Clip-On & Fit-Over Sunglasses for Prescription Glasses

Already have prescription glasses you like and want sun protection without buying another pair of prescription sunglasses?

SportEyes carries clip-on sunglasses and fit-over sunglasses designed to work with your existing prescription eyeglasses.

There are two basic approaches:

• Clip-on sunglasses attach directly to your eyeglass frame.
• Fit-over sunglasses, sometimes called over-the-glasses or OTG sunglasses, are complete sunglass frames designed to fit over your regular glasses.

Both let you continue using the prescription you already have.

This can be especially useful if you wear progressives, bifocals, a high prescription, high astigmatism, prism, or another complex prescription that would be expensive or difficult to duplicate in prescription sunglasses.

The most important thing is choosing the right type and getting the fit right.

Two Ways to Wear Sunglasses Over Prescription Glasses

If you want to keep wearing your regular prescription glasses outdoors, you don't necessarily need a second prescription pair.

You can either attach sun lenses to your existing frame or wear a separate sunglass frame over it.

Clip-On Sunglasses

Clip-ons attach directly to your existing eyeglasses.

They're generally:

• Lightweight
• Compact
• Easy to store
• Less bulky than fit-overs
• Available in multiple shapes and sizes
• Available with polarized lenses in many styles
• Available in standard and flip-up designs

The challenge is matching the clip-on closely enough to the shape and dimensions of your eyeglasses.

Fit-Over Sunglasses

Fit-over sunglasses are complete sunglasses designed with enough interior space to fit over your prescription eyeglasses.

Instead of attaching anything to your regular frame, you simply put the fit-over sunglasses on top.

They're generally:

• Easy to put on and remove
• More forgiving about matching the exact shape of your glasses
• Able to provide more surrounding coverage
• Available with polarized lenses in many models
• Useful for driving and outdoor activities
• Available in different sizes and styles

The tradeoff is that fit-overs are naturally larger than conventional sunglasses because they have to accommodate another pair of glasses underneath.

Clip-Ons vs. Fit-Over Sunglasses – Which Should I Choose?

Neither solution is automatically better.

It depends on how you plan to use them.

Choose Clip-On Sunglasses If You Want:

• The lowest-profile option
• Something lightweight
• A clip-on closely matched to your frame
• Something easy to carry in a small case
• A flip-up option
• An inexpensive way to add polarized sun lenses

Choose Fit-Over Sunglasses If You Want:

• More surrounding coverage
• No attachment directly to your eyeglass frame
• Something easy to move between compatible pairs of glasses
• More side coverage on certain designs
• Less concern about precisely matching the sunglass lens shape to your eyeglass lens

And if neither option gives you the fit, appearance, or performance you want, a dedicated pair of prescription sunglasses may be the better solution.

Fit-Over Sunglasses – Sunglasses Designed to Go Over Glasses

Fit-over sunglasses solve a simple problem:

How do I wear sunglasses when I already have prescription glasses on?

Rather than trying to squeeze conventional sunglasses over your eyeglasses, fit-overs are specifically designed with additional room inside the frame.

This allows your prescription glasses to remain in their normal position while the sunglass frame sits around them.

That's very different from taking an ordinary oversized sunglass and trying to force it over your glasses.

A properly sized fit-over should accommodate your prescription frame without excessive pressure or interference.

Polarized Fit-Over Sunglasses

Polarization is one of the most useful features available in fit-over sunglasses.

Polarized lenses reduce reflected glare from surfaces such as:

• Roads
• Water
• Snow
• Vehicle hoods
• Other reflective surfaces

That makes polarized fit-over sunglasses particularly popular for:

• Driving
• Fishing
• Boating
• Walking
• Travel
• Spectator sports
• General outdoor use

Remember that polarization and UV protection describe different lens properties. Also, polarized lenses can interact with some LCD and digital displays when viewed at certain angles.

Jonathan Paul Fitovers

Jonathan Paul Fitovers are one of the better-known names in eyewear designed specifically to be worn over prescription glasses.

Unlike a clip-on, the Fitover is a complete sunglass.

The larger frame design allows room for your prescription glasses underneath while providing sun coverage around them.

For customers who don't want to attach anything to their regular glasses, this can be a very convenient solution.

Important: Jonathan Paul Fitovers should be considered sun eyewear, not protective sports eyewear. Their lenses should not be represented as impact-resistant protective eyewear simply because they're worn over prescription glasses.

Wearing a fit-over on top of ordinary eyeglasses does not turn the combination into certified protective sports eyewear.

How to Measure for Fit-Over Sunglasses

Fit is just as important with fit-overs as it is with clip-ons, but you measure differently.

With a fit-over, you're trying to make sure the entire prescription frame fits inside the sunglass.

Measure your prescription glasses at their widest and tallest points.

