How To Wear Sunglasses With Spectacles?

Wearing sunglasses isn’t just about making a fashion statement; it’s a crucial aspect of eye health and comfort, especially for those who wear prescription glasses. Here, we break down the essentials of selecting and wearing sunglasses, blending style, functionality, and etiquette.

Selecting the right pair of sunglasses goes beyond aesthetics. It’s about finding a pair that offers adequate UV protection, fits well with your prescription glasses, and feels comfortable for extended wear. Look for sunglasses that block out 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. This is particularly important for those who have had eye surgeries like LASIK, as their eyes might be more sensitive to light.

To ensure maximum protection and comfort, sunglasses should sit snugly on your nose without pinching. They should not rest on your cheeks, as this can cause them to fog up. For spectacle wearers, consider options like clip-ons or prescription sunglasses that are specifically tailored to fit over your regular glasses without causing discomfort or distortion.

While functionality is key, style isn’t far behind. Sunglasses come in a plethora of shapes and sizes. Finding a style that complements your face shape and personal style can elevate your overall look. For those wearing spectacles, translucent or rimless clip-ons can offer a seamless look, while bolder, full-cover fit-overs can make a distinct fashion statement.

While it’s a common practice to push sunglasses up onto the head when not in use, it’s important to do so carefully, especially with clip-ons or fit-overs. Ensure that they’re securely fastened and won’t slip off. However, remember that frequently wearing sunglasses on the head can stretch them out over time, potentially affecting their fit over your prescription glasses.

For those who wear prescription glasses, finding sunglasses that fit comfortably and look stylish can be a bit more challenging. Here, we explore the key features to look for, how to wear specific styles like round sunglasses, and some brand recommendations that cater to spectacle wearers.

• UV Protection: Ensure that the sunglasses offer 100% UV protection to safeguard your eyes.
• Size and Fit: Look for larger frames that can comfortably fit over your spectacles. Wraparound styles or oversized options are ideal.
• Polarized Lenses: These reduce glare, which is especially beneficial for those with sensitive eyes or post-eye surgery.
• Clip-Ons or Magnetic Attachments: These allow you to transform your regular glasses into sunglasses with ease.
• Adjustable Nose Pads: These provide a better fit, ensuring that the sunglasses don’t slide off.
• Lightweight Design: This minimizes discomfort and pressure on your nose and ears.

Round sunglasses are a timeless choice but can be tricky for spectacle wearers. If you opt for clip-ons, ensure they align well with the shape of your prescription frames. For an integrated look, consider custom-made prescription round sunglasses. Remember, the key is to ensure that the sunglasses do not distort your vision or sit too awkwardly over your regular glasses.

Wearing sunglasses over prescription glasses doesn’t have to be a cumbersome experience. With the right type of over-glasses sunglasses and some know-how, you can achieve both comfort and style. This section covers different types of over-glasses sunglasses, tips for ensuring a comfortable fit, and the pros and cons of clip-ons versus fit-overs.

• Clip-On Sunglasses: These attach directly to your prescription glasses. They are lightweight and convenient but require a frame that supports clip-ons.
• Magnetic Clip-Ons: Similar to regular clip-ons use magnets for a more secure attachment.
• Fit-Over Sunglasses: Designed to be worn over your regular glasses, these are larger and provide more coverage.
• Flip-Up Sunglasses: These are attached to the top of your glasses and can be flipped up or down as needed.
• Prescription Sunglasses: Custom-made sunglasses with your prescription built into the lenses.

• Check the Size: Make sure the sunglasses are big enough to cover your prescription glasses without too much overlap.
• Look for Adjustable Features: Adjustable nose pads and temples can help you get a better fit.
• Lightweight Materials: Opt for materials that are light to avoid extra weight on your nose and ears.
• Test the Grip: Ensure that clip-on or magnetic attachments are secure and don’t slip off easily.

Clip-Ons

Pros: Lightweight, less bulky, and can be more stylish. Easy to attach and remove.

Cons: May not fit all frame types and can be less durable.

Fit-Overs

Pros: Offer more coverage and protection. Generally more durable and fit a wider range of prescription glasses.

Cons: Can be bulkier and heavier, leading to potential discomfort over long periods.

Undergoing LASIK or any other eye surgery significantly heightens the importance of protecting your eyes, especially from the sun’s harsh rays. This section discusses the critical role of sunglasses post-surgery, provides guidelines for how long to wear them, and offers tips for ensuring both comfort and protection.

