing your traditional prescription eyeglasses or reading glasses beneath them, so your vision will not be affected. Keep in mind, however, that if you choose a bulky model – which is usually found in the cheapest versions – then your line of sight might be slightly different than with a sleeker pair of clip on frames. Keep that in mind, especially if you plan to wear this frame when operating a motor vehicle, at least until you get properly adjusted to wearing them.
Fit over frames have proven to be one of the more popular UV protection options for those who wear prescription glasses. Clip on sunglasses are another popular choice, and are in fact very similar to their fit over counterparts.