Pay attention to:

• Overall frame width
• Overall frame height
• Lens/frame shape
• Thickness of the temples
• How far the prescription frame projects from your face

Then compare those measurements with the interior or recommended fit dimensions of the fit-over.

Don't assume that a large fit-over will automatically work just because your prescription glasses don't look particularly big.

Actual measurements are much more reliable.

How to Find the Right Size Clip-On or Fit-Over

Getting the right size is important, and we've made it easier.

For clip-on sunglasses, SportEyes provides a printable sizing guide that lets you compare your actual eyeglasses with the available clip-on shapes and sizes.

Print the guide at the correct scale, find the shape closest to your glasses, and place your glasses over the printed outline. Ideally, the clip-on should be slightly larger than your eyeglass lens for complete coverage, but not so large that it looks oversized or fits poorly.

For fit-over sunglasses, sizing works differently. Instead of matching the shape of each lens, you need to make sure your complete prescription eyeglass frame will fit comfortably inside the fit-over.

Many of our fit-over product pages list the maximum width and height of the eyeglasses they are designed to accommodate, making it much easier to narrow down the right size.

If you're still unsure, contact SportEyes with the measurements of your glasses and we'll help you choose.

Flip-Up Clip-On Sunglasses

Flip-up clip-ons are convenient when you're frequently moving between different lighting conditions.

Instead of removing the clip-on, simply flip the tinted lenses upward when you don't need them.

This can be useful for:

• Driving
• Travel
• Walking in and out of buildings
• Spectator sports
• Fishing
• General outdoor use

The tradeoff is that the flip mechanism is more noticeable than a conventional clip-on.

Clip-On & Fit-Over Sunglasses for High Prescriptions

This is one of the situations where both solutions can make a lot of sense.

If you have a high prescription, creating a second pair of prescription sunglasses may require specialized lenses and careful frame selection.

Your prescription may include:

• High plus or minus sphere
• High astigmatism
• Prism
• Significant differences between your eyes
• Bifocal correction
• Progressive lenses
• Other complex requirements

With either a clip-on or fit-over, your regular eyeglasses continue doing the prescription work.

The sunglass doesn't need to reproduce your prescription.

That can make clip-ons and fit-overs economical alternatives for customers with difficult prescriptions.

Clip-Ons & Fit-Overs for Progressive and Bifocal Glasses

Both can work very well with progressive and bifocal eyeglasses.

Your existing glasses continue to provide your:

• Distance correction
• Intermediate correction
• Reading correction
• Prism, when prescribed
• Astigmatism correction

The sunglass layer simply provides the sun lens.

This means you don't necessarily need to duplicate an expensive progressive prescription simply to have sunglasses.

Fit-Over Sunglasses for Driving

Fit-over sunglasses are particularly convenient for driving because you can keep your everyday prescription glasses on.

Put the fit-over sunglasses on when conditions are bright and remove them when you no longer need the sun protection.

Polarized fit-overs can help reduce reflected daytime glare from the roadway and surrounding surfaces.

However, polarization can affect the visibility of certain LCD or digital displays at some viewing angles.

And dark sunglass lenses should not be used for nighttime driving.

Fit-Over Sunglasses for Fishing

Polarized fit-over sunglasses can be a very practical solution for fishing.

Instead of purchasing an additional pair of polarized prescription fishing sunglasses, you can continue wearing your normal prescription glasses underneath.

Polarization can reduce reflected glare from the water, making it easier to see through surface glare under suitable conditions.

For casual fishing and boating, this can be an economical solution.

For more demanding activities where secure fit, wraparound coverage, or retention are important, dedicated prescription sports sunglasses may still be the better choice.

Fit-Over Sunglasses for Dry Eye & Wind

Some fit-over designs provide more surrounding coverage than ordinary eyeglasses.

That additional coverage can help reduce the amount of direct airflow reaching the eyes.

For people who are sensitive to wind or who experience dry-eye discomfort, that may improve comfort outdoors.

However, fit-over sunglasses are not a treatment or cure for dry eye, and the amount of wind protection varies considerably by design.

If wind protection is your primary concern, SportEyes also carries specialized foam-sealed and wind-blocking eyewear that may provide substantially more coverage.

Fit-Over Sunglasses vs. Wearing Regular Sunglasses Over Glasses

We don't recommend simply buying oversized conventional sunglasses and hoping they'll fit over your prescription glasses.

Regular sunglasses aren't necessarily designed with enough interior clearance.

That can cause:

• Pressure on your prescription frame
• Pressure behind the ears
• Prescription glasses being pushed out of position
• Sunglasses sitting incorrectly
• Uncomfortable contact between the two frames
• Poor coverage

Fit-over sunglasses are specifically designed with the additional space required to accommodate eyeglasses underneath.

Clip-On & Fit-Over Sunglasses for Kids

These solutions can also make sense for children who wear prescription glasses.