Post-LASIK, your eyes are more susceptible to light and UV rays, which can cause discomfort and potentially affect the healing process. Wearing sunglasses helps in:

• Reducing Glare: Bright lights can be uncomfortable or even painful post-surgery.
• Blocking UV Rays: Protects against harmful UV exposure, which can impede the healing process.
• Preventing Dust and Debris: Sunglasses act as a barrier against environmental irritants.

• Immediately After Surgery: It’s crucial to start wearing sunglasses as soon as you step outside post-surgery, even on cloudy days.
• First Few Weeks: Consistent use of sunglasses is advised for at least the first week during all daylight hours outdoors.
• Long-Term Care: Even after the initial recovery period, investing in good-quality sunglasses and wearing them regularly when outdoors can protect your eyes and prolong the benefits of the surgery.

• Wraparound Styles: These provide the best coverage and protection from all angles.
• Polarised Lenses: They reduce glare, which is especially beneficial post-LASIK.
• Soft, Adjustable Frames: To avoid pressure on sensitive areas post-surgery.
• UV Protection: Ensure 100% UVA and UVB protection.
• Consult Your Doctor: Always follow your surgeon’s specific recommendations regarding eye protection.

Combining sunglasses with prescription glasses doesn’t mean sacrificing style. In fact, with the right approach, sunglasses can enhance your overall look. This section offers fashion tips for integrating sunglasses with your regular glasses, advice on choosing complementary styles, and some style inspirations to get you started.

• Coordinate Colours: Match the colour of your sunglasses with one of the dominant colours in your outfit or your prescription frames for a cohesive look.
• Balance Proportions: If your prescription glasses are bold or oversized, opt for more understated sunglasses, and vice versa.
• Consider the Occasion: Choose more formal or designer sunglasses for business or formal settings, and fun, colourful styles for casual outings.
• Experiment with Trends: Don’t shy away from trendy styles like mirrored lenses or unique shapes, as long as they complement your face shape and personal style.

• Face Shape: Identify your face shape and select sunglasses that balance your features. For instance, round frames for a square face, or angular frames for a round face.
• Frame Style: If your prescription glasses have a minimalistic design, you can opt for bolder sunglasses, and vice versa.
• Lens Tint: The tint of the sunglasses should not drastically alter the colour perception of your prescription lenses.
• Functionality and Comfort: Ensure the sunglasses sit comfortably over your glasses and don’t cause any distortion or obstruction.

Celebrity Inspiration: Look at celebrities who wear glasses and see how they style their sunglasses.

Fashion Bloggers: Many fashion bloggers who wear prescription glasses share their tips and tricks on how to stylishly pair them with sunglasses.

Optical Brands’ Social Media: Brands often feature real customers or models wearing glasses and sunglasses, providing practical style examples.

While we’ve covered how to choose and wear sunglasses over prescription glasses, there are additional factors to consider. Understanding the impact of UV protection and lens quality, knowing how to care for your eyewear, and addressing common challenges can enhance your experience and extend the life of both your spectacles and sunglasses.

• UV Protection: Always opt for sunglasses that offer 100% UVA and UVB protection. This is crucial for preventing eye conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration.
• Lens Quality: High-quality lenses not only provide better vision clarity but also reduce the risk of headaches and eye strain. Look for lenses that are scratch-resistant and have anti-reflective coatings.

• Cleaning: Use a microfiber cloth and a lens-cleaning solution to clean your glasses and sunglasses. Avoid using harsh chemicals or rough materials.
• Storage: Store them in a hard case when not in use to prevent scratches and damage.
• Regular Check-ups: Have your glasses and sunglasses checked regularly for any alignment issues or wear and tear.
• Avoid Heat: Don’t leave your eyewear in direct sunlight or a hot car, as this can warp the frames.

• Slipping Glasses: If your glasses tend to slip down your nose, consider using anti-slip grips or getting them professionally adjusted.
• Fogging Up: For those who struggle with their glasses fogging up under sunglasses, anti-fog wipes or sprays can be helpful.
• Weight Issues: If wearing two pairs of glasses is uncomfortable, explore lightweight materials or consider investing in prescription sunglasses.
• Style Concerns: If you’re worried about style, consult with an eyewear specialist who can help you find a pair that complements your look and meets your needs.

We encourage you to experiment and explore the various options available. Your style is a journey, and finding the perfect pair of sunglasses to go with your prescription glasses can be an exciting part of that journey. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution – what works best for you will depend on your individual needs, preferences, and lifestyle.

Above all, the importance of protecting your eyes cannot be overstated. Sunglasses are not just a fashion accessory; they are a crucial tool in safeguarding your vision against harmful UV rays and external elements. So, while you strive to find the perfect balance between style and comfort, never compromise on the quality of eye protection.