Kids' prescriptions and frames can change as they grow, and parents may not always want to purchase a separate pair of prescription sunglasses every time that happens.

SportEyes carries kids-size clip-on options, and select fit-over designs may work for smaller faces depending on dimensions.

Don't simply buy the smallest adult option.

Measure the child's actual eyeglasses and choose accordingly.

Can I Use Fit-Over Sunglasses for Sports?

That depends on the sport.

Fit-overs can be perfectly practical for lower-impact outdoor activities such as:

• Walking
• Casual hiking
• Fishing
• Spectating
• Travel
• Some recreational activities

But ordinary fit-over sunglasses should not be confused with protective sports goggles.

Putting a pair of sunglasses over regular prescription glasses doesn't automatically provide sports-impact protection.

For basketball, baseball, soccer, racquet sports, or another activity where impact protection is important, look for eyewear designed for that sport and meeting the applicable documented standard.

SportEyes can help you find a prescription sports solution if your everyday glasses aren't appropriate.

Clip-Ons, Fit-Overs or Prescription Sunglasses?

There are really three choices, and each has advantages.

Clip-On Sunglasses

Best when you want something compact, inexpensive, lightweight, and closely fitted to your current eyeglasses.

Fit-Over Sunglasses

Best when you want a complete sunglass that goes over your existing prescription glasses and provides more surrounding coverage.

Prescription Sunglasses

Best when you want the prescription and sun protection incorporated into one pair, particularly for sports, wraparound coverage, specialized lens colors, or a cleaner sunglass appearance.

A prescription sunglass is usually the most integrated solution, but it isn't necessarily the right solution for every customer.

If a $25 clip-on solves your problem, we're happy to tell you that.

Why Buy Clip-On & Fit-Over Sunglasses from SportEyes?

We've specialized in prescription and sports eyewear since 1996.

That means we understand the reasons customers look for clip-ons and over-the-glasses sunglasses in the first place.

Maybe you have an expensive progressive prescription.

Maybe you have prism.

Maybe your prescription changes frequently.

Maybe your prescription is +8.00 or -10.00 and you don't want to purchase another custom pair.

Maybe you simply want an inexpensive pair of polarized sun lenses for driving.

Or maybe you're trying to decide whether a fit-over, clip-on, or actual prescription sunglass would work better.

We'll help you choose the solution that makes sense rather than automatically steering you toward the most expensive option.

If you're unsure about fit, send us the measurements of your existing glasses and we'll help you narrow down your choices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clip-On & Fit-Over Sunglasses

What are sunglasses that go over prescription glasses called?

They're most commonly called fit-over sunglasses or over-the-glasses sunglasses. You may also see terms such as OTG sunglasses, over-glasses sunglasses, or sunglasses for wearing over eyeglasses.

What's the difference between clip-ons and fit-over sunglasses?

Clip-ons attach directly to your prescription eyeglass frame. Fit-over sunglasses are a complete second frame designed to fit over your prescription glasses.

Can I wear polarized sunglasses over prescription glasses?

Yes. Polarized fit-over sunglasses allow you to continue wearing your prescription glasses while adding a polarized sunglass lens over them.

Polarized clip-ons provide another option.

Do fit-over sunglasses need a prescription?

No. Your regular eyeglasses provide your prescription correction.

That's one of the main advantages of fit-overs.

Can I wear fit-over sunglasses over progressive lenses?

Yes. Your regular progressive glasses continue to provide the prescription correction while the fit-over provides the sunglass lens.

Are fit-over sunglasses good for high prescriptions?

They can be an excellent option because the sunglass doesn't need to reproduce your high prescription.

The main requirement is that your prescription frame physically fits inside the fit-over.

Can I wear fit-overs if my prescription contains prism?

Yes, in many cases. Your regular prescription glasses continue to provide the prescribed prism. The fit-over itself doesn't need to duplicate it.

Are fit-over sunglasses impact resistant?

Do not assume that they are.

A fit-over should only be represented as impact-protective eyewear when the specific complete product has documentation supporting that use. Jonathan Paul Fitovers, for example, should not be represented as protective impact eyewear.

Are clip-ons or fit-overs better?

It depends on your priorities.

Clip-ons are usually smaller and lighter. Fit-overs generally provide more surrounding coverage and don't attach directly to your prescription frame.

Can I use fit-over sunglasses for fishing?

Yes. Polarized fit-overs can be a convenient option for reducing reflected glare while continuing to wear your normal prescription glasses.

Can I use fit-over sunglasses for sports?

For casual, lower-impact activities, they may be practical. For sports involving impact risk or requiring protective eyewear, use eyewear designed for that sport and verify the applicable protection standard.

How do I know what size fit-over sunglasses I need?

Measure the overall width and height of your prescription eyeglass frame, then compare those measurements with the fit guidelines for the fit-over.

For clip-ons, measure the individual prescription lens width, height, and shape instead.

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